Posted by
Patrice Polite
As an Inside Salesperson for Airgas AiRx™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) I get many calls inquiring about gravity-feeding verses attaching a DEF pump to the top of the tote. When DEF first came on the market the best and safest way to dispense was known to be attaching a DEF specified pump to the top of the tote to maintain DEF purity requirements. As the DEF market grows more and more we have received increasingly more request to dispense from the bottom valve on the tote.
Which is better? Well let’s compare…
Pumping System attached to top of tote
-----Spillage control of DEF is maintained well, less accidents and loss of product. There are pumps on the market that pump and shut-off on demand---our best-selling pump is an on-demand pump for totes and drums.
-----Less opportunity for contamination of product, most DEF pumps have a holster that the stainless steel nozzle can rest in. This keeps it off the floor/ground where debris can contact and be put into the tank of the truck or another tote.
-----Easier market availability to DEF pumps and accessories that are constructed of high quality non contamination materials that won’t compromise the strict purity of DEF.
Gravity-Feeding from bottom Tote Valve
-----Spillage or overflow could happen if not continually monitored while the gravity pour increases by venting the tote. It’s a must to vent any tote that you are doing a gravity-feed; this allows air flow in the tote while pouring from the tote bottom valve feeding into the hose.
-----Being more cautious of dropping hose is needed when gravity-feeding to prevent contamination, I recommend the tote platform to elevate the tote and add a stainless steel nozzle to the end of the hose - using bare hose in tank or totes makes it easier to drop on ground/floor.
-----DEF Gravity-Feed Kits are becoming more readily available with the proper hose, camlock fittings, stainless steel nozzle, etc. Airgas has Gravity-Feed Kits that will help you do it the right way.
You can make the choice according to your DEF needs. Overall, both methods work well with the proper DEF quality materials and a good DEF Supplier. Need some help with these options or have a question - Just provide your question below.