The reasons mount for new streamlined products and technology
As 2010 approaches bus and motorcoach operators will read more and more about Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the fluid that makes it work — diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Contrary to the popular belief that DEF will be in short supply, Cummins, a manufacturer of diesel engines based in Columbus, IN, says this is not the case.
DEF is essentially a compound of a specific concentration of urea and water. Urea is a prime component in agricultural fertilizers already manufactured in bulk quantities. The U.S. alone produced 12 million tons in 2007, and world production reached 159 million tons. Clearly, supply is not going to be an issue.
Virtually every major diesel engine manufacturer is using SCR as its solution to meet the more stringent emissions standards of 2010. Most diesel automobiles will also use DEF. With that kind of demand operators can be sure everyone will be stocking DEF. Drivers will able to restock at every major truck stop along the highway, as well as at gas stations.
In fact, DEF is already available through Cummins Filtration and Cummins distributors, which includes more than 2,500 retail locations and 20,000 distribution points throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Cummins already stocks DEF through its authorized service network. Today, a full year in advance, more than 15,000 car and truck dealers distribute DEF, and dispensing equipment is being developed and produced for fleet self-fueling.
Dispensing technology and packaging are already in use throughout Europe, where 65 percent of commercial vehicles sold in 2008 were equipped with SCR and used DEF. It is currently available throughout North America in 10-liter jugs, 55-gallon containers and 275-gallon internal bulk containers, with 1,000-gallon bulk filling stations on the way. BR