Environmental protection has been in the fore of much of the legislation regarding fuel emissions. Drivers of long and short haul vehicles have been introduced to compliance through various systems that address the problem of pollution. Among the more current approaches for solving the problem for diesel fuel is the selective catalytic reduction system (SCR). One of the most common agents it employs is diesel exhaust fuel or DEF.
What Is Diesel Exhaust Fluid?
DEF is a non-hazardous SCR system solution. This emissions control fluid is mandated for modern diesel engines. A clear and colorless liquid, it consists of 32.5% synthetically produced urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. Carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute (API), it has one specific purpose – to prevent gaseous and dangerous emissions into the atmosphere from diesel engines.
What Does DEF Do?
The intent of DEF is to break down the toxic NOx emissions of diesel fuel. By spraying it into the exhaust stream, this turns the dangerous material into innocuous water and nitrogen. The DEF spray never comes into direct contact with the diesel fuel. It resides in a distinct tank usually marked off by its blue filler cap. The latest models of diesel trucks, pickups, SUVs, and vans have a DEF tank.
Other Factors Concerning DEF
Diesel exhaust fluid requires careful attention to specific details. DEF is employed whenever the engine operates. With vehicles in constant use, the consumption of DEF must be monitored. This requires the driver or other individual know specific levels of the fluid. It also requires knowing specifically when the system will require refilling in order for it to be active and effective.
The dosing rate also requires attention. Depending upon the source, manufacturers or studies, it ranges from 2.0-2.5%. This indicates the average diesel powered vehicle has a dosing rate of is at the lower end of the scale while medium to heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles may require closer to 3%. Depending upon the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, an operator may employ up to one gallon of DEF for every 200 miles clocked.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
DEF is a selective catalytic reduction system. It plays a significant role in ensuring truckers and other drivers of vehicles using diesel engine can comply with the emission regulations. As long as drivers comply with the requirements, the ongoing addition of diesel exhaust fluid to their tanks will never negatively affect the capability or ability of the vehicles to perform their designated roles.