Lately there has been a significant surge in pricing of Urea raising concern about DEF cost. There is some validity to the concern, but this seems to be a seasonal situation as spring fertilizing by farmers increases. Will this be sustained or is it really a typical shift of supply and demand. How much sustained impact is this likely to have on the DEF pricing? We’ll have to wait and see. What is real?
I have noticed some recent inquiry frequency regarding underground storage for DEF. Obviously, a steel tank is out of the question unless internally protected by a DEF compatible liner. Stainless steel is safe, but should have an outer shell of another material that will block electrolytic action with the soil in which it is buried.
Some are touting fiberglass as a suitable option, but this is dependent upon the resins used in manufacturing the fiberglass. Most are NOT compatible with DEF so make sure what you are buying. Again, this may be overcome by additonal of a DEF compatible internal liner for the fiberglass, but then the cost will become a factor.
It is important to avoid fluid contamination, as stated many times previously, or costly damage can be done to the catalyst bed of the SCR system on the vehicles.
Double check compatibility all the way through your filling process.
Lately, we at DuraFlo have been receiving many orders for components such as nozzles, swivels, breakaways, pumps and hoses for customers assembling their own systems. Occassionally there have been follow-up calls from a customer asking about problems being experienced once the equipment is assembled. In each case, this has been due to the use of incorrect materials for the assembly.
For example, the nozzles we sell are not for use on gravity fed systems. They are designed to operate at a minimum flow rate of 4 GPM at around 20PSI minimum. Without this pressure a flow rate, the nozzles will shut off automatically. A customer complained about discolored DEF fluid. When asked about the system assembled, they used a non-compatible hose plus carbon steel pipe, both of which will cause contamination and possible damage to the catalyst on the vehicles.
Before you build your own system, check out the fluid compatibility needs. Call us at 248-476-7782 and ask for Bob. He will be happy to review the information with you before you buy to assure you have a compatible and functional system to meed your needs, even if you are planning to build your own.
With our Canadian partner/manufacturing/distributor Magton Machining & Automation, the Duraflo DEF dispensing equipment and systems will be presented at Truck World 2010 in Toronto April 15, 16 & 17, 2010. This is the Canada’s National Truck Show with over 300 exhibitors. This is another opportunity to increase the knowledge of those who will need DEF for their vehicles for more environmentally friendly operation as well as higher efficiency for diesel engines.
American Controls, Inc.—the design leader of customized liquid control systems for some of the world’s largest auto manufactures—introduces DuraFlo: diesel emissions fluid storage and dispensing systems and equipment that accurately meter and dispense a urea solution into the urea tanks of your diesel powered vehicles. (more…)
