The truth about diesel exhaust fluid (def) - Luxury Coach Lifestyles
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-10-2010, 07:47 PM   #1
The Newell
Senior Member
 
The Newell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Southern California
Posts: 1,018
Default The truth about diesel exhaust fluid (def)

By Tony Sippel, RV product manager at Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation

As vehicles meeting 2010 EPA emissions requirements are hitting the market, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) has begun to receive feedback from our motorhome dealerships and potential customers. We’ve noticed that people are often confused about what exactly diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is, how it works and how it fits into the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

DEF is a solution stored in a tank, which is injected into the exhaust stream, reacting with the Nitrous Oxide (NOx) in the SCR catalyst, forming harmless nitrogen and water. Let’s take a moment, though to further dispel the myths and fully answer questions regarding DEF.

MYTH: SCR technology does not meet EPA 2010 emissions regulations.
FACT: The EPA has approved SCR technology for 2010 emissions regulations. SCR technology is a long-term solution, working to reduce fuel consumption directly tied to carbon-dioxide emissions and significantly decreasing the amount of noxious gasses in the exhaust.

MYTH: DEF is corrosive, hazardous and unsafe to handle.
FACT: DEF is two-thirds water. It is an organic, nontoxic compound made of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent de-ionized water. DEF is carefully regulated by the American Petroleum Institute. Also, urea solution is not flammable and is not deemed “hazardous” by any United States or Canadian transportation authority.

MYTH: Urea becomes toxic at 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
FACT: According to James Spooner, vice president and general manager at Colonial Chemical Company, urea does not become toxic at any temperature. At 122 degrees Fahrenheit, DEF will still meet ISO specifications of less than 0.2 percent ammonia for at least 35 days. At that rate, it would take more than two years to reach the ammonia level of household ammonia, which obviously is not classified as toxic.

MYTH: DEF solution is a significant added expense for vehicle owners.
FACT: The industry is expecting the cost of DEF solution to be parallel with the price of fuel, fluctuating between $2.50 and $3.50 per gallon. Just 2.5 gallons of DEF will yield more than 800 miles of travel. FCCC uses 10 and 13 gallon tanks. Drivers should expect to refill their DEF tank three times a year. Also, through extensive testing, Cummins Engine realized a 5 percent to 9 percent fuel economy advantage with SCR over the alternative in-cylinder EGR solution, which amounts to significant savings over time.


MYTH: Refilling the DEF tank is a hassle for vehicle owners.
FACT: The DEF tank is as easily accessible to drivers as the gasoline tank. Think of it this way: Refilling your DEF tank is like refilling your windshield wiper fluid. It’s something that is completed a few times a year, taking no more than five or 10 minutes.

With so many myths out there, it’s easy to see why motorhome dealers and drivers have questions about DEF and SCR technology. We hope this has helped clear up any confusion on the topic you may have experienced. If you do have questions or would like more information about DEF and SCR technology, please visit www.factsaboutscr.com or post your questions here, and I’ll be sure to follow up with you.
__________________

__________________
1976 Newell Classic (Sold)

Home Base: Riverside, CA

If anyone needs my contact info private message me and I will send it to you.

-Joseph-
The Newell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2010, 01:26 AM   #2
NewellCrazy
Senior Member
 
NewellCrazy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sugarland, TX or Salida,CO
Posts: 1,867
Default

A good read thanks for sharing.
__________________

__________________
Sean

If Ain't a Newell, It Ain't Wurt Oonin!
NewellCrazy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2010, 05:49 AM   #3
GringoPhil
Senior Member
 
GringoPhil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Armenia, Wisconsin
Posts: 278
Default

Interesting. Thanks!
__________________
1983 Newell Coach
GringoPhil is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2010, 04:24 PM   #4
86loco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 180
Default

A worthy read, Thanks for posting this.
__________________
Brady K. Jones
1986 Newell 40' 8v92
86loco is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Be happy you have a Newell or Prevost MrE RVing Safely 1 12-07-2012 02:30 AM
Any users of a Crestron Touch Screen system? farmell High Technology for the Big Rig RV 4 11-27-2012 09:55 PM
Are You an Early Riser? DavidBall Life on the Road | Livin' in Luxury 11 10-30-2012 09:03 PM
Buffalo House in Duluth, MN bigcatwally Wine-n-Dine, Events, Rallies and Great Locations 0 09-15-2012 01:50 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Newell Coach Corporation or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT. The time now is 05:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
×