Types of Equipment Needed to Store and Pump DEF
While it is critical that fleets utilize high-quality diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to keep engines running at peak levels, the quality and functionality of equipment used to store and pump DEF is equally important.
According to Charles Culverhouse, global DEF general manager at Old World Industries, parent company of PEAK Commercial & Industrial, fleet managers often overlook the significance of good quality equipment, which will save fleets in both the long and short run.
The Importance of Using DEF-compatible Material
Making certain that the right equipment, made from materials compatible with DEF, is very important in managing fleets equipped with SCR technology. Most petroleum equipment is not compatible – it is made of materials that can degrade or contaminate the product. DEF equipment must be evaluated based on its ability to keep the fleet running smoothly – if the chemical is contaminated at any point during its transportation, the risk of damage to the SCR system greatly increases, resulting in costly repairs and down time.
When storing and handling DEF, all wetted materials must be DEF compatible, including tanks, piping, hoses, nozzles, fittings and seals. Storage equipment is typically separated into three categories, which are detailed below, giving fleet owners the option to store and dispense DEF in a way that is most effective for their individual operation.
Types of DEF Store
• Light-duty pump systems. Designed to support fleet owners who only service a few vehicles. These are usually used for drum and tote dispensing and available in fleet, retail or commercial dispensing operations. PEAK Commercial & Industrial has designed tote pumps in a variety of sizes, from 1/3 HP diaphragm pumps, to portable 12V pumps and 3/4 HP tote pumps to allow fleet professionals to tailor storage and dispensing to their particular needs. • Mini-bulk systems. These can be set up to receive mini-bulk deliveries of DEF (between 500 and 5,000 gallons) and have some sort of pumping mechanism, such as a dispenser or light-duty pump depending on the site and the need of the fleet owner. Mini-bulk systems can be configured in a variety of ways – they can be very basic or more complex and able tie into the fuel management system, dependent on the fleet owner’s need. • Bulk systems. True bulk tanks are capable of receiving 5,000 to 5,200 gallons of DEF. Set up with a dispensing mechanism – PEAK Commercial & Industrial bulk systems are available in indoor storage systems and insulated storage systems to serve customers in various climates; mini bulks and bulk storage may need to be heated or insulated because DEF begins to freeze at 12°F. Bulk systems usually come fully equipped with a pump system, filtration unit, tank fittings and all venting components needed to maintain DEF purity. Quality Assurance is Key in Selecting a Storage Option
“Before deciding on a storage and dispensing option, a fleet professional must make sure the company they are purchasing from will stand behind their equipment if problems arise,” says Culverhouse. “Millions of gallons of PEAK Commercial & Industrial’s BlueDEF has been pumped through in test programs to make sure the equipment functions properly and the chemical isn’t taken off spec during storage and dispensing.”
Because one piece of equipment can be used to fill hundreds of vehicles, it is critical that a fleet professional utilize equipment that meets the ISO Standard with regard to compatibility. If a fleet professional who utilizes SCR technology uses high-quality DEF , storage and dispensing equipment, he or she will benefit from the full cost savings associated with the, SCR system, extending service intervals and avoiding expensive maintenance to repair damaged SCR systems.
