3. What is the purpose of DEF in my equipment?
SCR systems are standard on all Final Tier4 engines. This technique not only works with DEF to reduce NOx, but it also allows engines to run at full efficiency, resulting in higher fuel economy and cheaper expenses.
4. What is DEF and how can I use it?
DEF should never be used in a diesel fuel tank, despite its name implying otherwise. It should only be used in the designated DEF tank, which has a smaller hole than a fuel tank and a blue top to make it easier to spot.
5. Can I expect my equipment to use a lot of DEF?
The amount of DEF used by each engine varies. Engines from John Deere are engineered to use less DEF than engines from other manufacturers; normal DEF use is 1-3 percent of total fuel consumption. A John Deere tractor would require around 2 litres of DEF for every 100 gallons of diesel fuel consumed.
Some engines are intended to burn more DEF, up to 10% to 12% more than gasoline. Those who operate equipment with various engines should conduct research and keep track of DEF use in order to precisely estimate predicted demand.
DEF usage is influenced by other factors, one of which is the type of equipment used. More gasoline and DEF are usually required for more demanding applications.
Temperature and humidity have a minor impact on DEF consumption. Cold, humid temperatures use less; hot, dry ones need more.
6. How Frequently Should I Refill DEF?
Because DEF isn’t consumed at the same pace as gasoline, one could believe it doesn’t need to be renewed as frequently. However, because most DEF tanks are significantly smaller than gasoline tanks, they must be checked and refilled on a regular basis. The majority of tanks are designed to be refilled with every fuel or other fuel refill.
7. What is the best way to store DEF?
DEF must be stored in proper containers made of resistant composite material because it is corrosive to aluminum. Stainless-steel, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene storage containers are suitable, and DEF may normally be stored for up to a year without problems.
When storing DEF, keep in mind the weather. DEF turns mushy at 12 degrees Fahrenheit and freezes solid since it’s 2/3 water. The good news is that freezing doesn’t hurt DEF; it can be thawed and utilized without causing any problems. If you add chemicals or additives to DEF to keep it from freezing, you risk contaminating and ruining the fluid. Direct sunshine, on the other hand, is hazardous to DEF, so it’s best to store it indoors or in a covered environment.
8. How Can I Tell If My DEF Is Contaminated Or Old?
Looking at faulty DEF is the simplest approach to spot it. Because the fluid is naturally clear, it is tainted or old if it appears hazy or tinted.
If bad DEF must be disposed of, do so in an ethical manner. DEF should not be poured down the drain or dumped outside. Check with your local government, municipal government, and environmental agency to see whether there are any DEF disposal rules in place.
9. How much does DEF set you back?
DEF is around the same price per gallon as diesel fuel, but keep in mind that it isn’t utilized at the same pace as fuel, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
10. Can you tell me where I can get DEF?
DEF can be found at a variety of locations, including gas stations and retail establishments. DEF, on the other hand, is not created equal. It’s essential to get DEF from a reputed dealer if you want high-quality DEF that’s built for heavy machinery. Also, be sure DEF is American Petroleum Institute (API) and AdBlue certified, regardless of where it’s obtained.
DEF in various volumes, as well as containers, dispensing systems, and pumps, are available from RDO Equipment Co. For increased convenience, bulk programs and delivery are available.
Can I pour DEF down the drain?
When sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel automobiles, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution that breaks down toxic NOx emissions into nitrogen and water. It is not a fuel additive and does not come into contact with diesel fuel because it is stored in a separate tank. Contractors must understand how to use and store DEF effectively as the use of DEF in Tier 4 Final machines grows.
But what happens if this critical solution “fails?” When faulty DEF is used in a piece of equipment, a variety of problems can arise, including:
Fortunately, knowing the qualities of DEF can assist in keeping it in good working order for equipment. There are seven main areas to consider:
Because DEF has no preservatives, it has a limited shelf life. Thankfully, it lasts a long time it can normally be kept for up to a year.
