DEF Solutions

Thunder Creek Equipment’s DEF delivery solutions fully meet the ISO 22241 standard for transporting and storing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). They are designed and constructed in a way to protect the integrity of both the fluid and the machinery’s SCR system.

DEF is a colorless, non-hazardous and non-flammable liquid composed of 67.5% de-ionized water and 32.5% highly pure synthetic urea. It has a shelf life of 6 to 36 months depending on temperature. DEF is used during Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to remove nitrous oxide and particulate matter from the exhaust of diesel engines. SCR is the process being used, in part or in whole, by large equipment manufacturers to meet strict EPA emissions regulations.

Though DEF is relatively safe, it is very sensitive to chemical impurities. Even a small concentration of trace elements which would otherwise be harmless in fuels and other fluids can contaminate a tank of DEF. This means pumps and containers used for DEF must not be used for any other fluids. Contaminated DEF loses its effectiveness at removing nitrous oxide and particulate matter from diesel engine exhaust. It can cause malfunctions within the machinery’s SCR system, shutting down the equipment and potentially voiding the warranty. Thunder Creek Equipment strictly follows the International Standard 22241 to ensure the quality of the DEF is maintained and safe to use during the SCR process.

The Thunder Creek DEF system uses 300 grade stainless and EPDM rubber which resist corrosion and prevent contamination. Additionally, the tank and all fluid paths are cleaned and purged prior to being sealed in a closed system. Thunder Creek uses a closed system because DEF can also be compromised when it comes into contact with airborne contaminates. Using the patent-pending 2-in-1 pump users can maintain a completely closed system ensuring there is no atmospheric exchange while transferring DEF between the bulk supply and the SCR system.

As DEF is 67.5% water precautions must be taken to keep DEF from freezing as it can cause a fully filled, closed container to burst. The Thunder Creek system features a sloped tank design to minimize damage in the event DEF should freeze. Additionally, a heater option is available for those users who live in climates where the DEF would be exposed to prolonged temperatures below 23°F / 10°C. Specifically, DEF begins to decompose into ammonia at temperatures above 122°F / 50°C. The DEF Minimum Shelf Life chart illustrates Temperatures and correlating DEF Minimum Shelf Life.