BlueDEF SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems in diesel automobiles employ Diesel Exhaust Fluid, which is a blend of high purity synthetic urea and deionized water. DEF is a chemical that aids in the conversion of NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a fundamental component of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) process, which is employed by diesel engine manufacturers to comply with EPA 2010 rules. BlueDEF is a harmless solution made out of 67.5 percent purified water and 32.5 percent automotive-grade urea. BlueDEF isn’t a gasoline or a gasoline additive. Instead, when BlueDEF is injected into the exhaust stream and passed via a catalyst, it aids in the conversion of NOx to nitrogen gas and water vapor, both of which are safe and natural components of the air we breathe.
- BlueDEF’s Purity Guarantee ensures that the DEF you’re buying has been rigorously tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
- It complies with the ISO-22241-1 DEF specification and is a diesel exhaust fluid recognized by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
What is the purpose of diesel exhaust fluid?
If you’re new to owning a diesel vehicle or heavy equipment, you should be aware of a key addition. Diesel Exhaust Fluid is what it’s called (DEF). Aqueous urea solution 32 percent, or AUS 32, is another name for this ingredient. 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent de-ionized water are used to make it. Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about the DEF in your DEF system.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that diesel engines cut their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in 2010. Diesel Exhaust Fluid, an additive, is used to achieve this reduction (DEF).
This fluid helps to reduce NOx emissions and pollution in the air. As a result, it aids heavy machinery and trucks in adhering to federal pollution standards. Heavy-duty diesel trucks and equipment have featured a diesel tank and a separate diesel exhaust fluid tank since 2010.
What’s the difference between Defensive Element and Blue Defensive Element?
AdBlue and Blue DEF are really the same thing; they’re just different DEF brands. AdBlue and Blue DEF are just trademarked names used by two separate corporations to advertise diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, and they are very identical. DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is a specific fluid that is poured into a particular container and then pumped into the exhaust stream to reduce the amount of pollutants produced by diesel engines. It’s an aqueous urea solution that reduces nitrous oxide emissions from diesel engines.
Is DEF fluid required?
As if finding a clean spot to pump gas wasn’t difficult enough, diesel owners also had to worry about keeping their diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks filled off. What happens if the treatment tank is completely depleted? We did the research and testing so you don’t have to.
Diesel veterans have long known how to deal with this issue. The following primer is intended for newcomers to diesel engines as well as gasoline-engine fans interested in learning more about life on the other side. DEF, commonly known as AdBlue or Blue DEF, is an elixir required to ensure that the exhaust from a diesel vehicle is as pleasant as an Alpine breeze. Those who refuse to listen to DEF risk severe consequences.
DEF is a fluid made up of urea and deionized water in a 1:2 solution that can be purchased at most service stations for $6 to $10 a gallon. To manage some pollutants, it’s stored in a reservoir separate from the gasoline tank and metered into the engine’s exhaust stream. The DEF vaporizes and decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide inside the exhaust pipe. Inside the vehicle’s selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, these two chemicals react with oxygen and harmful nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide are produced as a result of this process.
Make certain that any DEF you buy is labeled to meet ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 22241 requirements. While DEF does not deteriorate with age, it can freeze, so keep your supply somewhere warm. Because the contents stay in solution, no shaking or mixing is required prior to use.
When you run out of diesel exhaust fluid, what happens?
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), like any other engine fluid, is required to keep your car functioning. It’s a solution of water and urea pumped into your exhaust before it exits the tailpipe, triggering a chemical reaction that turns hazardous particles into clean air.
When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increased its pollution requirements for diesel machines in 2010, DEF was introduced. It is a component of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, which reduces the amount of pollutants released by vehicles dramatically. Any new diesel engine with more than 74 horsepower must now include an SCR system and use DEF.
You could face days, weeks, or even months of downtime if you let the DEF tank run dry, as well as thousands of dollars in potential repairs. We studied the calculations in T3, the construction operating system, and discovered that one out of every ten machines can run out of DEF every day.
You should never run out of DEF in reality. When your vehicle’s tank is low, you’ll see a warning light on the dashboard, and if you use T3’s real-time maintenance notifications, you’ll get a text message or email telling you which vehicle in your fleet needs DEF and where it is.
However, as the data demonstrates, mistakes do occur frequently, and these errors can occasionally result in significant issues.
Q1: Where can I find DEF?
A: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is widely available at most filling stations and automotive parts retail stores because practically all diesel-powered passenger cars and trucks made since 2010 are fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and require it. A DEF pump is frequently located on the fuel island at truck stops. DEF is also available at key OEM outlets, such as Cummins dealers and distributors. Your fuel provider may be able and willing to deliver DEF directly to you if you have a large enough fleet and storage capacity to justify bulk purchasing.
Cummins Filtration has teamed up with Old World Industries to become the official North American manufacturer, packager, and distributor of Fleetguard Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
Q2: What’s the shelf life of DEF?
A: The shelf life of DEF is determined by the temperature of the storage facility. DEF should be stored between 12F and 86F, however if kept below 65F, the shelf life is increased to two years. To extend the shelf life of DEF, keep it in a climate-controlled location away from direct sunlight.
Q3: What happens if DEF freezes?
