This topic is coming up more and more often and the answer is somewhat complicated since the answer lies within the definition of what is Diesel Exhaust Fluid. In order for something to be called a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) the product must meet the following criteria:
- Must meet ISO 22241—Which is an international standard that defines the quality requirements for DEF including production, storage and distribution. The production, handling and transportation of DEF is governed by the ISO 22241 standards. The key points are:
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) must have a urea concentration of 32.5% by weight. This concentration was chosen because it is has the lowest freezing temperature, 12°F.
- The maximum level of impurities such as calcium and various metals such as iron, copper, zinc and aluminum are clearly specified. These limits are extremely low, to ensure reliable operation of the SCR system.
- This definition excludes the use of urea grades used in agriculture, and requires water purified by distillation or deionization or similar.
IF a product does not adhere to the ISO 22241 standards, then that fluid cannot by definition be called a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
With a growing market there will be more and more unlicensed products to hit the streets calling their product DEF but it will simply be a urea solution. The only reason why a product would be unlicensed would likely be that it wouldn’t meet the ISO and API standard for DEF. The issue with these products will be that they will likely lead to failures of SCR systems. Some of these failures could be immediate and others will likely take days, weeks, months or even years to detect before leading to a failure, but premature failure of the SCR system will occur.
Even today there is a lot of discussion on blogs talking about how even some independent blenders of DEF who have registered with the API and follow the ISO 22241 standards are not testing every batch and that some batches are not meeting the very strict ISO 22241 standards.
This can happen for a number of reasons, but primarily due to the type and purity of urea is not the Pharmaceutical Grade Urea but rather the Agricultural Grade Urea which contains impurities like aldehydes and excessive levels of biuret in relation to the ISO 22241 standards which are poisonous to the SCR systems. The other area that will cause critical failures for the manufacturing of DEF is the water purity. De-Ionized water is critical to the manufacturing of DEF. The slightest amount of metals/contaminants found in the water will cause the fluid to not meet the ISO 22241 specification and these elements will be poisonous to the SCR system. Elements like: Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Chromium, Nickel, Sodium and Potassium
All of the above are found in varying quantities/concentrations in typical tap water.
In closing, ONLY product that adheres to the ISO 22241 specification and is licensed with the API can be called Diesel Exhaust Fluid…all other products are simply Urea Solutions to various concentrations and cannot be called Diesel Exhaust Fluid.
Take it one step further and ONLY those suppliers who have long term supply arrangements with the producers of Urea and more specifically Pharmaceutical Grade Urea will be in a position to keep the market supplied with Diesel Exhaust Fluid so picking the right Supplier and Distributor is essential to ensuring that you have product to keep your fleet and equipment moving.
Click here to see the API Licensed products:
https://www.api.org/products-and-services/diesel-exhaust-fluid
About PPC Lubricants, Inc.
PPC Lubricants is the premier lubricants distributor in the Mid-Atlantic region, with over 40 years of excellence in the lubrication industry. Through its five locations in the region, 225 employees, and its comprehensive portfolio of innovative lubricant products and services, the company provides customers in the automotive, heavy-duty commercial and industrial industries with the products, service, and technical expertise they need to support their business. As a Shell Authorized Distributor and the first premier distributor of Drydene Performance Products in the United States, PPC is the trusted partner of many leading industry brands. PPC’s portfolio makes an immediate impact on customers’ bottom line, including its position as a leading producer and distributor of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and its full range of natural gas solutions, preventative service, maintenance plans, and supplemental products that keep customers moving.
Find more information about how PPC’s best-in-class customer service and sales support helps customers improve the efficiency of their lubrication programs and save money. Click here to contact us or call 1.800.772.5823.
FAQs
No, all brands of DEF should test exactly the same unless a brand is doing something incorrectly like cutting corners in their manufacturing or transportation process. For example, any of the following can affect the quality of DEF: Not using the right type of deionized water. Not practicing cleanliness.
Is there a difference between diesel DEF? ›
Diesel fuel - Product is pulled directly from the pipeline, so there isn't a heavy logistical variability compared to DEF. Diesel Exahust Fluid (DEF) - DEF is heavy in weight, which creates additional logistic costs. Diesel fuel - Diesel fuel is lighter compared to DEF around 2 pounds per gallon.