DEF must be kept in ISO-certified containers comprised of long-lasting composite materials. Because DEF is corrosive to aluminum, stainless steel, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene containers are preferred. Because of the risk of fluid contamination, it is not suggested to reuse DEF containers.
DEF and all other fluid storage containers should also be clearly labeled. This can help prevent people from mistaking DEF for conventional fuel or another fluid that could cause catastrophic harm if put in the wrong machine tank.
DEF is unaffected by freezing temperatures. It will start to get slushy at 12 degrees Fahrenheit and eventually freeze solid, although it can be thawed and used without issue. However, because it expands when frozen, it’s recommended not to fill containers to the brim.
While DEF is unaffected by the cold, extended exposure to heat and sunlight might cause the solution to deteriorate. It’s best to keep DEF at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, even if it is stored in a cold environment with proper containers, direct sunlight is still harmful to DEF, therefore it should be kept indoors or in the shade.
When dispensing DEF, keeping container nozzles and equipment fill points clean can assist prevent contamination. Only the nozzle of the storage container should be used to discharge it straight into machines. It should not be dispensed through a funnel or moved to another container, even if it is clean, because dirt or other contaminants could contaminate it.
It’s also worth noting that DEF should never be used in a diesel fuel tank of a machine. DEF has its own tank with a smaller aperture and a blue cap that makes it simple to spot.
Despite the fact that DEF is not hazardous, flammable, or explosive, it should be handled with caution to avoid spillage, eye contact, or inadvertent intake.
Cover any spilled liquids on the floor with an absorbent, non-combustible material such as sand. Collect the waste and dispose of it in an appropriate container. If it spills in a sink, on a vehicle or clothing, or gets into your eyes, rinse it out with water right away.
DEF should be stored and used properly by all members of the company’s staff. It is suggested that one person be in charge of DEF care, so that others can learn about best practices.
Do not use DEF if it has gotten polluted or deteriorated. Looking for a hazy or tinted appearance is the easiest method to tell if DEF is polluted or deteriorated. Because DEF is normally clean, any discoloration or cloudiness indicates that it has become contaminated. Contaminants that are visible include small particles, bigger boulders, and dirt.
Bad DEF should be dealt of as soon as possible and in an ethical manner. Pouring it down the drain or dumping it outside is not a good idea. To understand how to properly dispose of DEF, contact your local government and environmental agency.
It’s critical to know how to store and care for DEF appropriately. You can save money on squandered DEF and equipment damage by training your crew on how to save and use DEF.
Is DEF fluid harmful to the environment?
Details, Preventative Actions Recommendations: DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is a substance that is becoming increasingly popular in the forest business. Its purpose is to assist minimize the amount of nitrogen oxides generated by diesel engines. These emissions are dangerous to both human health and the environment.
Can you dump DEF?
If you operate diesel equipment in North America, Europe, or many other parts of the world, you are almost certainly compelled by local rules to use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce dangerous emissions. DEF is also known as “AdBlue” in some locations, but whatever name it goes by, it is a vital ingredient that permits diesel engines to run more environmentally friendly.
Many people still have misconceptions about DEF since the regulations requiring its usage are so new.
This essay will hopefully allay such fears by clarifying what DEF is, how it works, and other pertinent details about its storage and handling.
DEF is a non-toxic chemical that is largely composed of 67.5 percent de-ionized water and 32.5 percent urea.
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a naturally occurring chemical that is most commonly found in the urine of mammals.
It’s essentially non-toxic and pH-neutral.
The capacity of urea to attach to particular molecules, most notably nitrogen, is well-known.
It’s a great choice for trapping nitrogen compounds in diesel exhaust because of this.
Diesel engines faced a variety of challenges that prevented them from burning cleanly, and attempts to increase diesel cleanliness frequently resulted in the creation of new ones.
