FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 1. Can I use NOx Free products in any of my diesel engines?
    • All DEF carried by NOx Free is API and ISO certified, allowing it to be used in any engine utilizing SCR technology confidently and safely. These certifications are the benchmark for all DEF manufacturing set forth by engine manufacturers, meaning all OEM’s approve the use of our product.
  • 2. Are NOx Free products recommended by the OEMs?
    • Terra-Cair is the OEM fill for Detriot Diesel, Volvo, Frieghtliner, Fuso, Thomas buses, Ford, Mercedes to list a few, and is approved for use in all vehicles that use DEF.
  • 3. Will I damage my engine if I do not use DEF?
    • Although engine damage does not occur if DEF is not used, the OEM’s have ensured that this does not occur through a series of sensors that tell the engine to 'derate' or 'limp' if the engine is attempted to be operated without DEF or the DEF is not to specifications. If DEF is replaced with another liquid, DEF dosing equipment will likely be damaged due primarily to impurities and solids contained within the other fluid, and sensors will be ‘overloaded’ due to parameters being out of the sensors normal range of operation.
  • 4. Am I able to switch DEF product brands, if desired?
    • Any brand of DEF can be used as long as the appropriate API, ISO, or DIN certification is carried on the product. All product sold by NOx Free is API certified.
  • 5. What package sizes will be available thru NOx Free?
    • Currently, NOx Free offers DEF in 5 package sizes: 1 gal jug, 2.5 gal jug, 55 gal drum, 275 gal tote, 330 gal tote, and soon bulk.
  • 6. Does NOx Free provide bulk tank truck delivery?
    • Currently, NOx Free is not providing bulk delivery of DEF due to lack of available bulk product and certified metering equipment that is approved for use in Canada. As the industry grows and bulk product becomes available, NOx Free will transition into providing more cost effective bulk service for our larger volume customers. We expect to make this transition in the next 18 months to ensure quality, affordable service to our valued customers.
  • 7. How does NOx Free ensure the quality of each delivery?
    • All purity and quality is assured by 100% compliance with ISO and API standards, which include product batch testing for purity and concentration during every step of the manufacturing process. All shipments of product are lot traceable and come with a certificate of analysis for each container (drum or larger), or a traceable lot number on jugs.
  • 8. Does NOx Free deliver outside of Alberta? In the US?
    • NOx Free is currently expanding into other provinces in Western Canada to support the growing industry in those geographical areas. NOx Free will soon be servicing Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and B.C. NOx Free does not service the US.
  • 9. How is NOx Free able to service all of Alberta?
    • NOx Free has partnered with Alberta’s premier logistics and warehousing provider to ensure that your product requirements are met both quickly and efficiently. Not only will this allow product to be at the right place at the right time, but it also allows us to reach further into Western Canada to service Northern British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba! While were not quite set up today, we hope to have everything ready by mid 2011.
  • 10. Will NOx Free offer dispensing options?
    • NOx Free currently offers several dispensing equipment options, including electric and air operated pumps for use with drums, totes as well as a flow meters. As a value added service to our premium contract customers, practical and durable dispensing equipment is provided free of charge and is tailored to the needs of the customer.
  • 11. Can I fill my own bottles of DEF?
    • NOx Free does not recommend that customers fill bottles of DEF for use in SCR systems due to the strict ISO requirements for maintaining DEF purity (free of contamination). For customers that do require filling, the ISO 22241 specifications provide detailed information regarding DEF quality, handling, testing, transportation storage, and refilling.
  • 12. Can totes be returned and refilled after use?
    • All drum and tote packaging offered by NOx Free is returnable, or in the near future, refillable on site. We do offer one way packaging as well.
  • 13. How does NOx Free’s automated dispatch system work?
      1. Metering equipment is installed on the dispensing unit of the DEF.
      2. Meters totalize the amount of product being dispensed.
      3. Once a set-point has been reached for consumption, the system trips a relay, which sends a signal wirelessly from the meter to a phone or internet based controller located at the customers facility.
      4. The controller contacts the server, telling it an event has occurred, which then notifies NOx Free via email, text, fax, etc.
      5. NOx Free confirms the order with the customer and ships the product.
  • 14. What price can be expected for DEF?
    • Current pricing for DEF centers on 'niche' markets which itself drives very low volume usage and premium pricing. This is not a realistic indication of where the industry will be in 1 year, or even 6 months. We feel current predictions are reasonably accurate that at-the-pump DEF pricing will be at or below the price of diesel fuel. NOx Free is committed to ensuring pricing is market driven and competitive in our rapidly changing market.
