Handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Now that the EPA’s final tier of emissions standards for diesel engines has come into effect, handling diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is a reality in the daily maintenance of off-road machinery. Click the sections on the right for all the information you need to know.

The Basics of DEF

It seems there is quite a bit of misinformation out there about DEF. Let's start with same basic facts:

Next > DEF Contamination

DEF Contamination

Manufacturers of high horsepower diesel engines, specifically those in the 174-750hp range, are using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to meet the regulations.

SCR technology involves a process where DEF is injected into the engine exhaust. This produces a chemical reaction with nitrogen oxides, converting them to water and nitrogen.

In order for the SCR system to function effectively, it’s imperative that the quality of the fluid is maintained. DEF is sensitive to chemical impurities. Trace amounts of common elements can contaminate an entire tank of DEF.

Contaminated DEF poses some risk to your operation, as shown in the image on the right.

Next > Maintaining Purity

Maintaining Purity

The International Standards Organization has developed the ISO 22241 standard for how DEF is manufactured and how it should be handled. Preventing contamination in off-road environments takes a four-step approach:

Next > 2-in-1 Pumping System

2-in-1 Pumping System

Every DEF System from Thunder Creek is equipped with a patent-pending 2-in-1 DEF Pumping System. [Check out this video of the pumping system in action.] This is able to both fill from the bulk supply and dispense into off-road machinery, all the while maintaining a closed loop system. It also eliminates the need to purchase a separate pump for transferring DEF, a savings of up to $2,000.

Next > DEF Delivery Solutions

DEF Delivery Solutions by Thunder Creek Equipment

Thunder Creek offers three types of DEF delivery solutions, depending on your operation’s needs. Each is built in accordance with the ISO 22241 Standard and features Thunder Creek’s patent-pending 2-in-1 DEF Pumping System to ensure DEF reaches your off-road equipment free from contamination.