Old-style diesel engines, for example, were notoriously inefficient, spewing soot and unburned fuel into the environment.
Changing the engines to a lean burn fuel-to-air ratio would allow them to burn their fuel completely, but it would also result in the discharge of nitrogen oxides, which were just as damaging to the environment if not more so. This is when urea began to play a role. It may conceivably bond to the exhaust and block nitrogen escape due to its affinity for nitrogen.
As a result, Diesel Emission Fluid was created, which transports urea using de-ionized water.
DEF is injected into the hot exhaust gas stream, causing the water to boil and the urea to be released.
Following that, a complex series of chemical changes takes place.
The superheated urea breaks down into isocyanic acid and ammonia, which then hydrolyzes into carbon dioxide and additional ammonia.
The ammonia subsequently removes the oxygen from the NOx, which then reacts with the CO2 to form water.
DEF is generally simple to work with because it is non-toxic.
It is, however, susceptible to contamination, and any contamination will cause it to fail – potentially damaging your engine.
Before the urea degrades and becomes unusable, DEF has a shelf life.
Heat has a big impact on this!
The hotter the storage location, the faster it will degrade.
Avoid exposing it to temperatures above 70°F, and storing it at 860°F will help it to last even longer potentially up to 2-3 years.
Cold, on the other hand, has no effect on DEF.
It will freeze at 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 degrees Celsius) and can be safely thawed as long as the temperature remains below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
DEF might potentially freeze inside a vehicle that is not in use in cold weather.
This shouldn’t be a problem because DEF containment systems include heaters that will thaw it out once the engine gets started.
However, due to the high water content in DEF, it expands by around 7% when frozen.
Consider this while choosing a container if you’ll be storing it in frigid temperatures.
Titanium, stainless steel, rubber, or plastic are the only materials that should be utilized to hold DEF.
Fortunately, these are not difficult to come by. DEF, on the other hand, should never be stored in copper, brass, or nickle containers because of the corrosive nature of the substance and the resulting chemical contamination.
DEF should only be stored in new vessels that have not previously housed any other materials or chemicals due to how readily it can be contaminated.
Any chemical residue in the DEF will most certainly contaminate it.
Anything that has stored petroleum products, in particular, will immediately damage the batch.
While batch testing is required to ensure that DEF has not been contaminated, a change in color is one evident symptom.
It will stay the same hue for the rest of its life if properly stored and uncontaminated – even if frozen and thawed.
If you realize DEF in storage has turned a strange hue, it’s tainted and needs to be thrown away.
While being transported or stored, small amounts of DEF may creep or seep out of its container.
When DEF is exposed to the air, it transforms into white crystals.
This isn’t a problem in and of itself, however it can be unattractive.
The crystals, like DEF, are non-toxic and easy to clean off the vessel’s exterior.
Just make sure you don’t contaminate the contents.
There is currently no recognized filtration process that can recover tainted DEF.
It’ll have to be discarded.
Similarly, any container that has previously housed contaminated DEF should be considered polluted and discarded.
DEF is never directly added to gasoline.
It’s stored in a separate tank within the engine compartment and added to the combustion process as it happens.
If you combine DEF with gasoline, you’ll destroy both and possibly injure the engine if you run it.
Spills of DEF are not a reason for concern because it is relatively clean and non-toxic.
Simply cover the liquid with an absorbent material, such as sand, to soak up the liquid for minor spills.
The sand can then be scooped up and shoveled into a container for disposal through your regular waste collection service.
DEF should not be poured down drains or into public water supplies, but little amounts will cause no harm it’s simply water combined with a urine byproduct, after all.
The major risk of pouring DEF down the drain is that it will corrode copper pipes along the way.
If you flush DEF down the drain, make sure you follow it up with plenty of water.
If you have a big quantity of DEF or if the DEF has been contaminated, you should seek assistance from your local environmental regulatory board.
Is DEF fluid biodegradable?
