The role of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in reducing emissions and the prevailing regulations in Indonesia

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a technology used to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel vehicles.

SCR works by adding chemicals to diesel exhaust gas to reduce NOx to nitrogen and water vapor before it is released into the air. SCR uses a chemical called DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) to reduce NOx. The function of SCR is to meet increasingly stringent emission standards, such as Euro 5 and Euro 6. Without SCR, diesel vehicles will find it very difficult to meet these emission standards. SCR can reduce NOx emissions by up to 90%. The relationship between SCR and DEF is that DEF is used as the chemical required by the SCR system to reduce NOx. Without DEF, the SCR system would not function. So DEF is an integral part of the SCR system.

The main ingredient of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is made from a mixture of pure urea and purified water. Urea is a chemical compound formed from the elements nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Pure urea is obtained through a chemical synthesis process involving ammonia and carbon dioxide.

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Urgency of DEF in Indonesia

In April 2022, the government implemented Euro 4 emission standards for new diesel vehicles imported or manufactured in Indonesia. These standards set stricter emission limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). The government also set the limit of sulfur content in diesel fuel to 50 ppm (parts per million) to meet Euro 4 standards.

Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.20/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/3/2017 on emission standards for diesel vehicles. The goal is to reduce pollution and environmental damage In April 2022, the government implemented Euro 4 emission standards for new diesel vehicles imported or manufactured in Indonesia. This standard regulates the emission limits of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), to meet EURO 4 standards.

CO: 0.50 g/km

HC + NOx: 0.30 g/km

NOx: 0.25 g/km

PM: 0.025 g/km

The Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has determined that Euro 5 will be implemented in Indonesia in 2027. This is stated in the map of the development of the motor vehicle industry as stated in the Minister of Industry Regulation Number 27 of 2020.

The implementation of Euro 5 will have a significant impact on trucks currently in circulation. Trucks that do not meet the Euro 5 standard will not be able to be sold or used in regions that apply this standard. Therefore, truck manufacturers will have to modify their designs and technologies to meet the new standard. This may include improvements to the combustion system, the addition of diesel particle filters, or the use of other technologies to reduce emissions. Existing trucks may need to be upgraded or replaced.

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Why DEF is Important

1. EMISSIONS REGULATIONS

The latest Euro vehicles, such as the Euro 6have emission standards. DEF and SCR systems are solutionsthat are effective to reduce NOxemissionsand meet the requirements oftheseregulations .

2. Better Air Quality

The latest Euro vehicles can significantly reduce NOx emissions

3. Improved Fuel Efficiency

By reducing NOx emissions, vehicles can improve engine performance and optimize fuel combustion.

One of the industrial sectors that uses a lot of diesel engines as a means of support is the mining sector. The use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in various industrial sectors that use diesel engines as a means of supporting their operations is expected to produce better air quality.

Conclusion

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an important component in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system which functions to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel vehicles. DEF is made from a mixture of pure urea and purified water, and without DEF, the SCR system cannot operate effectively.

The urgency of DEF in Indonesia is increasing along with the implementation of Euro 4 emission standards since April 2022, which aims to reduce air pollution by limiting CO, HC, NOx, and PM emissions. Looking ahead, Euro 5 standards will be enforced in 2027, which will impact the automotive industry, especially heavy vehicles such as trucks.

The importance of DEF lies in its ability to help diesel vehicles meet emission regulations, improve air quality, and increase fuel efficiency. Its use in various industrial sectors, including mining, is expected to support efforts to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.