  • 1. Can I use NOx Free products in any of my diesel engines?
    • All DEF carried by NOx Free is API and ISO certified, allowing it to be used in any engine utilizing SCR technology confidently and safely. These certifications are the benchmark for all DEF manufacturing set forth by engine manufacturers, meaning all OEM’s approve the use of our product.
  • 2. Are NOx Free products recommended by the OEMs?
    • Terra-Cair is the OEM fill for Detriot Diesel, Volvo, Frieghtliner, Fuso, Thomas buses, Ford, Mercedes to list a few, and is approved for use in all vehicles that use DEF.
  • 3. Will I damage my engine if I do not use DEF?
    • Although engine damage does not occur if DEF is not used, the OEM’s have ensured that this does not occur through a series of sensors that tell the engine to 'derate' or 'limp' if the engine is attempted to be operated without DEF or the DEF is not to specifications. If DEF is replaced with another liquid, DEF dosing equipment will likely be damaged due primarily to impurities and solids contained within the other fluid, and sensors will be ‘overloaded’ due to parameters being out of the sensors normal range of operation.
  • 4. Am I able to switch DEF product brands, if desired?
    • Any brand of DEF can be used as long as the appropriate API, ISO, or DIN certification is carried on the product. All product sold by NOx Free is API certified.
  • 5. What package sizes will be available thru NOx Free?
    • Currently, NOx Free offers DEF in 5 package sizes: 1 gal jug, 2.5 gal jug, 55 gal drum, 275 gal tote, 330 gal tote, and soon bulk.
  • 6. Does NOx Free provide bulk tank truck delivery?
    • Currently, NOx Free is not providing bulk delivery of DEF due to lack of available bulk product and certified metering equipment that is approved for use in Canada. As the industry grows and bulk product becomes available, NOx Free will transition into providing more cost effective bulk service for our larger volume customers. We expect to make this transition in the next 18 months to ensure quality, affordable service to our valued customers.
  • 7. How does NOx Free ensure the quality of each delivery?
    • All purity and quality is assured by 100% compliance with ISO and API standards, which include product batch testing for purity and concentration during every step of the manufacturing process. All shipments of product are lot traceable and come with a certificate of analysis for each container (drum or larger), or a traceable lot number on jugs.
  • 8. Does NOx Free deliver outside of Alberta? In the US?
    • NOx Free is currently expanding into other provinces in Western Canada to support the growing industry in those geographical areas. NOx Free will soon be servicing Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and B.C. NOx Free does not service the US.
  • 9. How is NOx Free able to service all of Alberta?
    • NOx Free has partnered with Alberta’s premier logistics and warehousing provider to ensure that your product requirements are met both quickly and efficiently. Not only will this allow product to be at the right place at the right time, but it also allows us to reach further into Western Canada to service Northern British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba! While were not quite set up today, we hope to have everything ready by mid 2011.
  • 10. Will NOx Free offer dispensing options?
    • NOx Free currently offers several dispensing equipment options, including electric and air operated pumps for use with drums, totes as well as a flow meters. As a value added service to our premium contract customers, practical and durable dispensing equipment is provided free of charge and is tailored to the needs of the customer.
  • 11. Can I fill my own bottles of DEF?
    • NOx Free does not recommend that customers fill bottles of DEF for use in SCR systems due to the strict ISO requirements for maintaining DEF purity (free of contamination). For customers that do require filling, the ISO 22241 specifications provide detailed information regarding DEF quality, handling, testing, transportation storage, and refilling.
  • 12. Can totes be returned and refilled after use?
    • All drum and tote packaging offered by NOx Free is returnable, or in the near future, refillable on site. We do offer one way packaging as well.
  • 13. How does NOx Free’s automated dispatch system work?
      1. Metering equipment is installed on the dispensing unit of the DEF.
      2. Meters totalize the amount of product being dispensed.
      3. Once a set-point has been reached for consumption, the system trips a relay, which sends a signal wirelessly from the meter to a phone or internet based controller located at the customers facility.
      4. The controller contacts the server, telling it an event has occurred, which then notifies NOx Free via email, text, fax, etc.
      5. NOx Free confirms the order with the customer and ships the product.
  • 14. What price can be expected for DEF?
    • Current pricing for DEF centers on 'niche' markets which itself drives very low volume usage and premium pricing. This is not a realistic indication of where the industry will be in 1 year, or even 6 months. We feel current predictions are reasonably accurate that at-the-pump DEF pricing will be at or below the price of diesel fuel. NOx Free is committed to ensuring pricing is market driven and competitive in our rapidly changing market.