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is an additive that decreases the dangerous nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines. It’s a urea solution consisting of 32.5 percent high-purity urea and 67.5 percent deionized water. DEF is non-flammable, odorless, clear, biodegradable, and safe to handle. All new diesel vehicles must utilize it, according to the government.
Does diesel exhaust fluid go bad?
-Components such as the DEFdosing pump and the diesel particulate filter could be damaged.
The manufacturer’s warranty may be voided in the event of equipment failure or component damage caused by poor DEF, converting these problems into costly repairs. What causes DEF to deteriorate, and how can it be avoided? Here are seven crucial aspects to consider.
1. Longevity
DEF has a shelf life because it does not include any preservatives. The good news is that DEF has a rather long shelf life; in most cases, it may be stored for up to a year without any problems.
2. Use the Right Containers
DEF’s shelf life is extended when it is stored properly. It must be kept in ISO-certified containers composed of long-lasting composite materials. Because DEF corrodes metal, storage containers made of stainless steel, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene are suitable. It is not suggested to reuse DEF containers, even certified ones, to reduce the risk of fluid contamination.
While it may seem inconsequential, clearly label DEF and all other fluid storage containers. It’s all too common for DEF to be mistaken for conventional fuel or another fluid, and to be dumped into the wrong tank in a machine.
What do you do with old DEF fluid?
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is a critical component in keeping heavy-duty trucks and machines within federal pollution regulations. DEF is a chemical mixture of deionized water and urea that converts dangerous nitrogen oxide emissions to safe water and gas. DEFbecame a critical need for organizations operating medium and heavy-duty Dieselvehicles starting in 2010. Changes in EPA emission limits necessitated reductions in diesel-burning engines to achieve the lowest levels of pollution in history.
But what happens if DEF becomes faulty?
Here’s how to know when DEF is acting up and how to avoid it.
Looking at it is the simplest technique to detect low DEF.
DEF is clear by nature, so if the solution seems hazy or tinted in any manner, it’s either old or contaminated.
Second, you must be aware of the implications of poor DEF. It can lead to a slew of problems with your equipment:
So, what’s the best way to keep your DEF from going bad?
Here are five tips for keeping your DEF clear and effective.
- DEF has a shelf life, like many petroleum products. DEF can be stored for up to a year without being contaminated.
- DEF’s shelf life can be extended with proper storage.
- DEF must be stored in ISO-approved composite-material containers.
- Keep in mind that DEF is corrosive to aluminum.
- Stainless steel and polypropylene containers are good choices. Make sure all DEF containers are labeled and dated accurately.
- Freezing temperatures have little effect on DEF.
- It can freeze without harming the product because it is 2/3 water.
- Keep in mind that when frozen, it will expand, so don’t overfill containers.
- DEF should be stored at a temperature of roughly 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep DEF stored indoors or in a well-shaded area because extended exposure to the sun might impair its composition.
- Keep the equipment fill points and nozzle on DEF containers clean.
- DEF should only be poured into the machine immediately.
- Use of a funnel or transferring DEF to another container is not recommended because they can be unclean and contaminate the fluid.
- It’s an excellent idea to appoint a DEF care and handling expert, such as a fleet manager, who can remind technicians, operators, and other handlers of optimal practices.
If your DEF is low, don’t utilize it. Dispose of it as soon as possible in an environmentally safe manner. Pouring bad DEF down the drain or dumping it on the side of the road is not a good idea. Check with your local government or DEF provider for suitable DEF disposal guidelines in your area.
Can I pee in DEF tank?
A local dealer paid Consumer Reports $317 to add 7.5 gallons of AdBlue in its Mercedes-Benz GL320 test car, with the fluid costing $32/gallon. Most dealers buy AdBlue in bulk (albeit 7.5 gallons in half-gallon bottles would only cost $116.25).
