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NOx reduction

This Ain't Your Grandpa's Diesel Truck - SCR, DEF & Clean Emissions

Diesel Engines have sure come a long way from the noisy, clunky, smelly, black smoke pumping trucks we used to see. Today's diesel engines are quiet and clean, and in the case of 2010 model year and later vehicles - they even have emissions ratings better than many of their gasoline counterparts. How did that happen?

The first step was the big one - the switch to Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel dropped the sulfur content from up to 500 parts per million to a max of 15 parts per million, which improved pollution levels like crazy and got rid of the black exhaust. 

The other major shift came as a result of the EPA's 2010 policy on reducing the NOx levels in emissions to almost zero. This was accomplished with the implementation of SCR technology and the use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) - DEF is injected into the exhaust stream and neutralizes NOx into Nitrogen and Water Vapor.  

SCR Emissions Graph

Image Credit (and a great source) - http://www.factsaboutscr.com/scr/engine-control-standards.aspx 

If you want to learn more about SCR specifics and how DEF works to eliminate NOx emissions, You can find out everything (and probably more) that you ever wanted to know in this new product information video from Peak at the following link: 

http://www.peakhd.com/product-lines/bluedef/about/ 

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Our Top Ten DEF Questions

Day to day, we get quite a few calls about Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Expanding fleets are increasing demand, and customer focus is moving from single-use containers to DEF dispensing equipment.

By now, most fleet managers are familiar with DEF, a solution of high-purity urea and deionized water, and how it is used with a newer vehicle’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment.

How much DEF do I need?

Your vehicle consumes DEF at a rate of about 3% by volume to diesel consumption.

 

Does the DEF mix with the fuel?

No, it’s sprayed into the exhaust stream where it reacts with the NOx in the SCR system, then released as nitrogen and water.

 

What DEF equipment do I need?

Beyond single-use containers, we offer a full line of dispensing solutions for fleets.

 

Does DEF have a shelf-life?

Yes, approximately two years.

 

Is DEF hazardous or flammable?

DEF is not hazardous, toxic or flammable.

 

Is DEF corrosive?

Yes, DEF is corrosive to copper and brass, as well as other materials. Only approved materials listed in the ISO 22241 standards should be used with DEF.

 

What happens if I run out of DEF?

Vehicles are equipped with a dashboard DEF gauge to alert the driver on the fluid level. If the level becomes low, an alert will let the driver know that the DEF level needs to be replenished. If the driver runs out completely, the vehicle power will be reduced to encourage the operator to refill the DEF tank. Once the DEF tank is refilled, normal power levels will be restored to the vehicle.

 

Does DEF freeze in winter?

Yes, a 32.5% solution of DEF begins to freeze at 12º F. Freezing does not harm the quality of the DEF solution. After thawing, the DEF will perform as required.

 

Why use a 32.5% solution?

The 32.5% urea concentration is the lowest freezing point for water urea solutions, and SCR systems are calibrated to a 32.5% solution for optimum NOx reduction.

 

What if the DEF in my truck freezes?

If DEF freezes when the truck is shut down, start up and normal operation of the vehicle is not inhibited. The SCR heating system is designed to quickly return the DEF to a liquid, and operation of the vehicle is not affected.

 

For more info on DEF, or help in choosing the right dispensing equipment for your growing fleet, give us a call.

 

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Ed Burke to Speak at Massachusetts GreenStar Expo

 

Ed Burke, Chairman of the Board of Dennis K. Burke Inc.  will be speaking May 3, 2011 at the Massachusetts GreenStar  Expo being held at the Boston Convention Expositon Center during the Fleet Managers Workshop.  Ed will be speaking about the new Selective Catalyst  Reduction Systems that are now standard on the majority of diesel engines built after 2009.  This technology is designed to reduce NOx levels 83% from 2007 EPA Emissions.  The SCR system  is an aftertreatment technology that treats exhaust gas downstream of the engine.  Diesel Exhaust Fluid (Def) is injected into the exhaust stream and reacts with the NOx, changing into emissions of harmless nitrogen and water.

 Ed Burke at a podium giving a lecture

For more information on Diesel Exhaust Fluid, visit www.burkeoil.com or call Kevin O’Leary @ 617-819-3206.

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