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What You Need to Know About Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Urea Tanks

September 12, 2018 | Posted in Blog

diesel exhaust fluid
The prevalence of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) reflects efforts across various industries to meet new regulations for diesel exhaust fumes. This fluid is commonly known as urea. Urea is made of 67.5% purified and deionized water and 32.5% urea and is found in vehicles and diesel generators as part of a process known as Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR). When urea is injected into the exhaust stream of a vehicle or generator equipped with an SCR emission system, the heat of the exhaust causes it to decompose into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The vaporized DEF and other exhaust gases enter a catalytic converter which contains the catalyst Nox, which reacts with the ammonia in the vaporized DEF and converts it into the more environmentally friendly compounds of nitrogen and water.

Urea’s popularity has increased not only because of federal regulations, but also due to its increased efficiency compared to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Research suggests that the SCR process saves approximately 5% to 9% more fuel than an EGR engine. As urea becomes more widespread, the need for urea storage solutions has increased.

Tanks Direct urea

Fiberglass tanks and stainless steel pumps and piping, combined with proper installation corresponding with the climate of the location ensure that the Urea remains viable and that the storage unit which contains it will not corrode. Tanks Direct provided a 2,500-gallon custom-built insulated and heated HDXLPE urea storage tank and transfer system to the Equinix Data Center in Ashburn, Va. The transfer system is a stainless steel truck unloading station, stainless steel piping, transfer pumps, and related control systems.

Sources:
https://www.xerxes.com/assets/pdf/WPMA/def-mansfield-2.pdf
http://www.bowmannz.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/DieselEmissionTechnology.105104828.pdf

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