What if the motorist is in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the nearest dealer? Is it possible for him or her to supply some temporary urea in order to get the car to a dealer? The question arises due to the presence of 2 to 4% urea in human urine.
Unfortunately, the answer is “no.” Your pee is not the correct substance for a modern clean diesel automobile to recognize.
What neutralizes DEF fluid?
That’s why, starting in 2010, all diesel trucks were required to have systems dedicated to putting DEF to use. Diesel Exhaust Fluid, which is made up of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent de-ionized water, is sprayed into a vehicle’s exhaust system to aid in the breakdown of NOx emissions, converting them to harmless nitrogen and water. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Urea is a type of urea. You’re on the right brainwave if that sounds oddly like ‘urine.’ When a body metabolizes protein, it produces urea, an organic molecule. (We do, in fact, excrete it as pee.) However, despite DEF’s moniker, “Diesel Exhaust Fluid is really constructed of commercial-grade ureasynthetic ammonia and carbonand is referred to as “pig urine.”
To put it another way, the urea and water in DEF heat up and produce ammonia. The NOx emissions are subsequently neutralized as the ammonia breaks down. The tail pipe emits fewer harmful substances, allowing everyone to breathe a little better.
Can I put ammonia in my DEF tank?
There’s a lot of misconceptions out there concerning Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Many diesel engines require DEF as an additive. Its creation and implementation represented a big step forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. DEF, when used in engines using Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) technology, reduces NOx and particulate matter emissions by 90%, resulting in a near-zero emission level.
DEF is a non-hazardous, watery solution made up of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent de-ionized water, if that wasn’t remarkable enough. “Urea?” you inquire. “Isn’t that simply pee?” you might wonder. Not at all. That’s just another one of those annoying DEF myths that still exists today. We at NEXGEN DEF wish to help clear up some misconceptions about DEF. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent DEF myths so you can empower yourself with the facts.
DEF is toxic: FALSE
DEF is a non-flammable, non-toxic, and non-hazardous fluid. It does not require special handling and does not pollute the environment. It has a pH of 9.0, which is similar to that of regular baking soda. For the sake of comparison, water has a pH of 7.0. DEF is manufactured from urea, a nitrogen-rich chemical that is commonly used in fertilizers. It’s easily absorbed by plants, allowing them to grow rapidly. Urea is used in agriculture to the tune of 90% of the world’s supply. The type utilized in automotive grade items is even less harmful than agriculture grade.
DEF is less harmful than diesel fuel, engine oil, braking fluid, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid, among other fluids in your truck.
DEF is pumped into the exhaust stream of your car, where it reacts with the NOx in the SCR catalyst. As a result, NOx and DEF combine to generate nitrogen and water, both of which are naturally occurring constituents in the air we breathe. This is better to NOx, which causes acid rain, smog, and the growth in greenhouse gas levels, from an environmental (and safe working) standpoint.
DEF is urine: FALSE
Has anyone ever told you that urea is animal urine? Or is it the same as human urine? Not at all. Synthetic urea has been made from synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide in a heated, sealed method since the 1930s.
The automotive-grade urea used in DEF fulfills the American Petroleum Institute’s stringent production and emissions criteria.
DEF makes use of a considerably purer, particulate-free urea than is required for agricultural applications. DEF is 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent de-ionized water. In comparison, human pee contains extremely little urea.
DEF is hard to use: FALSE
DEF is a liquid that can be purchased from bigger, commercial filling stations or from automotive components and lubricant providers off the shelf. It’s as simple as topping off your windshield wiper fluid to refill the DEF tank.
You don’t have to replenish your DEF supply every time you fill up your tank. Depending on how much you’re transporting, you’ll consume around 2.5 gallons of DEF every 800 miles or so, which equates to about five to ten refills per year.
