Q: What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF?
A: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a reactant that is key to the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) process. It’s a non-toxic, aqueous solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% water.
 
Q: What is Urea?
A:Urea is a compound of nitrogen that turns to ammonia when heated. It is used in a variety of industries, most commonly, in agriculture as a fertilizer.
 
Q: What purpose does DEF serve?
A: DEF is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to change the Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) emissions in diesel exhaust to Nitrogen and water. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the air we breathe every day.
 
Q: How many miles can a truck travel on a single gallon of DEF?
A: DEF consumption is related to fuel consumption. A highway truck may travel 225-300 miles or more on one gallon of DEF.
 
Q: How does the outside temperature affect DEF?
A: DEF will begin to freeze at 12 °F. The SCR system provides heating for the DEF tank and supply lines. If the DEF freezes when the vehicle is not operating, start-up and normal operation of the vehicle will not be affected. The SCR heating system will heat the DEF to liquid form and vehicle operation will continue normally. When frozen, DEF expands by about 7%. DEF tanks are designed to accommodate this expansion.
 
Q: How should DEF be stored?
A: Store DEF in a cool, dry and ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Recommended storage temperature is up to 77 °F, though brief exposure to higher temperatures will not be a problem.
 
Q: What is the shelf life of DEF?
A: This is largely a factor of storage temperature. DEF degrades over time depending on temperature and exposure to sunlight. If stored at recommended temperatures (not exceeding 77 °F) shelf life will be two years.
 
Q: Are there any handling concerns with DEF?
A: DEF is non-toxic, non-hazardous and non-flammable. It is non-polluting and meets strict international standards for purity and composition. DEF poses no serious risk to drivers or equipment when handled properly.
 
Q: Is DEF Corrosive?
A: DEF is corrosive to certain sensitive metals. DEF tanks and dispensing equipment will be made of an appropriate, heavy-duty plastic.
 
Q: What will occur with my truck if I do not refill the DEF tank?
A: Performance degradation to be followed by an inability to start your vehicle will occur if you do not fill the tank.
 
 
Q: How does DEF affect maintenance?
A: Volvo vehicles with an SCR system require no change to service and maintenance intervals. A small DEF filter on the pump intake can be changed in minutes. No catalyst maintenance is required.
 
Q: How is DEF packaged?
A: DEF will be available in 2.5-gallon containers, 55-gallon drums, 275 gallon IBC and in bulk storage for fleet locations, truck stops and dealerships.
 
Q: How can I know what to buy?
A: High quality DEF will be produced and distributed by companies that have demonstrated their domestic expertise in production and distribution and will bear the API Certified symbol. This designation implies that the fluid meets the stringent product quality standards established by ISO 22241. TerraCair® is an API Certified DEF, has six production facilities in North America and has partnered with a North American distributor that has vast European DEF distribution experience, well over 120 North American locations and has an ISO quality process in place to consistently deliver superior DEF fluid to customers.
 
 
Q: Is DEF usage required by Law?
A: Yes, in diesel engines produced after January 1, 2010, DEF is required for emissions after-treatment.
 
Q: Are there legal penalties for not using DEF?
A: Yes.
 
 
© 2012 Countrymark Cooperative Holding Corp. All rights reserved. | Legal Terms and Conditions of Use
 
 
A M E R I C A N    O I L
CountryMark is proud to refine only 100% American crude oil from the Illinois Basin. Click here to learn more about the jobs, economic impact and quality of American crude oil.
 
Q U E S T I O N ?
CountryMark always welcomes your questions or comments. Just fill out the form below.
All fields required.