Most gas stations engage in direct fuel sales. This means that when consumers fill their cars with diesel or gasoline, the product they are buying is measured as it is dispensed. A few unscrupulous retailers can, for example, tamper with fuel dispensers to make them charge customers for more fuel than they have actually received; most customers have no way of telling that this has happened until they have already paid for their fuel and driven away.

To prevent these abuses, the National Conference on Weights and Measures establishes standards for dispensing equipment, ensuring that all dispensers provide accurate information on fuel sales. State-level Weights and Measures departments enforce these standards. If you own or sell dispensing equipment, make sure you understand and comply with your state's regulations.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, weights and measures regulations fall under the authority of the Department of Agriculture. The Department inspects all fuel dispensing equipment and punishes violators. It determines punishment based on the gravity of the violation (i.e. did the violation result in monetary loss, personal injury, or property damage?), its frequency, and whether the violation was a result of ignorance, negligence, or willful criminal activity. Penalties range from warnings to fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Department of Food, Forestry, and Agriculture oversees weights and measures regulations. The Department requires retailers to submit plans for every fuel dispenser they install; it approves plans only if they meet all weights and measures and safety specifications. The Department also sends out inspectors to evaluate reports of fuel dispensing fraud. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission determines punishments for those who violate weights and measures laws, which usually take the form of heavy fines. The Commission can charge violators as much as $10,000 per violation.

Texas

The Texas Department of Agriculture enforces weights and measures regulations on fuel dispensers. It determines punishments for dispensing violations based on the specific method that retailers use to defraud their customers. For devices that start with a charge greater than zero, the department fines retails between $100 and $250 per device, depending on the amount of money stolen. Each device that doesn't provide a visible readout incurs a fine of $100. For devices that charge customers for dispensing more fuel than they have actually received, fines can range from $250 to $1,000 each. Retailers who refuse to cooperate with inspectors can be fined $1,000 for every day they delay the tests.

Planning to dispense fuel in Texas, Oklahoma, or New Mexico? Innovative Fueling Solutions provides a wide range of safe, affordable, legal fuel dispensing and maintenance equipment. For more information, explore our website or call us today.

Things have seriously changed. Perhaps you haven't noticed it because the changes have occurred subtly over the years. First, we moved to computerized systems, then automated phone lines, then, as if by some sudden urge to sanitize the world of face-to-face interactions, computerized checkouts. The “service station” of the past has unceremoniously been dismantled in favor of convenience stores and self-service gas vestibules.

Some people see it as a sign of advancement in technology; sure, you can see it that way. Some people see it as a sign that the world is moving forward; that is true, too in some ways. While there is plenty of “good” that has come from technology, I feel there are things that have suffered because of it, too; namely, customer service.

Have You Pulled Into A Full-Service Gas Station To Fill Up Lately? 

Just the other day, I pulled into a local gas station. I slid my debit card into the machine, pumped my gas and placed my card back in my pocket. I ran into the gas station for a drink. There, I checked out at a machine/self-service kiosk, once again, sliding my card into a payment station. The entire experience was devoid of all personal interaction. Sure, there was a person standing at the counter, but we did not speak to one another. There were no pleasantries exchanged; in fact, there was no eye contact made. I came and went as if I was a ghost.

It occurred to me that, perhaps, we’ve taken a step in the wrong direction. Wouldn’t you pay a little more for someone to fill your tank and wash your windshield? Or at least make that full service station your go-to for fuel?

Today, there are a few companies that place a high emphasis on human interaction. Sure, they claim to offer “convenient” customer service, but that service often comes in the form of automated messages and touch-tone answering systems.

All is not lost, however; some companies do focus on customer service, and they make it their mission to bring human interaction back into the humanity of business transactions. Innovative Fueling Services is one of those companies. If you appreciate human interaction in your business transactions, check in with us. We have melded technology with the customer care of years gone by. We strive to please and serve our customers every step of the way.