    DEF BASICS

  • 1. What is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)?
    • SCR is a technology that uses a urea solution (Diesel Exhause Fluid or DEF) and a catalyst to nearly eliminate NOx emissions in diesel engines. SCR is the leading technology being used to meet 2010 emission regulations.
  • 2. How does an SCR system work?
    • The purpose of the SCR system is to drastically reduce NOX emissions from diesel engines that are harmful to our health and the environment. SCR is an after-treatment technology that treats the diesel exhaust gasses downstream of the engine. Small quantities of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) are injected into the exhaust stream prior to reaching a catalytic converter, where it hydrolyzes into ammonia and carbon dioxide. The ammonia (NH3) in conjunction to the SCR catalyst, converts the NOX to harmless nitrogen (N2) and water vapour (H2O).
  • 3. What are the advantages of using SCR technology?
    • All 2010 heavy duty engines utilizing SCR will provide substantial fuel economy improvement compared to previous generation engines. SCR technology provides much greater NOX conversion efficiency, thereby allowing the engine to be optimally tuned, which contributes to a fuel economy improvement of up to 5%. Another benefit to the improved fuel consumption is less frequent Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) cleanout, thereby further reducing costs. On average a DPF cleanout cycle consumes 7 litres of diesel.
  • 4. What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?
    • DEF is the fluid required for the operation of the SCR system. It is a strictly regulated aqueous urea solution of 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% de-ionized and demineralised water.
  • 5. What is urea?
    • Urea is a nitrogen based compound CO(NH2)2 that turns to ammonia (NH3) when heated. It is used in a variety of industries, including fertilizer.
  • 6. How will I know that the DEF product I purchase is suitable for my vehicle?
    • The DEF you purchase MUST display the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification, German Institute of Standardization DIN70700, the International Organization for Standardization ISO 22241-1, and meet AUS32 specifications. These marks will ensure that you are purchasing quality DEF that is designed for your equipment. Visit www.iso.org for more information on these specifications.
  • 7. Can I make DEF myself?
    • DEF has strict requirements for maintaining concentration and purity of ingredients that is critical to the proper functioning and longevity of the SCR system, therefore OEM’s do not recommend customers make DEF themselves. OEMs require that DEF used with their SCR systems meet all ISO 22241 specifications as well as API certification requirements. It is recommended that end users avoid blending it themselves and purchase certified DEF. For more information about the quality standards, refer to ISO 22241 which details DEF specifications for quality, handling, testing, transportation, storage, and refilling.
  • 8. What does the API Certification represent?
    • API Certification is a voluntary program established by the American Petroleum Institute (API) which ensures and certifies that diesel exhaust fluid meets ISO specifications. All product carried by NOx Free meets all ISO 22241 specifications and is API certified. This certification is also recognized in Canada and is the benchmark for DEF quality and purity.
  • 9. Is the 32.5% urea solution critical?
    • Yes, as SCR systems will be calibrated to the 32.5% urea concentration, so that optimum NOx will be reduced during operation. The 32.5% urea concentration also provides the lowest freeze point for urea solutions.