DEF is unstable: FALSE
At any temperature, urea does not become poisonous. Freezing and thawing have no effect on DEF’s chemical composition. DEF will meet ISO standards of less than 0.2% ammonia for at least 35 days, even at high temperatures (which are prevented by the cooling and temperature stabilizing architecture of DEF engines). It would take nearly two years to obtain the ammonia levels found in household ammonia at that temperature. DEF is, in a nutshell, quite stable.
A CSR/DEF vehicle gets poor gas mileage: FALSE
Fact: Vehicles equipped with DEF receive comparable fuel mileage to vehicles equipped with other emissions-reducing technology.
You may as well choose the CSR/DEF vehicle because emissions are regulated and you must satisfy specific requirements. You’ll notice improved fuel economy and more power. Lower maintenance costs arise from less wear and tear on your engine.
Commercial carriers who use DEF vehicles benefit from improved combustion and less concerns with regeneration.
Want to learn more about DEF and how it may help your engine and the environment? Check out our article on the progression of the diesel engine to clean-burning DEF.
Your DEF expert
NEXGEN is the leading DEF supplier in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve even expanded to include a new production plant in SeaTac that can produce a million gallons of DEF every month. We now provide NEXGEN DEF to Seattle and western Canada through our SeaTac facility.
Our most recent step was to bring our product to the pump by installing NEXGEN DEF dispensers in a rising number of Cardlocks around Oregon, making it easier than ever to get the most up-to-date diesel system technology.
What happens if you get diesel in DEF tank?
To meet EPA pollution rules, most new diesel trucks are fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that utilise diesel exhaust fuel (DEF).
What is a SCR system?
A catalyst reacts with engine exhaust to break down ecologically hazardous exhaust components in the SCR system. Injector nozzles, in a nutshell, spray controlled dosages of DEF into the exhaust. The DEF vaporizes and decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which mix with the nitrogen oxide in the exhaust to produce the harmless nitrogen and water byproducts.
First of All
DEF fluid is only for vehicles with the SCR system, therefore don’t try to use it on an earlier truck. Although this may seem self-evident, uninformed owners and even well-intentioned service station attendants and technicians at non-diesel shops have mistakenly assumed that because DEF is so wonderful for new diesel trucks, it must also be good for older diesel trucks.
Despite the fact that measures have been put in place to keep diesel fuel separate from DEF, it still happens: DEF is placed into the diesel tank by accident, or diesel is poured into the DEF tank by accident. When this happens, it’s more than a little annoyance: it can result in major damage and pricey repairs.
A fill port, a tank, and lines from the tank to the SCR and injection nozzles make up the DEF system. The dispensers should be properly labeled, and the DEF tank’s fill port, which has a blue cap, is designed to be smaller than the diesel tank’s fill port, preventing the diesel nozzle from being inserted into the DEF tank’s fill port.
Non-DEF chemicals are detected by SCR systems, which include built-in warnings. If non-DEF enters the SCR catalyst, the driver will receive a warning and a code indicating approaching SCR interruption.
What Happens If I Put Diesel into a DEF Tank?
Because diesel is lighter than DEF, it will float on top of it. If it gets inside the SCR catalyst, it can cause substantial damage, necessitating service or, worse, a (expensive) catalyst replacement. Before replenishing the DEF tank, it should be drained and thoroughly cleaned with deionized water. A single teaspoon of a foreign contaminant can contaminate a full tanker load of DEF.
What Happens If I Put DEF into a Diesel Tank?
You remove the fuel cap and open the fuel filler door, and your brain goes into automatic mode.
Putting DEF in the diesel tank is a simple error that could result in a truck being towed to the junkyard.
Because DEF is made up of urea and water, the entire tank of fuel becomes contaminated right away. Long-term implications will ensue if the engine is started and the diesel and DEF combination is introduced into the engine.
The DEF fluid crystallizes once the engine is started, causing irreversible damage… and the repair might cost as much as $12,000.
DEF corrodes and damages a variety of metals, including carbon steel, brass, aluminum, copper magnesium-nickel, and zinc.
