Last Post Update: August 24, 2023
Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in the Summer
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a reality nowadays if you’re running newer trucks in your fleet. How you store your DEF, or more specifically, how you go about storing diesel exhaust fluid, is an important consideration, especially with the summer months ahead of us. Cold weather doesn’t really affect DEF, but heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight certainly causes it to degrade. Now, you might be wondering how you store DEF fluid in the summertime to prevent this degradation.
According to ISO22241, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) needs to be stored in a cool, dry place. Ideally, storage temperatures should be between 12°F (11°C) and 86°F (30°C).
The reason for this recommendation is due to the fact that DEF can lose its potency if stored above 86°F for prolonged periods of time.
Why Proper DEF Storage Matters
DEF, despite its simple composition, can be quite sensitive. When exposed to extreme temperatures, especially heat, the urea can degrade, reducing the shelf life and effectiveness of DEF in emission control. This degradation not only impacts the environment but can also affect the performance of the diesel fuel engine, leading to increased maintenance costs.
For more information on DEF storage or to find out how you can Order DEF to be shipped or schedule BULK DEF, contact Fuel Logic HERE.
What to Do When Storing DEF in the Summertime
So, what happens if you are filling your DEF tanks from a tote sitting outside in the heat this summer? The first thing to understand is that they are referencing the product temperature, NOT the outside air temperature. The product temperature will continually rise, and fall based on the surrounding air temperature, and will most likely not be held at a constant temperature. Is it a good idea to keep your DEF out of the sun or inside? Absolutely, if you can, we would definitely recommend it.
Best Practices for Summertime DEF Storage
• Shaded Storage: Always store DEF containers in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. This helps in maintaining a more stable temperature and prevents rapid degradation.
• Use UV-Resistant Containers: If available, use containers that are UV-resistant. They offer an added layer of protection against the harmful effects of direct sunlight.
• Regularly Check Product Temperature: Invest in a quality thermometer to check the DEF's temperature. This ensures it stays within the optimal temperature parameters.
• Sealed Storage: Ensure the DEF containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination and evaporation.
• Rotate Stock: If you have multiple DEF containers, rotate them. Use the older stock first to ensure freshness.
• Avoid Prolonged Exposure: If possible, don't leave DEF containers outside for extended periods. Move them to a cooler place once you're done refilling.
Trust in Quality DEF Supplier
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) demands the utmost purity in its composition, with deionized water being a critical component. Deionized water, devoid of salts and impurities, is essential for DEF to efficiently reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines. Regular water, laden with minerals, can compromise the urea's ability in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, emphasizing the importance of deionized water in the mixture.
When it comes to sourcing top-quality DEF, Fuel Logic stands out as a reputable supplier that adheres to ISO 22241 standards. This international standard dictates the quality and handling requirements for DEF, ensuring its efficacy. When you pick Fuel Logic, you're picking top-notch DEF that lasts long and works great.
Ideal Outdoor Tote Storage
The “real world” reality is that most fleets cycle through DEF regularly, so the product never has time to seriously degrade. Because of this, most fleets storing DEF outside don’t see an adverse impact on the product quality. We’ve listed some best practices here if you’re storing DEF during the summer.
- Out of direct sunlight inside garages or warehouses
- Place the tote under a canopy or shaded area
- Keep caps and fittings securely tightened
- Use a tote cover
For more information on diesel exhaust fluid and DEF storage, check out this page.
If you want to find out how you can Order DEF to be shipped or schedule BULK DEF, contact Fuel Logic HERE.
