Have you ever wondered how sunlight affects Diesel Exhaust Fluid? DEF is an essential component in modern diesel engines, designed to curb harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It consists of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. When you store and handle DEF, it’s vital to know that various factors can impact its stability, and one significant factor is sunlight exposure.
Sunlight, especially its ultraviolet (UV) rays, can influence the integrity of the fluid. If you leave DEF exposed to UV rays for prolonged durations, it can lead to the breakdown of the urea. This decomposition undermines the fluid’s efficiency in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) process, which is pivotal for reducing NOx.
Moreover, if you allow DEF to sit under the sun, the rising temperature can speed up the crystallization process of the urea and promote ammonia formation. This not only lessens the efficacy of the fluid but might also harm the SCR system of your vehicle.
Thankfully, manufacturers are one step ahead. They typically package diesel exhaust fluid in opaque containers, specifically designed to shield it from sunlight and UV radiation. The DEF tanks and dispensing systems in vehicles are similarly designed to minimize any exposure.
But here’s a tip for you: when storing, always keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. By ensuring proper storage, you’re not just preserving the efficiency of the fluid but also prolonging the health of your diesel engine’s SCR system.
While sunlight does impact the fluid, with the right precautions, you can easily fend off its detrimental effects and maintain the fluid’s role in reducing diesel emissions.
Read related article: What Happens If DEF Gets Too Hot? (These 4 Things Occur)
This Will What Happen When DEF Exposed to Direct Sunlight
As a user of Diesel Exhaust Fluid, it’s essential for you to understand how environmental factors, such as sunlight, can affect it. The fluid plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions in diesel engines, but its effectiveness is susceptible to changes in its environment.
When the fluid is exposed to direct sunlight, especially for extended durations, the chemical composition starts to alter. The urea, a key component in DEF, begins to decompose when subjected to the ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you leave the fluid in such conditions for a sustained period, it starts losing its urea potency.
This loss of potency signifies that DEF won’t be as efficient in catalyzing the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions within the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. Consequently, you might face increased emissions from your diesel engine and potential non-compliance with environmental regulations.
Additionally, the increased temperatures associated with direct sun exposure can accelerate the urea crystallization and the formation of ammonia. This not only compromises the efficiency of DEF but might also lead to damages within the SCR system components.
Therefore, it’s vital for you to store DEF in proper conditions, shielded from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. While manufacturers package diesel exhaust fluid in opaque containers to reduce UV exposure, your awareness and diligence in storage are equally critical. By keeping the fluid in a cool, shaded place, you help maintain its efficacy and contribute to the optimal performance of your diesel engine’s emission control system.
DEF Fluid Can Go bad When It Is Exposed to Heat
Diesel Exhaust Fluid is sensitive to temperature extremes, especially heat. When the fluid is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, it can degrade and lose its effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know:
- Composition: DEF is primarily composed of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. The urea solution is essential for reducing harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in diesel engines through the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system.
- Degradation: When exposed to heat, the urea can begin to decompose and form biuret, which can negatively affect its performance in the SCR system.
- Crystallization: Prolonged heat exposure can also cause the urea in the fluid to crystallize. Once this happens, it can be challenging to revert the DEF to its liquid form, and you may need to replace the fluid.
- Impacts on SCR system: Using degraded DEF can harm the SCR system. It might not only reduce the system’s effectiveness in reducing NOx emissions but could also lead to costly repairs if components become clogged or damaged.
- Storage Guidelines: To ensure its longevity and efficacy, it’s recommended that you store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The ideal storage temperature is between 12°F (-11°C) and 86°F (30°C). If kept within this range, DEF can maintain its quality for up to 12 months.
The fluid plays a critical role in reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines, it’s essential to store it properly. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the fluid to degrade, making it less effective and potentially causing harm to the engine’s emission control system.
Is DEF Sensitive To Light?
DEF is indeed sensitive to light, especially the ultraviolet (UV) rays that sunlight emits. The primary ingredient in the fluid, which is urea, can decompose when exposed to these rays. This decomposition can adversely affect its role in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) process, which you rely on to convert harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into harmless components.
If you store DEF in direct sunlight or areas with UV exposure, it might not retain its quality for the typical 12-month shelf life. Given this sensitivity, manufacturers often package the fluid in opaque containers. These containers are designed to shield the fluid from sunlight, protecting its effectiveness. When you’re storing or transferring the fluid, it’s essential to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to ensure its longevity and efficiency.
Moreover, if you end up using DEF that has been compromised by UV exposure in your diesel engine’s SCR system, it may not effectively reduce NOx emissions. Over time, this inefficiency can lead to system malfunctions or reduced emission control.
So, when handling it, it’s crucial for you to be aware of its vulnerabilities. Proper storage away from UV exposure ensures that you get the best performance out of your fluid and your diesel engine’s emission control system.
How To Store Diesel Exhaust Fluid During Summer
Storing Diesel Exhaust Fluid correctly during the summer months is essential to maintain its quality and effectiveness. Warm temperatures and the increased intensity of sunlight can influence its properties. Here’s how you can ensure proper storage in the summer:
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays from the sun can degrade the urea, affecting its performance. It’s crucial to store DEF containers in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain Optimal Temperature: While the fluid can withstand a range of temperatures, it’s best stored between 12°F (-11°C) and 86°F (30°C). During summer months, find a cool and dry place, like a shaded garage or storage shed.
- Use Opaque Containers: If you’re transferring DEF into other containers, ensure they are opaque to protect the fluid from any UV exposure. Typically, diesel exhaust fluid is sold in containers designed to block UV light, but if you’re decanting or transferring, choose containers wisely.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure that containers are sealed tightly to prevent contamination. Exposure to external elements, such as dust and dirt, can compromise the quality of the fluid.
- Avoid Prolonged Storage: While the fluid has a reasonable shelf life, it’s a good practice not to store it for extended periods. If you’ve bought DEF in bulk during summer, try to use it within a few months.
- Check for Contamination: Before using the fluid that has been stored for a while, check for any signs of crystallization or contamination. If you notice crystals forming at the bottom or the fluid seems off, it’s better to dispose of it safely and get a fresh supply.
In essence, the key to storing DEF in the summer lies in keeping it cool, shielding it from direct sunlight, and avoiding contamination. By taking these measures, you’ll ensure that your fluid remains effective and maintains its integrity, ready to play its crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines.
To Make a Conclusion
Understanding the relationship between DEF and sunlight is essential for anyone using or handling it. DEF is crucial in reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions in diesel engines, but its effectiveness can be compromised if you don’t store it properly. Sunlight, especially its ultraviolet (UV) rays, can degrade the essential urea component in DEF. As a result, not only can this lead to increased emissions, but it can also disrupt the efficiency of the SCR system in your engine. By ensuring you keep the fluid shielded from direct sunlight and in a cool, shaded place, you maintain its quality. This not only safeguards our environment but also optimizes the performance of your diesel engine’s emission system.