Is all diesel exhaust fluid equal? ›
While in theory all diesel exhaust fluid should be the same, there are some differences in quality, and if your truck gets a bad batch of DEF, it can cause problems.
Can you mix different brands of DEF fluid? ›
DEF Frequently Asked Questions
DEF fluid from different certified suppliers can be mixed.
Can you mix blue def and blue def platinum? ›
CAN BLUEDEF PLATINUM™ BE MIXED WITH STANDARD DEF? BlueDEF Platinum™ is designed to be compatible with every type of vehicle application, therefore can be mixed with standard DEF without issue. If BlueDEF Platinum™ is mixed with standard DEF, the desired performance will be reduced or lost.
What happens if you mix diesel with DEF fluid? ›
In conclusion, adding DEF to the diesel fuel tank can cause serious damage to the engine. If this happens, take immediate action and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic or dealership for proper repair. Remember to always keep DEF and diesel fuel separate and double-check labels before adding anything to your vehicle.
What is the best DEF fluid for diesel trucks? ›
BlueDEF PLATINUM™ is formulated to exacting international standards and backed by our Purity Guarantee, ensuring that only high-quality DEF is in your truck tank and flowing through your diesel engine.
Can you run a diesel without DEF? ›
Without it, your diesel vehicles will not work correctly, which will cost you time and money while your trucks are out of service. If you run a fleet of commercial vehicles or equipment that requires diesel, DEF is just as important to you as diesel fuel, as one can't be used without the other!
What is the difference between regular blue def and BlueDEF platinum? ›
As far as what the fluid is used for, which is the actual DEF, there is no difference. The difference is in the proprietary ingredients that was put into Platinum that they say keeps the DEF from crystalizing in the exhaust over time. I can verify to you all that DEF absolutely does crystalize in the exhaust over time.
Can you buy diesel exhaust fluid? ›
You can find Halfords AdBlue as part of our selection of vehicle fluids and oil additives. As well as AdBlue, you can find a range of diesel injector cleaners, additives and system cleaners that will keep your car's fuel, engine and exhaust systems clean on the inside.
DEF, or diesel exhaust fluid, is a ubiquitous component of almost every type of diesel-powered engine used in the United States. It's vital to understand the role it plays in the operation of your diesel equipment. Without that knowledge, you could end up with an engine that does not start up after your next pit stop.
Is DEF fluid made from urine? ›
Contrary to popular myth, cow and bat urine and DEF are not a thing. The urea used in the manufacture of DEF is synthetically derived from ammonia and carbon dioxide, and urea production plants are often adjacent to other sites where ammonia is produced, such as coal and natural gas refineries.
What happens if you use old DEF fluid? ›
Potential equipment malfunctions and issues, such as unexpected engine shutdowns. Damage to vital vehicle and equipment components such as the diesel particulate filter and the DEF dosing pump. Malfunction or damage to a vehicle's Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
Can I use blue def instead of AdBlue? ›
A: No difference between the two. Ad Blue is a brand of blue ref. I have mixed Peak Blue Def and Ad Blue. Thank you for your feedback!
What to look for when buying DEF fluid? ›
Check the expiration date before making a purchase and that the quality of DEF is up to the mark. For example, fleet managers should make sure that the DEF they are buying has a certification of quality with every bulk order.
Can I use any DEF fluid in my car? ›
Do not pour any other liquids into the DEF tank or DEF that does not meet the standard ISO22241-1 or DIN 70070 as this will compromise the correct operation of your vehicle. If you pour DEF into your fuel tank by mistake, DO NOT start the engine, and call your local Land Rover Retailer/Roadside Assistance immediately.
What is the difference in blue DEF and Bluedef platinum? ›
As far as what the fluid is used for, which is the actual DEF, there is no difference. The difference is in the proprietary ingredients that was put into Platinum that they say keeps the DEF from crystalizing in the exhaust over time. I can verify to you all that DEF absolutely does crystalize in the exhaust over time.
Can you replace DEF with urine? ›
Following the deductive reasoning that urine has urea in it, therefore, urine + water = DEF is 100% wrong, and will cause you a myriad of expensive mechanical problems. The urea found in urine is not in the proper concentration needed for DEF, nor is it of a sufficient level of purity, in either urea or water.