Although good for the environment, the use of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) carries risks for any business that operates diesel-powered machinery. DEF is a mixture of deionized water and a nitrogen compound called "urea." For every unit of urea, there must be two units of water. If this ratio is thrown off, or if the fluid becomes contaminated, the SCR system will not work properly and could damage expensive components. The following steps will allow you to ensure that the DEF you buy is the right quality.

Comparison Shopping

The easiest way to evaluate DEF is to look for API certification on labeling as well as ISO 22241 standards on labeling. Visit www.iso.org for more information. There are dozens of different companies that sell DEF.

Laboratory Tests

For a more scientific evaluation, you could send a sample of the fluid you buy to DEF testing laboratories, where professionals will evaluate it for you. These tests are the most accurate, but it can be expensive to have a professional lab test samples for you, and you'll have to wait until the lab mails you back your samples.

Testing Equipment

If you want the accuracy of scientific tests without the expense and inconvenience of hiring a lab to run them, consider performing your own tests. A variety of easy-to-use devices exist that allow you to test the quality and concentration of your DEF. With an optical refractometer, for example, you can measure the percentages of water and urea in your DEF by noting the degree to which the fluid distorts light. Digital refractometers are also available to calculate these percentages for you. Hydrometers allow you to measure the density of your DEF; the denser it is, the higher the percentage of urea. To test for contamination, you can put test strips in your DEF and see if they change color.

Want to buy equipment for DEF, water, industrial coolants, or fuel? Innovative Fueling Solutions distributes and installs a wide range of fuel storage, dispensing, and management products throughout the Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico area. For more information, contact us today.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is becoming increasingly important to the trucking and heavy machinery industry. The fluid is essential in reducing harmful nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions, which is why the Environmental Protection Agency has required that all diesel-powered vehicles use it. As beneficial as it is to the environment, however, the fluid is not without its risks. To prevent damage to your vehicles SCR system and down time on units make sure to avoid using contaminated DEF.

How Do I Tell If DEF Is Contaminated?

DEF can be contaminated easily, so it usually isn't difficult to tell if your supply is at risk. Contamination usually occurs through exposure to outside air and water or particulate matter, so if there are any cracks or weaknesses in the fluid's packaging, storage tanks or dispensing equipment, odds are that the DEF contained within is at risk.

Contamination can also occur during the manufacturing and packaging process. Usually, contamination causes the fluid to change color, so you should test before you use any DEF that changes in hue. For a comprehensive test, you can send the fluid to a laboratory, where professionals will evaluate it for various contaminants. You can also dip test strips in the DEF; if the color of the strips changes, the DEF has been contaminated with oil.

What Do I Do If I Discover I Have Been Using Contaminated DEF?

You will have to drain the  DEF tank, clean it thoroughly with deionized water, and perform a system flush with deionized water to make sure that contaminated DEF has been completely removed. Impure DEF can clog your DEF injector and damage expensive components within the SCR systems. If this happens, your SCR system will be seriously damaged, and damage most likely will not be covered under your warranty. Storage containers that have held contaminated DEF must be cleaned in a similar manner or replaced to prevent them from contaminating future supplies.

Once you have cleaned out the DEF tank and the SCR system on the affected unit, dispose of the contaminated DEF. The rules for DEF disposal vary by state and city. In some jurisdictions, you can just pour it into the sewer, while others require you to hand it over to competent waste-treatment professionals. If any of your DEF has spilled on the ground, absorb it with an inert, dry material such as sand and then place it in an approved waste disposal container. If you get the fluid on your hands during disposal, immediately wash yourself with soap and water.

Innovative Fueling Solutions sells affordable DEF storage and dispensing equipment that is guaranteed to protect the fluid from contamination. For more information, contact us today.

Due to EPA regulations and public support for sustainability, the demand for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is rising. The fluid plays a central role in selective catalytic reduction, a process that reduces diesel engines' environmentally harmful nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions. If you own a business that operates or serves trucks or heavy machinery, you're bound to make a large profit if you start selling DEF. Before you do this, however, make sure you have the proper equipment to test your DEF. With the following testing equipment, you can ensure that your DEF is safe and usable.

