A common engine-related call will involve exhaust fluid, namely, diesel exhaust fluid issues.
It is very common for us at Howard Energy to get calls from customers about their fuel supplies. A common engine-related call will involve exhaust fluid, namely, diesel exhaust fluid issues. Three significant problems that are common are:
- Inadvertently putting diesel exhaust fluid into the diesel tank
- DEF contamination
- Incorrect handling of diesel exhaust fluid
Any one of these is a potentially serious issue that can cause severe damage to your equipment and vehicles. You can do a lot to help avoid possible issues with diesel exhaust fluid. Read on to learn more!
Do Not Confuse Fills
Diesel exhaust fluid is a type of emissions control solution that is designed to lower the amount of nitrogen oxide emissions in all diesel engines. The liquid, which looks similar to water, is sprayed into the exhaust before it fully exits the machine. Diesel exhaust fluid shouldn’t ever be mixed with diesel fuel, and it has its own port for filling. If this happens, and an operator starts up a machine with diesel exhaust fuel in the fuel lines, it can possibly cause thousands of dollars in damages. The cap for a DEF tank is usually blue. If you have any machines where the DEF and other diesel tanks are around each other, another simple way to tell the difference is in the size of the fill holes. Typically, the DEF fill hole is a lot smaller in diameter. If you’re in doubt, drain and flush out the tank with deionized water or clean diesel exhaust fluid.
Correct Handling
You will want to store the diesel exhaust fluid out of direct sunlight and inside stainless steel or plastic totes that the manufacturer recommends. A dry, cool location is preferred. The fuel will degrade over time, but it can last up to one year if it is stored around 12 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It will freeze at temperatures below 12 degrees Fahrenheit, and it could turn slushy, but this doesn’t impact performance or quality. If you’re going to keep it somewhere cold, you will want an expandable container. Diesel exhaust fluid expands seven percent once it does hit freezing temperatures.
Partner with Howard Energy, Inc. for Alternative Fuel Supply and Services
We’ve moved! Howard Energy is now located at 34 Thomas Ave, Brooklyn, MD 21225.
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond – 7 days a week with no surcharge on holidays or weekends.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.