Have you heard about an operating fluid called DEF? It is required in most new trucks, buses, and coaches.
Whether you have or not, it is likely you will soon be driving vehicles that will require this operating fluid and here we explain what this will mean for you. DEF is a non-hazardous, non-toxic, nonflammable, nonexplosive fluid and is, therefore, very safe to use. DEF is an operating fluid for a new engine technology - it is not a fuel nor is it mixed with fuel. You will need to dispense DEF into an existing separate tank already fitted to your vehicle.
As you will use less DEF than diesel, the DEF tank will be smaller than the diesel tank. It will be clearly marked as DEF and is likely to be mounted next to or near your vehicle diesel tank.
You will find DEF pumps, either at your commercial terminal or at truckstops and they will have filling pistols similar to those you use for diesel. There is also an option to buy the product in 2.5 gallon bottles with a filling spout which makes it easy to pour into your DEF tank. These bottles are available at Pumpelly Oil Company locations.
It is important that you do not put diesel in the DEF tank or DEF in your diesel tank. Some vehicles will have safeguards to ensure this doesn\'t happen but this might not be the case on all vehicles - so please check!
Finally your vehicle will be fitted with a DEF gauge near your fuel gauge so you know when you need to fill up with the fluid. If you do not fill up with DEF your catalytic converter could damage and cause your vehicle\'s engine to no longer be under warrantly.
Why does DEF have to be used in most commercial vehicles?
It\'s all about improving the environment. Over the last 15 years or so the emissions from vehicles have had to meet ever lower limits. This limit is so low that a treatment system (SCR) is fitted to most new vehicle exhausts. To enable this to work DEF has to be sprayed into this exhaust system. A reaction takes place which cleans up the majority of emissions.
The vehicles that need DEF are now on the road, so the next vehicle you drive may need it. Your dealer or your transport manager should tell you when you are driving a vehicle requiring DEF.
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Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a very pure, aqueous solution of urea which meets the automotive industry specification defined by ISO 22241. It is a clear liquid similar in appearance to water.
DEF is safe to handle and use; it is not explosive, flammable, toxic, or subject to any hazardous product regulations. The product can be purchased in 2.5 gallon cans, 55 gallon drums, 275 gallon intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and can also be supplied in bulk by road tanker.
Storage facilities can be tailored to suit customer needs allowing for the usual precautions to prevent spillage into nearby drains and watercourses. DEF has an official shelf life of 12 months if the stipulated storage conditions are observed. However, DEF that has been stored for longer than 12 months may still be perfectly usable and simply needs to be analyzed to check that it still conforms to the DEF specification. Yara has formed a partnership with the US largest distributor, Mansfield, to ensure a guaranteed supply of DEF throughout North America under the brand name Air1®. Air1® is a unique concept developed by Yara to ensure a secure supply of the high-quality DEF needed in your Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
