12/20/2023 0 Comments Def shelf life![]() ![]() With the importance of DEF fluid projected to increase, follow these tips on proper use to get the most out of your equipment.ĭiesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is made from a mixture of purified water and urea. Formulated to reduce vehicle emissions, the fluid works by treating exhaust gases after they have left the engine. Jeffrey Harmening is manager of EOLCS/DEF/MOM, for the American Petroleum Institute.Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has quickly become a necessity on every jobsite. The use of API-licensed DEF will ensure that it meets the high standards required by engine and vehicle manufacturers. The quality of the DEF going into your vehicle is as important as the quality of the engine oils or fuels used in your vehicles. Don’t use tap water for cleaning.įor shops and drivers, it’s important to know what you are putting into your DEF tank. Anything used for dispensing DEF should be cleaned with distilled or de-ionized water and followed by a DEF rinse.that are used for other fluids when putting DEF in a tank. Use dedicated equipment for dispensing DEF.This is particularly important in a shop or construction site that has dust or dirt in the air. A closed-loop system for transferring DEF from a drum or bulk tank is recommended so contaminants don’t get into the DEF.Don’t switch products in the bulk tank without thoroughly rinsing the tank with distilled or de-ionized water or on-spec DEF. ![]() Bulk storage tanks should be dedicated for DEF.Some additional things to consider in storing and handling DEF include the following: Storing in temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit will limit the shelf life of the DEF over time. Proper storage temperature in a shop is also vital. Make sure the stock is rotated to use the oldest product first. The temperature during transport or at the point of storage or sale can harm the shelf life of DEF sold in containers. Key Things to Consider in Storing DEFįor shops, the handling, storage, and dispensing of DEF is very important so that off-spec DEF doesn’t reach the marketplace. You can also check to see if the DEF they are buying is licensed through API’s real-time directory of licensees on the API website. One way to do this is to ensure that their supplier is providing a Certificate of Analysis (or Quality) with every shipment that addresses all the quality characteristics that the specification requires. Those responsible for procuring DEF should confirm that their suppliers are providing DEF that meets the entire ISO quality standard. While it is true that the concentration is very important, there are many other important quality characteristics built into the ISO 22241 specification regarding DEF. Meeting ISO Quality StandardĪPI has found that the biggest misconception by fleet managers is the belief that if the urea concentration of their DEF is on spec, then the DEF meets the required quality. Many diesel engine manufacturers recommend that drivers use API-licensed DEF. Also, check the label for recommended storage temperatures, and be sure to look for the API certification mark on the bottle as well. If a date is not present, ask for the most recently delivered DEF products. Drivers accustomed to purchasing DEF in containers should look at the expiration date on the bottle and be sure to use it before this date. In addition to cold, there are other things to consider when purchasing, storing, and handling DEF. Don’t worry on-spec DEF is specifically formulated to allow the fluid to thaw at the proper concentration to keep your vehicle operating smoothly. ![]() The vehicle will start without a problem and the DEF tank has a heating element that can quickly thaw the DEF. DEF needs to remain pure for it to work correctly. If DEF freezes in the vehicle, do not put any additives in the tank to help it melt. Keeping a tank that you think may freeze if less than full is a good idea. Like water, DEF will expand up to 7% when frozen and can damage the storage tank if it is full or nearly full when it freezes. Made from a mixture of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees and needs to be properly maintained and dispensed to preserve its quality. ![]()
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