The adoption of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a crucial component to modern environmental consciousness. The non-toxic system additive is essential for emission control in modern diesel engines. It can also save your trucks on wear and tear, and your company on fuel costs because DEF allows your engine to burn fuel efficiently.
As vehicle adoption has increased, so has the production of toxic emissions that affect air quality, public health, and our economy. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) particularly can contribute to acid rain, smog formation, and climate change. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty diesel trucks and engines in an effort to curb NOx and particulate matter production. They reduced the NOx limit from 2.0 g/bhp-hr to 0.2 grams g/bhp-hr, nearly a 90% reduction. Likewise, particulate matter limits were reduced by 97%, from 0.1 g/bhp-hr to 0.01 g/bhp-hr. It was at this point that the EPA also added requirements for SCR technology in heavy diesel trucks. Since these regulations took effect, NOx emissions from trucks have been reduced by more than 90% compared to pre-2000 levels, and air quality has improved alongside a reduction in diesel pollution-driven respiratory illnesses. And, a particular boon to businesses, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and the use of DEF have increased engine longevity.
So how does it work? Diesel Exhaust Fluid is a special solution of 32.5% urea and 67.5% deionized water, that has been carefully determined to yield high performance. The quality of the fluid is preserved in special storage tanks made of stainless steel or polyethylene plastic because the shelf life depends on the temperature at which it is stored. At Booster, we deliver on-site, self-service DEF dispensing containers that can be refilled when necessary or pallets of DEF jugs so that teams can easily fill their trucks when necessary. When a truck needs DEF, it is added to a separate tank so that the SCR can inject DEF into the exhaust system by a controlled dosing module. Once injected, the vaporized fluid reacts with and neutralizes harmful NOx molecules in diesel exhaust, converting them to nitrogen and water vapor and cutting the harmful emissions of your fleet.
And, thanks to SCRs and DEF usage, your engines are literally cleaner because the DEF’s breakdown of NOx means there is less matter travelling through your engine and leaving residue behind. Your trucks will use fuel more efficiently as a result, saving your company money and your team time.
Right now, North America has the highest share of the global market, using 34% of the global supply in 2023. The market for DEF is expected to grow to USD 84.92 billion by 2034, a growth rate of more than 7% over the next ten years as more large trucks incorporate SCR systems and use DEF in their fleets. Usage across the Asia Pacific region is also expected to grow in the coming years as urbanization continues and the global efforts to curb climate change become more and more important.
As more and more fleets adopt DEF, we will see more efficient fuel usage and lower emissions. It’s a significant step towards success. As the technology grows, the production of healthy alternatives also grows. It will continue to evolve by leading the way as a hope for a safe environment.