A: While DEF does freeze at 12 degrees F, it has no effect on the vehicle’s start-up or operation. The SCR system heats the DEF tank and pipes when the engine starts up, allowing the DEF to thaw quickly and flow to the aftertreatment system regardless of the outside temperature.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid contains 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent deionized water in its formulation. DEF will freeze at 12F (-11C) in storage or when the engine is not in use. The urea and the water both freeze and thaw at the same rate at this concentration, guaranteeing that you always have the right amount of both. SCR engines are specifically tuned for optimal performance at this ratio, which is why it’s critical to use a high-quality DEF that complies with ISO standards.
There is one operational difference to be aware of: DEF expands when frozen, just like any other water-based fluid (by approximately 7 percent). When the vehicle is turned off in cold weather, the operator should wait 60 seconds before shutting off the batteries to allow the fluid to flow back out of the hoses and into the DEF tank.
Anti-gelling additives and freeze point improvers should never be introduced to DEF since they will obstruct its capacity to function properly and may cause harm to SCR system components.
Q4: How much DEF will my equipment use?
A: DEF consumption varies based on the environment, the equipment’s operation, and the duty cycle. DEF use accounts for 3-5 percent of total fuel consumption on average.
Because most DEF fill-ups occur at the same time as diesel fuel, it’s a good idea to look at utilization from that standpoint. It’s best to simply top off your DEF tank every time you refuel. Adjust your DEF refills accordingly and consider having a spare bottle of DEF on hand if you’re driving a car that sees very little actual activity or is stored in high ambient temps when shelf life is a problem.
Q5: What happens if my equipment runs out of DEF?
A: Like a fuel gauge, all EPA 2010 engines with SCR are equipped with a gauge that displays the DEF fluid level. Furthermore, they are fitted with a set of flashing lights that warn the operator when the DEF tank is running low on fluid. Vehicle speed will be limited if the DEF reservoir is not replenished and becomes low, however if DEF is injected, the engine will resume regular speed levels. A wise precaution would be to have a top-off gallon jug of DEF on each piece of equipment equipped with an EPA 2010 engine and aftertreatment system.
Engines built before to July 8, 2011 may function differently than those mentioned here. For more information, contact your local Cummins agent and request Cummins Bulletin 4971316, “Driver Tips For Fire And Emergency Vehicles.”
Is it possible to pee in your DEF tank?
Please do not urinate in your DEF tank; it will destroy the SCR system, which will cost thousands of dollars to fix. We specialize in offering the highest quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid at Transliquid Technologies.
When it comes to BlueDEF and BlueDEF Platinum, what’s the difference?
There is no difference in terms of what the fluid is utilized for, which is the actual DEF. The difference is in the special compounds used in Platinum, which, according to the company, prevent DEF from crystallizing in the exhaust over time.
Advanced Shield System
The Bluedef Platinum is a more advanced version of the DEF. As an additive, its superior shield system avoids the build-up that leads to a congested system. This improves the power and efficiency of your engine.
The shielding mechanism goes beyond the standard DEF conversion formula. It has a sophisticated system that keeps hazardous substances from accumulating. In most cases, this will save you money on repairs or unforeseen damages.
Price
On a level playing field, the price difference between Blue def platinum and standard Blue def boils down to the individual product’s maker. To purchase any of them, you may need to put down a few dollars. Regular DEF is more expensive than Blue Def platinum when using the products we chose for this review.
DEF Range
The DEF range regulates how far a DEF refill will get your car. If the diesel engine’s DEF range is reached, it will shut down. You don’t necessarily have to wait until you’ve reached the maximum range before filling up.
The DEF range is reset after each refill. This diagram depicts the new mileage that can be achieved. Following a thorough examination, we discovered that BlueDef provides better mileage. You can get 10,000 miles with standard DEF.
However, with Blue Def platinum, you can expect to go between 11,000 and 12,000 miles. The extra mile and improved DEF range that Blue Def Platinum provides is a big advancement.
Crystallization
Crystallization has been reported with regular DEF. With blue def platinum, there are no crystallizations. Regular def crystallization can be extremely detrimental to your system.
You don’t want your exhaust system to become clogged. BlueDef does not crystallize and, more critically, does not allow deposits to form. This has a significant impact on your system’s efficiency.
BlueDef platinum has special chemicals that prevent crystallization in your exhaust after prolonged use.
Maintains exhaust system
The requirement for Blue DEF platinum arose from the need to keep the exhaust system clean and clear of blockages and deposits. In comparison to standard DEF, blue DEF platinum has a stronger grip on this. Because it’s nearly hard to remove these deposits unless you’re willing to dissect the SCR, BlueDef platinum is the best way to keep the exhaust system in good shape.
Which DEF fluid is the best to use?
When you have a diesel car, you must to inject diesel exhaust fluid in addition to the fuel. Diesel-powered vehicles require diesel exhaust fluid to minimize pollutants, making them safer to drive and less destructive to the environment.
The best diesel exhaust fluid complies with EPA regulations and is free of contaminants. Premium Blue Diesel Exhaust Fluid from Valvoline is a great option because it works with all selective catalytic reduction systems and meets the EPA’s near-zero nitrogen oxide emissions criteria.
