DEF and the Travel Plaza

By Chad Johnson

The topic of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) has been on many minds since the EPA finalized their reduced NOx emission standards in 2004, with final implementation requirements after Jan 1, 2010. Many of the OEM truck manufacturers have chosen to meet the regulations using the Selective Catalytic Reduction method, which includes the after treatment dosage of DEF.

Through the first six months of 2011, truck makers sold 72,067 heavy-duty trucks in the United States, up 46.3% from the 49,257 in the first six months of 2010, WardsAuto.com said July 13.  Why is this important?  A vast majority of the OEM truck manufacturers are meeting the new regulations with SCR due to its proven reliability and improved fuel efficiency. As travel plazas plan for their drivers’ needs, filling up with diesel and DEF is becoming more common as the sale of new trucks continue.

DEF is being distributed in both small jug and bulk installs through specially designed dispenser systems for the unique challenges DEF presents. As travel plazas plan their forecourts, convenience and speed should be considered for both diesel and DEF fueling. Dispenser systems that combine both the diesel and the DEF at a single fueling position minimize the forecourt footprint and expedite the throughput of the fueling traffic. 
Projections for SCR-enabled trucks show over 75% of trucks will require DEF by 2015. Is your forecourt ready to handle the opportunity today and in the future?

http://www.ttnews.com/articles/printopt.aspx?storyid=27126

http://www.discoverdef.com/news/2011/6/23/new-1plus1-pumping-systems-installed-at-two-travelcenters-of-america-stores.aspx

http://www.discoverdef.com/news/2011/5/17/exclusive-pilot-to-install-def-pumps-in-1,000-filling-lanes-by-october-2011.aspx

http://www.discoverdef.com/news/2011/3/30/love's-picks-gilbarco-as-forecourt-technology-supplier.aspx