DEF Key to Lowering Diesel Engine Emissions

Dec. 10, 2009 - PRLog -- Did you know that starting Jan. 1, 2010, vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology will need to use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to comply with new EPA NOx emissions standards?

Well, it’s true.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated tougher emission control standards for all highway diesel vehicles next year.

In response to these tougher standards, vehicle manufacturers will incorporate the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to help them comply with these new EPA standards.

The SCR system uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to turn harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen, which already makes up 80% of the air we breathe, and water vapor. The SCR technology is also expected to provide up to a 5% increase in fuel economy, which is the first time fuel economy has improved for the industry since facing tighter emissions standards.

Here’s more information about how the SCR system works as reported by factsaboutscr.com:

“SCR technology is designed to permit nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction reactions to take place in an oxidizing atmosphere. It is called ‘selective’ because it reduces levels of NOx using ammonia as a reductant within a catalyst system. The reducing agent reacts with NOx to convert the pollutants into nitrogen, water and tiny amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) - natural elements common to the air we breathe everyday. The reductant source is usually automotive-grade urea, otherwise known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid, which can be rapidly hydrolyzed to produce the oxidizing ammonia in the exhaust stream. SCR technology alone can achieve NOx reductions in excess of 90%.”

In other words, using the SCR system can reduce emissions to near zero levels while improving fuel efficiency in passenger cars and light duty trucks as well as in medium and heavy duty commercial trucks – making SCR one of the only emissions control technologies that is as good for business as it is for the environment.

Of course, the effectiveness of SCR depends greatly on system users being able to get their hands on DEF.

So what exactly is DEF?

It’s a solution made up of purified water and 32.5 percent automotive-grade urea that is used as a carrying agent for the ammonia needed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicles into nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide.

Among the factors affecting the availability of DEF are:

  • Purity and quality
  • Transportation and distribution
  • Dispensing equipment and packaging

Significant investment is being made to create the infrastructure that will ensure Diesel Exhaust Fluid quality is upheld and that the solution is conveniently available in spite of the factors listed above. All told, commitments are currently being secured to ensure that Diesel Exhaust Fluid will be available in more than 1,800 locations in North America by 2010.

Among the companies that have addressed the factors above and is currently distributing DEF is Pynergy Petroleum.

“DEF is non-flammable and non-combustible as over two-thirds of it is water,” said Pynergy Petroleum Division Sales Manager Brandon Prentice. “However, there are still potential problems that come with storing DEF.”

One of the problems Prentice pointed out was that DEF freezes at 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another potential problem is that storing DEF at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time can cause decreased shelf life.

“One way both of these problems can be overcome is by storing DEF indoors,” Prentice said.

DEF can be stored in tanks made of stainless steel and certain plastics. Other material such as non-ferrous metals and alloys such as copper, aluminum, silver and lead and nickel-coated plastics and metals are not approved due to the risk of SCR catalyst poisoning.

As for the quality issue, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has developed a certification program for DEF. API will certify licensed DEF marketers, and enforce compliance so that consumers who purchase DEF carrying API certification can be confident that the fluid will not damage their vehicle.

In addition to supplying DEF for on-road diesel vehicles, Pynergy Petroleum will also be providing DEF to the marine, oil and gas, agricultural, mining and rail industries.

To learn more about DEF or how you can get a supply for yourself, please visit www.pynergypetroleum.com.

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About Pynergy Petroleum Company:

Pynergy Petroleum Company was founded in August 1999 when it acquired three Conoco Branded retail locations in the Denver, CO area. Since then, Pynergy has been devoted to providing high quality fuels, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, equipment and service to the automotive, heavy duty and industrial markets. Please visit us at www.pynergypetroleum.com