Emissions regulations have been on the minds of diesel pickup owners, prospective owners, and professional over-the-road drivers for some time now. It began with the implementation of
exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, then
progressed to the diesel particulate filter (DPF), and now the buzz is around
selective catalytic reduction (SCR). Selective catalytic reduction systems use a consumable
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in conjunction with a catalyst to reduce
nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions. Because the fluid is consumed during the system’s normal operation, it requires the vehicles owner to not only monitor the fluids level but also refill it when it’s been used up. In the past, we’ve explained how and why all these new emissions control systems work, and now—with the use of SCR becoming widespread—we’re going to look a little closer at the fluid you’re likely to soon be buying.
Why SCR?
Selective catalytic reduction technology uses ammonia to break down NOx emissions produced during diesel combustion into nitrogen and water. SCR has become the technology of choice for a majority of truck and engine manufacturers to meet the stringent 2010 emissions standards set by the EPA for heavy-duty trucks. The biggest benefit of SCR for the vehicle owner is in the fuel savings the technology provides. Because SCR deals with NOx outside the engine, manufacturers are once again able to tune their engines to run more efficiently and produce more power. The increase in engine efficiency also leads to a reduction in particulate matter, resulting in less frequent regeneration of the DPF and adding to the increased fuel economy.
SCR works by first routing exhaust gases through an oxidation catalyst, which removes hydrocarbons and converts a small amount of NOx to NO2. The next step requires an injection of an aqueous urea solution, DEF, into the exhaust stream at a precise dosing rate. Exhaust fluid is converted into ammonia, which reacts with the remaining NOx in the SCR catalyst to produce harmless nitrogen and water. A final catalyst is sometimes installed downstream of the SCR catalyst, which is designed to remove any remaining ammonia from the vehicle’s exhaust.
The Consumable Fluid
Diesel exhaust fluid is a mixture of synthetic, high-purity, automotive-grade urea and deionized water. This liquid is clear, nontoxic, nonflammable, non-explosive, and generally nonhazardous. Additionally, DEF is classified as a minimum risk for transportation. The fluid is mixed at a ratio of 32.5 percent formaldehyde-free low biuret urea and 67.5 percent deionized water. Heavier than diesel, exhaust fluid weighs 9.1 pounds per gallon, and while it will freeze at 12 degrees, its composition and quality are not affected by freeze or thaw.
It is recommended that exhaust fluid be stored between 40 and 80 degrees, and it has an effective shelf life of one year when stored at 80 degrees. Prolonged storage above 86 degrees will cause hydrolysis to occur. The most important quality of diesel exhaust fluid is its purity. For example, one teaspoon of salt would contaminate 5,000 gallons of DEF. SCR systems are very sensitive to potential impurities, so it is essential that exhaust fluid remains uncontaminated, and that consumers only purchase fluids that adhere to the ISO 22241 quality standard and never try to mix their own. In Europe, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) controls the “AdBlue” trademark and uses it to ensure DEF quality standards are maintained in accordance with DIN 70070, which is similar to the United States’ ISO 22241.
Do It Yourself
One of the biggest complaints about the use of SCR is the fact that eventually you are going to run out of exhaust fluid. Refilling your vehicle’s DEF tank is a whole lot easier than the dealer might make it seem. As of now, BlueDEF brand exhaust fluid is available at most auto parts stores and truck stops across the country, making it incredibly easy to locate, and new brands and retail outlets are popping up constantly. Since DEF is nontoxic, virtually anybody can refill his or her vehicle simply by purchasing the proper amount of fluid and locating the fill port, usually next to the fuel filler, under the hood, or in the trunk if it’s a diesel-powered car or SUV that needs filling. People can potentially save hundreds of dollars by simply replenishing the fluid themselves.
| Because impurities can cause catastrophic system failures, DEF nozzles are kept sealed behind a closed door to prevent contamination.
Don’t Run Out
The worst thing that can happen to an SCR system is being filled with contaminated or incorrect fluid. This can potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage to the emissions system and leave you stranded. What can also leave you with a thumb out by the side of the road is running the DEF tank dry. The EPA requires vehicle manufacturers have measures in place to ensure equipped vehicles cannot run without exhaust fluid. Vehicle manufacturers all handle this in slightly different ways. Some employ the use of a gauge, while some have a simple warning light. Generally speaking, however, when the DEF tank level drops below 10 percent, a warning of some kind will be displayed on the dash, indicating it’s time to fill up. The warnings will get progressively more frequent, brighter, or louder as the level continues to decrease. If the vehicle is allowed to run out of fluid, one of two things will happen: either engine power will be cut and speed limited to essentially a “limp-mode,” or the vehicle will not start until the fluid is replenished. Currently, the only exception to this is the ’13-and-newer Ram HD trucks, which will continue to run and not de-rate power if the DEF tank should happen to run dry. This is allowed because the Cummins 6.7L engine tuning produces a low enough amount of NOx on its own, without the aid of SCR. However, drivers will still be treated to a dash full of warning lights and more frequent DPF regeneration cycles, so it’s best to not let the DEF run dry.
| New Ram HD trucks come standard with a DEF gauge in the instrument cluster. Other vehicles may include it in the multifunction display, or simply provide a warning light when the level gets too low.
Special Thanks
BlueDEF
www.bluedef.com
Discover DEF
www.discoverdef.com
