Diesel Urea is comprised of 2 major components; urea and Deionized water (DI). Urea is an organic compound with the chemical formula (NH2)2CO. Urea has common uses in fertilizer, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. Urea is used at a 32.5 % mixture with 67.5% DI water in Diesel Urea in Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems (SCR). The fluid is in used to reduce the NOx pollutants, in exhaust gases from combustion from diesel, dual fuel, and lean-burn natural gas engines. In afore mentioned SCR systems; a water based urea solution is injected into the exhaust system. The ammonia produced by the hydrolysis of urea reacts with the NOx emissions and is converted into nitrogen and water within the catalytic converter.
Some quick facts regarding Diesel Urea
- DEF is a stable fluid that will not separate, and is colorless
- DEF is not flammable
- DEF is not a pollutant
- DEF is not listed by any U.S. or Canadian transit authority as a hazardous material
- DEF is not impacted by freezing and subsequent defrosting. However it does freeze at 11°F. The heating and cooling system on board is used to thaw the fluid
- DEF will degrade in direct sunlight
- DEF may have a slight odor similar to ammonia
- DEF weighs 9.10 lbs per gallon and is shipped Class 14 an “Environmentally friendly fluid”
Source: Diesel Urea
