5 DEF Facts You Should Know!

DEF is made of a mixture of deionized water and urea and acts as a catalyst in converting dangerous fumes — called nitrous oxide — into safe water and nitrogen. It not only reduces pollution but also makes engines more fuel-efficient than alternative environmental solutions, saving money in the long run. In today’s article, you’ll learn some interesting DEF Facts.

The Science Behind It

DEF works its magic through a system called selective catalytic reduction (SCR). As exhaust gases pass through a filter and mix with DEF in a catalyst, the harmful emissions are transformed into water and nitrogen. This advanced process has the power to reduce tailpipe NOx emissions from heavy-duty vehicles to be below ambient air temperatures – functionally cleaning the air as you drive!

Maintaining the appropriate levels of DEF is crucial for ensuring optimal performance. On average, well-maintained heavy-duty truck engines require 3 to 5 gallons of DEF for every 1,000 miles traveled. Regular replacement of DEF is necessary to keep equipment running. Without DEF, the engine can still run, but sensors will significantly reduce the engine’s abilities, slowing vehicles to a crawl until more DEF is added.

DEF Facts

1 – DEF is made mostly of water, with a composition of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea.

2 – DEF has some interesting properties. It can evaporate or freeze, but its freezing point is lower than that of water, at 12°F. If DEF freezes while the vehicle is turned off, there is no need to worry. The vehicle’s SCR heating system is specifically designed to rapidly thaw the DEF and ensure it returns to a liquid state. This means that when you start up the vehicle again, the freezing of DEF will not affect the normal operation of the vehicle.

3 – The amount of DEF needed varies for each truck. On average, you can expect to use 2 to 3 gallons of DEF for every 100 gallons of diesel fuel.

4 – DEF is not toxic and non-flammable. So, in case it gets in contact with your skin, simply wash the area with soap and water.

5 – Since DEF is mostly water, its cost per gallon is largely tied to packaging and transportation, not to the product itself. When you buy DEF in larger bulk packaging, you can reduce costs by up to $1/gal.

Searching for a High-Quality DEF for your Fleet? Look no further!

Mansfield Energy understands the importance of protecting your fleet assets. Today’s high-tech diesel engines are expensive. Using poor quality, off-spec DEF can increase fuel consumption, equipment downtime, and maintenance expenses. Mansfield ensures customers always have a reliable supply of high-quality DEF that consistently meets ISO standards.

With our extensive network of DEF distribution partners combined with our own dedicated assets, Mansfield offers unmatched DEF logistics to ensure you always have the DEF you need. Contact us today!