Introduction to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an essential component for modern diesel engines using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to meet environmental regulations. Made from 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water, DEF is injected into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. By converting NOx into nitrogen and water vapor through a catalytic process, DEF helps in significantly lowering the environmental impact of diesel engines.
How DEF Works
The operation of DEF within the SCR system is a key factor in pollution control:
- Injection: DEF is injected into the exhaust gases, where the water component evaporates, leaving behind ammonia from the urea.
- Reaction Chamber: The exhaust and ammonia then pass through the SCR catalyst, where NOx is chemically reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
- Clean Emission: This process ensures the emissions from the exhaust are cleaner, effectively reducing NOx levels.
This effective management of emissions allows diesel engines to comply with stringent emission standards.
The Challenge of DEF Crystallization
Despite its benefits, DEF can face issues like freezing or crystallization when exposed to low temperatures or when it evaporates. This can occur when DEF freezes below 12°F (-11°C) or when it crystallizes from exposure to air. These issues can impact the DEF system as follows:
- Injector Blockage: Crystals can block the DEF injector, disrupting the fluid spray into the exhaust and hindering the SCR process.
- System Clogging: Crystals might clog DEF lines and filters, impeding fluid flow and necessitating maintenance.
- Sensor Problems: Solid DEF particles can affect the accuracy of sensors monitoring DEF flow and concentration, leading to dosing errors and increased emissions.
NuDEF: A Solution to DEF Crystallization
To address these challenges, NuDEF offers a reliable solution. NuDEF is an additive designed to prevent the freezing and crystallization of DEF, thus maintaining the fluidity and effectiveness of DEF even in cold environments. Here’s how NuDEF enhances DEF performance:
- Freezing Point Reduction: NuDEF lowers the freezing point of DEF, ensuring that it remains liquid at temperatures well below the typical freezing point of standard DEF solutions.
- Prevents Crystallization: By inhibiting crystallization, NuDEF helps maintain a clear path in injectors and filters, ensuring consistent delivery and optimal SCR performance.
- Enhanced Sensor Accuracy: With fewer crystallization issues, sensors operate more reliably, maintaining correct DEF dosing and efficient NOx reduction.
How to Use NuDEF
Integrating NuDEF into your DEF routine is straightforward:
- Mixing Guidelines: Follow specific mixing ratios as recommended by NuDEF to treat your DEF supply.
- Storage and Handling: Store DEF treated with NuDEF under the same conditions as regular DEF, in a sealed container and away from extreme temperatures.
- Regular System Checks: Continue to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure all components function correctly, maximizing the benefits of NuDEF-enhanced DEF.
Conclusion
While DEF is critical for reducing diesel emissions, its effectiveness can be compromised under certain conditions. NuDEF provides a robust solution to these challenges, ensuring that DEF continues to perform its essential role in emission reduction without interruption. By using NuDEF, diesel engine operators can enhance the reliability and efficiency of their SCR systems, even in colder climates, contributing to ongoing compliance with environmental standards and promoting cleaner air.