Refractometers

DEF is composed of deionized water and a nitrogen compound called urea. For the fluid to work properly, there must be roughly twice as much water as urea. Too much water and the DEF won't be able to eliminate all the NOx; too much urea and the fluid will not evaporate properly. Refractometers allow you to ensure that your DEF has the proper concentrations of water and urea.

Originally designed to test the quality of engine coolant, optical refractometers measure what happens to light when it moves through a liquid. To use one, first place a sample of the DEF on the refractometer's prism and look through the lens. The higher the concentration of urea, the more the light will be distorted, and the darker the sample will appear. You can then compare the sample to a color spectrum, which will tell you whether the DEF has the correct concentration of urea.

If you don't trust your eyes, you can also use a digital refractometer, which will calculate the concentrations of water and urea for you. This device is capable of controlling for outside temperature and other factors that can cause you to misread optical refractometers.

Hydrometers

Another option for measuring the concentrations of water and urea in DEF is the hydrometer. Hydrometers measure the DEF's density and compare it to the density of water. To use it, pour some of the DEF in a graduated cylinder, place a weighted bulb in the DEF, and record the point at which the bulb floats freely. The higher up the bulb floats, the higher the density of the DEF, and thus the higher the proportion of urea.

Oil Test Strips

In addition to urea and water concentrations, you must also make sure that no outside contaminants have gotten into the DEF. To do this, simply place a test strip into the DEF. Contaminants will cause the strip to change color.

If you need equipment for DEF, fuel, and other industrial fluids, Innovative Fueling Solutions in Amarillo sells and installs a wide range of fuel storage, management, and dispensing products. For more information, contact us today.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is rapidly becoming a staple at many truck stops and fueling retailers, especially those that deal in a lot of diesel fuel. Newer diesel trucks are using DEF to cut NOx emissions, as mandated by the EPA. Not all DEF is the same, however. There are differences in storage and manufacturing that can affect its quality.

Before purchasing DEF from a distributor or from the pump, it’s important to ask a few questions:

Does The DEF Manufacturer Follow Industry Standards?

In short, not all DEF is created equal. While the basic chemistry of DEF is the same, the manufacturing process can make a difference in its quality. Look for a manufacturer that holds API (American Petroleum Institute) DEF certification. You also want a manufacturer that meets international specifications, specifically ISO standard 22241. By meeting these standards, you can be assured the manufacturer is maintaining quality standards in manufacturing, handling, testing, and storage.

What Is The Manufacturing Date Of The DEF?

Generally, DEF has a shelf life of between one and two years. However, the exact shelf life depends on the ambient temperature in which it is stored. If the ambient temperature is kept between 10 and 90 degrees, the shelf life is at least a year. If temperatures do not exceed 75 degrees, the shelf life can be up to two years. Now, in a hot Southwestern summer, temperatures can get well above 100 degrees. While this will not affect DEF in the short term, it can cause problems if kept in those conditions for an extended period of time.

How Is The DEF Stored?

DEF needs to remain in a pure state to run efficiently. To ensure the fluid remains as pure as possible, DEF must be stored in a specialized container and use specialized dispensing equipment. It is also important for the DEF to be kept in a cool, dark location to prevent evaporation or premature spoiling of the urea.

What Size Containers Of DEF Do You Offer?

Semi-truck drivers will want to pump DEF directly into their vehicle. A fleet manager may want 55 gallon drums for dispensing. A pickup truck owner may want a 2 gallon jug on hand. Ask the distributor what size containers are available.

Getting answers to these questions will ensure that you are getting DEF of the highest quality. That way you know your diesel powered vehicles are running efficiently. If you want to carry DEF for your fleet or fueling operations, give us a call at Innovative Fueling Solutions. We design and construct fuel storage and delivery systems. We also design and sell systems for DEF. Contact us today.

