What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. This system is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and can be found on 2010 and later model year trucks and many diesel pickups and SUVs. DEF is not a fuel additive and never comes into contact with diesel. It is stored in a separate tank, typically with a blue filler cap.
What is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)?
SCR technology uses a catalyst system to break down dangerous NOx emissions produced by diesel engines into nitrogen and water. The chemical reactions used in SCR systems require a constant feed of ammonia gas. In automotive applications SCR delivers ammonia using a urea solution called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream by an advanced injection system and then converted into ammonia on a catalyst. The ammonia breaks down dangerous NOx emissions produced by diesel engines into nitrogen and water.
Where can I buy Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?
Dalian Flourishing provides the retail selling on Diesel Exhaust Fluid,we provide all kinds of Diesel Exhaust Fluid for different uses in different area.
How much Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) will my truck consume?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) consumption is measured as a ratio of diesel fuel use, normally termed the "dosing rate" or "treat rate". Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles have a dosing rate of 2-3%. This means that if your truck has a fuel efficiency of six miles per gallon and a dosing rate of 3% it will use approximately 1 gallon of DEF every 200 miles.
Feedback from a number of fleets suggests that the dosing rate is slightly lower than originally predicted by manufacturers, at around 2.0-2.5%.
How much can I expect to pay for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?
The price of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) will depend on your location, supply method and the volume of fluid that you purchase. Packaged supply, which comes in 1, 2.5 and 4 gallon jugs, is the most expensive method on a per-gallon basis, followed by 55 gallon drums and 275 or 330 gallon totes. Bulk volumes, which are delivered directly to fleet terminals, are the cheapest way to buy DEF. DEF can also be bought at the pump from Pilot Flying J, Love's Travel Stops and other truck stop chains. The cost saving of moving from truck stop to tote supply is approximately 30%.
Integer Research publishes a quarterly publication that tracks market developments and DEF prices in North America. Click here to read more details about The Monitor.
What will happen if my truck runs out of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires vehicle manufacturers to put measures in place to ensure that vehicles cannot run without Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Before a truck's DEF tank runs empty the driver is given a series of alerts on their dashboard displays (much the same way as if they were running low on diesel). Generally speaking, when the DEF tank level drops below 10% an amber warning lamp will come on, at 5% this lamp starts flashing and below 2.5% a solid amber warning light is displayed.
If the truck is allowed to run out of DEF the engine's power is reduced, a solid red warning will be displayed and the vehicle speed will be limited to 5 mph until the DEF tank is refilled.
Is there any danger of filling the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank with diesel and what problems will it cause?
There are a number of safeguards put in place to prevent confusion between diesel and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) filler necks. The standard nozzle diameter for DEF is 0.75 inches (19mm), compared to 0.87 inches (22 mm) for diesel, preventing the diesel nozzle from ever being inserted into the DEF tank. In addition, the filling cap for the DEF tank is blue and will be clearly marked 'Diesel Exhaust Fluid' with the accompanying ISO standard number.
However, a small number of cases have been reported where diesel has been put in the DEF tank. Diesel is less dense than DEF and will float on top of the DEF in the tank, but even small amounts of diesel can damage your SCR system and we recommend that you contact your dealer immediately and do not drive the vehicle.
If DEF is filled into the diesel tank, the engine will stop running almost immediately, and the vehicle will need to be taken to a service center for repair.