    • DEF USAGE & HANDLING

  • 10. What is the freeze point of DEF?
    • DEF will begin to freeze at -11°C. At 32.5%, both the urea and water will freeze at the same rate, ensuring that as it thaws, the concentration of the fluid remains consistent.
  • 11. Does DEF expand when it freezes?
    • DEF expands by approximately 7% when frozen. DEF packaging and tanks are designed to allow for expansion due to freezing. The freezing and unthawing of DEF will not affect the quality or shelf life of the product.
  • 12. How much does DEF weigh?
    • DEF weighs 1.09Kg/L.
  • 13. How do I keep the DEF from freezing? What happens if the DEF freezes in the tank on the vehicle?
    • Vehicles are equipped with equipment that provides adequate heating for all components of the DEF system during operation. If the vehicle is shut down and the DEF is allowed to freeze, operation will not be inhibited, as the system is designed to quickly return the system to operating temperatures after starting. Vehicle tanks are designed to accommodate expansion of DEF due to freezing and will not damage the tank.
  • 14. Is there a DEF antifreeze additive?
    • No. Due to specific composition requirements of DEF, any additive would not allow the system to work properly and possibly damage components of the SCR system. There are currently no additives approved for use in DEF.
  • 15. Are there special storage requirements for DEF?
    • DEF should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Optimum storage temperature is up to 25°C, however temporary exposure to higher temperatures has little impact on the quality of DEF but prolonged exposure will affect shelf life.
  • 16. What is the shelf life of DEF?
    • The shelf life of DEF is directly related to the ambient storage temperature and exposure to direct sunlight. DEF will degrade over time, and expectations for shelf life as defined by ISO Spec 22241-3 are the minimum expectations for shelf life when stored at constant temperatures. When stored between -12°C and 25°C, shelf life will easily be one year. If the maximum temperature does not exceed 25°C for an extended period of time, the shelf life could be up to two years.
  • 17. What effect will prolonged exposure to high temperatures have on DEF?
    • Exposure to prolonged periods of high temperature will adversely affect the shelf life of the product. DEF stored at temperatures consistently higher than 30°C will have a shelf life of approximately 6 months instead of one year.
  • 18. Are there handling concerns with DEF?
    • No. DEF is a very safe product to handle. It poses no fire or explosion risk, is non-toxic and safe for the environment. It poses minimal risk to people, animals or environment when proper handling procedures are followed. Please refer to the MSDS for proper handling guidelines.
  • 19. What should I do if I spill DEF?
    • If DEF is spilled, contain the spill with an approved absorbent material, and shovel into an appropriate container for disposal. Avoid allowing spills to enter the drain, however in the event of this happening, flush with large volumes of water and contact local authorities.
  • 20. What happens if I ingest DEF?
    • Consult a physician if DEF is ingested.
  • 21. What happens if I inhale DEF?
    • Although exposure to DEF vapour is unlikely, it should be avoided. If DEF vapour is inhaled, remove patient to a well ventilated area and consult a physician if mouth, nose, and throat irritation occurs.
  • 22. Does DEF have an odour?
    • DEF may have a slight odour similar to ammonia, however it is completely harmless.
  • 23. Is DEF corrosive?
    • DEF is corrosive to copper and brass as well as many other metals and materials. Only approved materials, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) and stainless steel, will be used in the DEF tank, packaging and dispensing equipment.
  • 24. What measures have been put in place to prevent diesel from being pumped into the DEF tank?
    • The standard nozzle diameter for dispensing DEF is slightly smaller than the standard diesel fuel nozzle diameter, eliminating the chance of a miss-fill. In addition, the tank cap for the DEF tank will be blue to further differentiation from the diesel tank.
  • 25. What happens if a non-DEF substance is accidentally entered into the DEF tank?
    • The SCR system is designed to recognize solutions other than DEF immediately, and the DEF indicator light will appear notifying the driver. This may require servicing the system depending on the severity of the contamination.
  • 26. How much DEF will a truck consume?
    • DEF consumption is expected to be approximately 2 to 4% of fuel consumption.
  • 27. How far will I go on a litre of DEF?
    • DEF consumption is directly related to fuel consumption. A truck averaging 6 MPG/ can expect to go approximately 300 miles on one gallon of DEF.
  • 28. How can an operator determine how much DEF they will need/use?
    • DEF consumption will be approximately 2 to 3% of the diesel fuel consumed. Another way to consider it is that DEF will be consumed on a 50 to 1 ratio with diesel. (For every 50 gallons of diesel fuel burned, you will use 1 gallon of DEF).

      If you know the average fuel consumption of a vehicle, you can easily calculate the amount of DEF that will be used.

      Annual miles for average truck = 50,000 miles

      MPG for average truck = 8 mpg

      50,000 miles / 8 mpg = 6,250 gallons diesel fuel per year

      DEF usage @ 2 to 3% of fuel consumption = 125 gallons of DEF / year

      125 gallons / 10 gallon tank (average size) = 13 DEF fill-ups / year

  • 29. Is the DEF dose rate the same for all engine manufacturers?
    • The DEF dose rate will vary slightly amongst engine manufacturers. While most engines will have a dose rate of 2 to 3% of diesel fuel consumed, the dose rate will range from 1% to 3%.
  • 30. What happens if the vehicle runs out of DEF?
    • Vehicles that use DEF will have indicators on the dash that will alert the driver of the quantity of DEF on board. A gauge similar to a fuel gauge will indicate the level of DEF. There will be a DEF low level warning lamp that will illuminate when DEF is low. If the vehicle is operated such that one would run completely out of DEF, vehicle power will be reduced enough to encourage the operator to refill the DEF tank. Once the tank has been refilled the engine will resume normal power levels.
  • 31. Is there any additional maintenance associated with the SCR system?
    • The DEF Dosing Unit Filter will need to be replaced about every 320000 km as part of routine maintenance.
  • 32. On SCR equipped vehicles, what changes will be expected for lube filter service intervals?
    • There will be no changes to the lube filter service intervals on SCR equipped vehicles. The SCR process impacts the exhaust emissions after they are produced by the engine.