Top 10 things to consider for meeting your growing Diesel Exhaust Fluid needs

Posted by Kelli Williams

As demand for DEF increases, more and more operations are deciding to increase capacity by installing a bulk tank. If a transition to bulk storage is in your future, consider the items below to guide your planning:

1. Do you have the DEF volume to support bulk? Underestimating volume is a big factor. You want to be as realistic as possible to not have to replace your storage quicker.
2. Don’t undersize the bulk tank. Most DEF tankers will hold between 4,800 and 5,200 gallons, and buying full truckloads is the most economical way to go. Make sure when you size your tank you give yourself cushion to reorder. Tanks in the range of 6,000 to 8,000 gallons work well.
3. Do you have space for the bulk tank? Space requirements should consider both area as well as height limitations.
4. Above-ground vs. below-ground bulk tank. Available space, cost, and environment are all considerations when defining this option.
5. Consider location carefully. Tank location must ensure easy access to the tank for the DEF tanker to unload. Would the location be suitable for DEF storage? Will the floor support the weight? Is there access to electrical? And is protection from the elements an issue (e.g., heat and UV can impact shelf life)?
6. Decide on your off loading method. What method will you use to off load the DEF product into the tank: fill through the bottom valve, or in the top?
7. Would you like to track DEF usage? Options include: electronic, manual, use of P-Card or tie into fuel management system.
8. Is yours a retail operation? Will weights and measurements certified DEF dispensing equipment be required?
9. Using proper DEF parts and equipment. You need to guarantee maintaining product purity. Using only DEF-approved piping and pump/dispensing systems will ensure this.
10. Getting the right DEF supplier. Your supplier should have DEF dedicated trucks for delivery and also be certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Installing bulk storage on site is usually both a practical and cost-saving solution. So it’s certainly wise to think it through before you break ground. Assistance is also available, such as the AiRx bulk tank installation offer, to help with planning and to defray some of the expense.

If you’ve installed a bulk tank at your location, we welcome your insights and tips.