Properly Maintaining Temperature for an IBC Tank of DEF

DEF tanks are standard in large trucks on American roads. Many companies store DEF in large IBC totes or tanks at work sites. Cold weather can impact when and how you can use your DEF fluid. Preventing DEF from freezing is vital to keeping up operations in cold conditions.

$2,024.00 USD

275 Gallon DEF Refilling Station/DEF Tote Heater (120V)

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For optimal DEF storage in cold weather, consider using IBC tote heating systems. These systems ensure your diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) stays pure and flowing, saving you time and effort when operating in cold conditions.

Challenges of Maintaining Ideal DEF Temperatures

DEF is a fluid that is non-hazardous, non-flammable, and non-toxic. This exhaust fluid is made up of 67.5% deionized water and 32.5% urea. It has one simple (but very important) job to do – reduce the harmful emissions otherwise ejected by diesel-fueled vehicles. This requirement came about nearly fifteen years ago when the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) made this exhaust fluid mandatory for all diesel vehicles in the United States.

How does DEF work in my diesel-run vehicle?

DEF is pumped into the vehicle’s DEF tank. When the engine is running, the exhaust fluid enters the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems). The SCR then sprays the DEF directly into the diesel exhaust stream. Once the DEF has made contact with the exhaust, ammonia from the DEF effectively breaks down the harmful emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxides) into simple, harmless nitrogen and water.

How to Store DEF

DEF storage containers range from two-and-a-half gallon jugs to bulk systems that hold anywhere from 300 to 4000 U.S. gallons. DEF is best stored in IBC totes (intermediate bulk containers). These IBC totes come in a wide range of sizes but are nearly equal in durability. They can endure everything from bumps and scratches to extreme weather conditions without cracking.

What should I do if my DEF freezes?

Understanding how tote heaters work can help you make the best decision to properly maintain temperatures for IBC totes and tanks. This is important because freezing is one of DEF’s bigger problems, as it may freeze at or below 12°F. Because even IBC totes can’t prevent DEF from freezing, they need protection. For example, a 330 gallon DEF tote heater will keep bulk DEF storage safe from low temperatures.

IBC tote heaters offer easy deployment and are effortless to use. Source: Powerblanket

Is thawed DEF safe to use?

If your DEF freezes, thawing it immediately should be your highest priority. Once DEF is thawed, it can be used as normal without any impacts to your SCR or diesel exhaust system.

Additionally, if you’re using dispensers like a DEF pump or an electric tote pump, your product can freeze in the pump and hose. This prevents dispensing – even if the fluid in the container hasn’t frozen yet. A heating system for a 275-gallon refilling station, for example, helps keep DEF ready to use without taking time or resources away from your operations. Consider heating systems that meet both IBC tote and pump cold weather needs.

Keeping DEF thawed

Heating containers with a DEF Tote Heater saves time and energy by only heating the unit and not an entire building or ambient air. You will want to find a DEF Tote Heater that:

• Protects the pump and hose
• Fully wraps around the entire tote and dispensing unit
• Keeps the DEF at its optimal temperature while factoring in heat loss from wind and cold temperatures
• Evenly heats so the DEF is not overheated in patches or left unprotected
• Utilizes a thermostatic controller to monitor and maintain the proper temperature

Also look for tote heating technology solutions if you keep your DEF stored in:

• 330 gallon IBC Totes
• 275 gallon IBC Totes
• 55 gallon drums
• 30 gallon drums
• 15 gallon drums
• 5 gallon drums

IBC Tote Heating Systems

Keep your diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) pure and flowing with our durable and reliable IBC tote heating systems.