There are many advantages that diesel fuel has given people since its inception in the 1890s. Diesel is named after the German inventor Rudolf Diesel. Years after it was patented, it was then prototyped to run on peanut oil. But over time, it became the most efficient prime mover in the world.

Diesel engines are most common in large equipment like trains, ships, boats, trucks, and even military vehicles. It moves a large portion of the world’s goods, power much of the world’s equipment, and even generate electricity. Diesel’s significance is undoubtedly observed in people’s everyday lives.

However, its use comes with harmful emissions causing pollution. In truth, diesel is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollutions worldwide and will likely remain so, considering almost everyone owns a personal vehicle.

Such harmful emissions contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory effects, cancer, water pollution, air, soil, and global climate change. Because of this, there have been attempts to reduce such emissions, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction is one of the most successful ones.

The SCR was proven to reduce nitrogen oxides which cause significant damage to the environment. Recognizing its importance, the Environmental Protection Agency mandated the use of SCR in diesel engines. However, a consumable liquid called diesel exhaust fluid or DEF is needed for the SCR to work.

DEF is a solution made of de-ionized water and urea. It is sprayed into the exhaust system of diesel vehicles to break down harmful chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide and monoxide into water and nitrogen. Also, it can improve air quality by reducing the pollutants in the air. The reducing agent, DEF, is injected into the exhaust flow for vehicles with an SCR system.

With SCR and DEF, people will not have to worry about excessive black smoke or diesel exhaust fumes. And while the SCR has been around for a long time, the technology may be new for some. AS such, various misconceptions and false beliefs have begun surrounding the system.

Debunk such myths about diesel exhaust fluid by reading this infographic made by Pure Diesel Power.