In the process of SCR system selective catalytic reduction, which reduces the nitrogen emissions in diesel engine exhaust, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)is meant to become a vapor. The fluid is made of deionized water and a nitrogen compound called urea. When it is injected into the exhaust from the diesel engine, this heated water evaporates and starts decomposing the urea and creating ammonia. The ammonia then mixes with nitrogen oxide and other pollutants. It then comes into contact with a copper catalyst, and produces water and nitrogen. This eliminates 93 percent of the nitrogen oxide, and significantly reducing the environmental impact from the engine exhaust.

DEF's tendency to evaporate becomes a problem if it happens before the reduction process begins. DEF is supposed to contain 67.5 percent deionized water and 32.5 percent urea. If evaporation happens while in storage, the percentage of urea increases. This harms the process of selective catalytic reduction, which needs the proper proportion of water to work properly. It also makes DEF freeze at higher temperatures. The values are not lost when DEF is frozen. Once it is completely thawed, it is useable again. Since frozen DEF expands, causing breaking containment units and piping that result in wasted product, you should ensure DEF remains in liquid form at all costs.

How To Prevent Evaporation

The first step in preventing evaporation is to monitor the urea concentration of your DEF. With the proper equipment, you can perform regular tests on the fluid. You can test your DEF at your site with a portable Refractometer. This equipment measures the breaking index of fluid by light and the standard is defined by ISO 22241. If you find even a slight change in the urea concentration, investigate the tank immediately for any irregularities; you may be able to prevent further evaporation or contamination from occurring, and save the product before it's too late.

It is also important to make sure that the fluid is sealed off from the outside world. The better sealed your containment units are, the less likely that water vapor will be able to escape from the fluid. This method also prevents outside contaminants from getting into the stored DEF and spoiling it.

Evaporation, of course, is the result of overheating, so be sure to monitor the temperature of your DEF supplies. Many DEF storage systems come with temperature controls and thermometers; use these instruments to ensure that the temperature never drops below 32° F. The most effective way to prevent overheating is to store the DEF inside or underground. If you decide to store it outside, be sure to place your containers underground or under a shelter.

Do you need to install or repair DEF equipment or fueling equipment? Innovative Fueling Solutions provides safe, affordable equipment to New Mexico,Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. For more information, contact us today.

If you provide diesel fuel to retail customers or fleets you're most likely looking  at the advantages of bulk storage for diesel exhaust fluid. As the demand for DEF grows, it will become increasingly profitable for you to dispense the product at your pumps/dispensers. When installing DEF equipment, however, you have to decide whether to store the fluid above or below ground. Before making this decision, ask yourself the following questions.

Tank Size

If you're a truck stop owner, you're likely to sell large quantities of DEF at a time, making bulk storage and dispensing at your fueling island necessary. For this, an underground storage is ideal. Underground tanks let you store just as much without the inconvenience to your drivers

If, however, you’re dealing with a fleet of trucks or construction vehicles, light duty trucks and equipment that consumes only small amounts of DEF, aboveground storage tanks (AST) might be what you choose. Installing an AST is less expensive and easier than it is to expand on a UST. If you end up needing more DEF than your original tank can hold, you can install an additional AST.

What Are The Risks?

If DEF gets too cold, comes into contact with air or water/contaminants, or is stored in the wrong tanks, it can cause damage to any of the sensitive sensors installed on your vehicles/equipment. Each type of tank has advantages and disadvantages in avoiding these risks.USTs don't usually need to be heated and are less likely to be vandalized; on the other hand, ASTs have to be heated in cold areas, and they need to be sheltered.

What Local Regulations Affect Storage Tanks?

Because they are visible and bulky, ASTs can create problems with local zoning laws. Such laws vary, of course, by community, but make sure to research your own community's laws before installing such a tank. The EPA does restrict underground tanks, however, DEF is not yet considered a hazardous product and is not flammable.

Interested in installing, testing, or fixing fuel equipment? Innovative Fueling Solutions offers a wide range of fueling services and products throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. For more information, contact us today.

