JCBiron
Well-Known Member
I mentioned proper storage for DEF. There is a lot of confusion surrounding this topic. DEF does freeze, but freezing does usually harm it in any way. Heat will effect it and shorten its shelf life. DEF needs to be kept out of sunlight and preferably in cooler temperatures. Over 80* the shelf life really starts dropping. 86* constant will net a 2 year shelf life. Get over 100* and you are down to less than 6 months at best. At 32* it will last forever, 70* will go over 5 years. Its important to take this into consideration when buying. Bulk or IBC totes will be the best pricing (I pay $1.70 bulk delivered) but you need to be able to use it up before it will go bad. When it will go bad depends on how you store it and when it was produced to begin with. Your supplier should have a born on date or batch code for you to look this info up. It's best to store it in a shop and this works fine for some people, but for those who have to go out to the jobsite it can be a pain. It's best to store it in a closed system as well, sealed from the environment. Our system is from PIUSI. It was a little over $1,500. Some people will transfer from bulk to jugs to take with them. This can work, but since it is an open system there is always a risk of contamination. Generally the main issue from this method is plugged DEF filters.
Keep in mind when talking temperatures and storage with DEF....the temp recommendations/ratings are based off a day's average temperature. So even if you have a stretch of 100deg. weather, your average temp over 24 hrs is still most likely in the low 80's. And unless you live in the desert, this window of temperatures may only be relevant for a couple months out of the year.
We have literally had zero issues related to degradation of DEF quality due to temperature. The key is obviously not buying more than you can use/need in a couple year time span, and yes, you are correct, keeping it out of direct sunlight also helps. Don't know many guys that store it outside in the elements.
Freezing has no impact on quality whatsoever, and the systems are designed to deal with frozen fluid a couple different ways....one by circulating coolant through the system to thaw everything out, as well as the equipment "knowing" the temp and not throwing up the "No DEF" flag until the machine is at an acceptable temp.
If you can't tell, I'm a big fan of DEF/SCR over DPF/Regen.....I would simply rather control emissions after the engine, not WITH it.