Why Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a Must-Have for Truck Stops
Diesel Exhaust Fluid, or DEF, can now be found at more than half of the truck stops in the country – spurred on by 2010 federal requirements that large transports utilize DEF, alternatively know in Europe as AdBlue, to reduce engine emissions.
The large national truck stop chains have reported upgrading most of their networks with DEF-dispensing equipment. Love’s Travel Stops, with locations in 41 states, has bulk DEF available at 99 percent of its sites; Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, now has DEF-equipped pumps at nearly 90 percent of its locations.And, in 2015, the last year for which data was provided, nearly half a billion gallons of DEF was pumped domestically.
What is DEF?
DEF is a non-hazardous solution comprised of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent deionized water. When sprayed into the exhaust system of diesel engines, the clear, colorless liquid breaks down the NOx gases as they are created – reducing them into harmless nitrogen and water through a process called Selective Catalytic Reduction, or SCR.
The American Petroleum Institute now runs a voluntary program for certifying DEF producers and distributors – guaranteeing the quality of the fluid.
The EPA estimates that the reduction of NOx will prevent diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function and ultimately save thousands of lives.
Owners of DEF-equipped vehicles report greater reliability and longer intervals between oil changes – potentially adding up to substantial savings in operating costs. To prevent subversion of the new emission standards, vehicles equipped with DEF tanks cannot run once empty – depending upon the vehicle manufacturer, the engine may operate in a “limp mode,” according to Truck Trend, or cease to operate altogether, until the fluid is replenished.
According to the website DiscoverDEF.com, trucks typically use one gallon of DEF every 200 miles – meaning a DEF top-off is necessitated at every 30th fuel fill up.
The website DiscoverDEF.com, which offers a searchable database of thousands of DEF retailers across the US and Canada, only lists locations that adhere to the API standard.
Getting started dispensing DEF
For truck stop owners, it’s never been more critical to update dispensing equipment to dispense and sell DEF. More than one million Class 4-8 SCR-equipped vehicles are on the road in North America today – and that number will continue to grow as older vehicles without the technology are replaced.
Vehicle SCR systems are sensitive to contamination and impurities in DEF, and the DEF itself can be corrosive to some traditional dispensing equipment – so it's important to use products dedicated to the safe storage, handling and dispensing of the DEF product. Additionally, DEF has a freezing point that is above other fuels.
DEF contains urea, which can form crystals that leech through joints and seals of equipment not designed for DEF. Also, certain plastics and stainless steel equipment are compatible, but zinc, aluminum, copper, cast iron and brass must be avoided at all costs.
On-site above bulk storage tanks typically range in size from 300 to 4,000 gallons, with underground storage tanks allowing for the storage of quantities of DEF ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 gallons.
Dispensers feature dedicated heating elements, which are necessary to prevent urea crystallization; and the internal components are usually made from stainless steel to ward off corrosion.
Most of the major fuel dispensing companies now offer DEF equipment as well, including Gilbarco and Wayne.
Patriot Capital provides financing solutions that can help truck stop owners acquire their DEF equipment quickly and efficiently. If you are considering adding DEF pumps and tanks to your site, please contact your local Patriot representative to discuss how leasing or financing DEF equipment could be the right solution for your business.