DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is a fuel complement solution composed of about two-thirds de-ionized water and one-third urea.
You should note that it's not a fuel like gas, kerosene, and aviation fuel. Instead, it's an additive for diesel engines to reduce emission levels for heavy-duty trucks.
DEF: The emission-based innovation
To understand why a fuel like diesel has to be used with a solution like DEF, it's important to go back a bit in history to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
The Agency was established to combat the increasing negative impact of environmental pollution in light of the Clean Air Act (1970).
Everyone knows that one-light duty and three-quarter trucks run on diesel engines that emit unbelievable levels of smoke and smog.
In 2008, the EPA took a stance on this. Truck manufacturers had to use particulate filters on their heavy-duty vehicles. In addition, they had to carry out smog tests every two years. The tests included physical vehicle inspections to ensure adequate placement of DEF parts.
With such strict limitations, the era of torque and big power diesel-fueled engines was at an end. However, a solution was in sight.
The breakthrough in automotive engineering came with the innovation of selective catalytic reduction. DEFs could be added to the exhaust systems to drastically reduce the negative effects of nitrogen oxide emissions.
DEF, also known as AUS (aqueous urea solution), is important as a catalyst for compliance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
Using DEF
Below are some factors to consider when using DEF. It is important to note that many truckers have since switched to light-duty vehicles that don't require emission-stemming catalysts.
The reason is simple. The additional cost of purchasing the fuel supplement may outweigh the overall utility. Nevertheless, environmental realities point to a need to curb the emission excesses of diesel engines.
Volume
The catalyst is not inexhaustible. For every 800 miles run, you need 2.5 gallons of diesel exhaust fluid.
That's to say that each gallon lasts for about 300 miles. In addition, you can't run the risk of allowing the fluid to go dry before adding more.
Truck size
As stated earlier, DEF isn't really a requirement for smaller trucks, as their emission levels do not necessarily break EPA rules.
The primary determinant for needing DEF is the size of your diesel engine. Small trucks like a Cummins 6BT aren't major threats. The concerned vehicles are class-8 trucks and large, heavy-duty trucks whose engines consume a lot of diesel and rack up distances in total mileage.
As a result, these huge vehicles require a lot of diesel exhaust fluid.
DEF Acquisition
For many old trucks, there's a distinct filler port in the trunk or engine bay. Recently, manufacturers have standardized the position by including it in the fuel filler.
To know where yours is, you can consult the vehicle owner's manual.
Whether you operate a single medium truck or have a fleet of heavy-duty trucks, Susquehanna Sales and Services can have DEF delivered to you in jugs, totes, or fill up containers at your facility. Schedule your delivery or get it right now.