Among the various processes associated with the operation of a fleet of diesel trucks, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is one of the main elements that need to be emphasized most. The use of DEF is a must for the new diesel engine vehicles to pass the emission tests. Yet, the onset of winter requires a proper understanding of the effect of cold weather on DEF and the preventative measures to keep the fleet running. So, come along the path of DEF freezing’s nature, its related problems, and of course, the fuel trucks’ smooth running.
What Happens When DEF Freezes?
DEF is made of urea and deionized water, and, similar to water, it turns solid at temperatures lower than 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, frozen DEF is still very potent even after being thawed. The separation of water in DEF does not take place during freezing, so the physical and chemical properties of the product remain intact. Nevertheless, frozen DEF can still lead to the occurrence of several problems. One major problem related to frozen DEF is the time required for thawing. The time lost waiting for the DEF to melt can be irritating and may lead to a slowdown of your activities.
Furthermore, storage tanks might get damaged due to the increase in volume of the frozen DEF inside the tank. DEF will occupy about 7% more volume when it is frozen, and this can cause tanks to split or leak. To prevent this from happening, it is important to make sure that your DEF tanks are not completely filled during the cold weather. This practice includes any smaller containers you may transfer from your bulk DEF container.
Preventing DEF Freezing
Prevention is key when dealing with frozen Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). To get your DEF stock ready for winter and avoid the problems that come with frozen DEF, just do these straightforward steps:
First, remove snow and ice from your storage. Make sure that your container is not directly on the ground, which can cause freezing from the bottom up. In the case that your area gets very windy and cold, you could think of having a wind barrier built around your DEF storage. This will act as a shield against the harsh cold for the container. Suppose you are using a 330-gallon tote for DEF; it should already have a ground spacer as part of its design. If not, you may want to buy one so that your DEF does not get frozen and is always ready for use.
A further tip worth mentioning is to avoid using additives that claim to stop the freezing of DEF or decrease its freezing point. The purity of the DEF is very important for its correct functioning, and the addition of other substances may give rise to contamination. Using only pure DEF will keep you in a state of readiness.
It is also very important to track the temperature of your storage environment. It is important to always check the weather forecasts and monitor for any unexpected and sudden drops in temperature. On the other hand, if there will be low temperatures for a long period of time, maybe it is better to relocate your DEF stock to a well-insulated place or indoors. This way, you will be protected from freezing, and your DEF will remain ready for use whenever required. With these measures, you will have DEF supply that continues to be functional and effective throughout winter.
Frozen DEF Handling
In case your DEF gets frozen, don’t panic! There are certain ways you can follow to get your operations back online. You will have to wait for the DEF in your bulk storage container to thaw if it freezes. Of course, there is no fast solution, but you can, however, make it faster by moving the container to a warmer spot or perhaps using heating elements to thaw it more quickly. Just do not add any substances that are meant to keep it from freezing. DEF is specially processed to keep its characteristics even after thawing, so patience will be the virtue in this case.
The trouble with dispensing DEF from a frozen bulk container is due to the frozen product inside the hose. Just unhook the hose and bring it to a warm place to thaw. After it is thawed, hook it back up, and you should be undeterred by any other issues. If the DEF in your vehicle’s tank gets frozen, do not worry about it. Let it defrost by itself. The DEF heating element will keep on thawing the DEF while the engine is running. In case of a newer vehicle, the frozen DEF may activate a fluid level sensor, potentially restricting the engine from starting. Then, you will have to either wait for thawing or call a mechanic. If outdoor parking in below-zero conditions is the only choice you have, it would be wise to wrap the tank in thick textile padding so as not to let any frost in.
DEF Storage and Shelf Life
Under the best conditions, DEF will retain its potency for 12 months. If you have extra product, do not forget that it must be in HDPE plastic containers or stainless steel during storage. DEF is mildly corrosive and can penetrate some types of metals, thus rendering the metal ineffective for its intended use. If your product is close to the end of the 12-month period, give us a call before you are stuck between using the expired product and shutting down for a while. We can help you plan your product refills so you’re never overloaded on products or in a situation that slows operations.
The Importance of DEF Maintenance
At Superior Truck and Trailer Repair, we totally get that fleet DEF maintenance is really essential. That is the reason why we provide all-encompassing services for keeping your trucks in excellent running condition even during the coldest weather. Our experts are always there for you when it comes to resolving any DEF-related problems, such as freezing prevention, repair of broken-warmed containers, and making sure your DEF is at the best possible levels.
In addition to that, we offer towing, roadside help, and mobile service all the time. We have a wide range of services, and we will go to any extent needed to get your trucks back on the road again. Our towing service is mainly for light-duty and medium-duty trucks, but we may still process heavy-duty towing via our strong industry partners. Hence, no matter where you are or what sort of service you require, we can assist you.
Choose Superior Truck and Trailer Repair
With winter days, fleet managers will have to face difficulties and challenges; however, the right mix of understanding and a little bit of preparation can give them the desired outcome, i.e., smooth running of the trucks. Knowing the behavior of DEF in cold weather and taking preventive actions can really help by saving time, money, and frustration. That is where our Truck and Trailer Repair Shop come into play, as we are quite determined to provide you with the best services and advice for keeping your fleet in operation.