If you're a retailer who sells fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, or other industrial liquids, you know the importance of good storage and dispensing equipment. The following companies offer premium retail fuel storage products:

Blue USA

Blue's Retail Mini Bulk Storage System safely and easily dispenses DEF. Stored above ground, the system weighs between 2000 and 3500 pounds depending on tank capacity. Storage tank capacity ranges from 800 to 2000 gallons. The system's high-density polyethylene tank is resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for holding DEF.

Because DEF crystallizes if it becomes cooler than 12 degrees Fahrenheit, the Blue Retail Mini Bulk System comes with a 375-watt heater. Its tank has 110 percent secondary containment, reducing the hazards that will arise if the tank breaks. It also has an interstitial leak detector, allowing you to locate and plug up leaks as soon as they arise. It also comes with an overfill prevention drive to reduce fuel waste.

Tecalemit

Tecalemit's fleet /non-retail all-in-one bulk storage and dispersing unit combines DEF heated storage, pumping, and dispensing into one product. It comes in a variety of sizes; the smallest have a storage capacity of five hundred gallons, while the largest can hold over two thousand. The unit is compact, taking up no more space than other fueling products with half the storage capacity. Though designed primarily for DEF, it can also hold and disperse anti-freeze, window washing fluid, and lubricants.

Modern Welding Company

Whereas Blue USA and Tecalemit specialize in aboveground storage tanks (AST), the Modern Welding Company offers a range of underground tanks (UST). Underground tanks have the advantage of being out of site. Modern Welding sells tanks with a wide variety of storage capacities, ranging from three hundred-gallon tanks to sixty thousand-gallon ones. These atmospheric tanks are made of carbon steel, making them ideal for holding any flammable or combustible liquids. They can hold gasoline, diesel, ethanol, methanol, and potable water, and a wide variety of other materials; if you want to store more than one type of material, you can buy a tank with multiple storage components. These tanks are available in single- or double-walled varieties; the double-walled tanks come with interstitial fuel monitors. Installation is cheap and easy.

For retail purposes, Modern Welding sells storage tanks holding up to fifty thousand gallons of fuel. You can use these systems to dispense (DEF) diesel exhaust fluid, diesel, ethanol, gasoline, or fuel oil, depending on your fueling needs.

Innovative Fueling Solutions offers a variety of fuel storage and dispensers, retail and fleet as well as maintenance products. For more information, contact us today.

If you own a gas station, or any business that regularly serves heavy duty trucks, you've probably thought about selling diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF plays a central role in reducing the pollution that diesel engines produce, which means that, thanks to new environmental initiatives, the demand for it will rise rapidly over the next few years. Before you get involved in this lucrative new market, make sure that you understand how to store it efficiently so as to maximize shelf life.

What’s The Shelf Life Of DEF?

DEF shelf life varies based on storage conditions and exposure to the outside environment. The maximum shelf life is two years, though this is attainable only if you store the DEF under ideal conditions. You can usually expect the fluid to last for at least one and a half years. These figures, of course, only account for DEF that has been recently produced. Always check the expiration date on any DEF you buy to make sure the manufacturer has not been storing it for a long time.

What Can I Do To Extend The Shelf Life Of My DEF?

The first step in maximizing DEF shelf life is to store it in the right container. The fluid contains deionized water, meaning that it reacts with any materials that contain ions. You should only store it in containers made of deionized materials, such as stainless steel or high-density polyethylene.

The next step is to control the temperature. DEF will freeze if it becomes colder than 12°F (-11°C), and will degrade if it becomes warmer than 86°F (30°C). The easiest way to prevent freezing is to store it indoors, though many business owners are uncomfortable doing this in case it leaks. If you chose to store it outside, make sure to install a heater and a thermostat. It is particularly important to prevent the material from being exposed to sunlight/uv . Sunlight not only raises the temperature, but the ultraviolet light also degrades the material in its own right.

If for some reason you cannot prevent your DEF from freezing, make sure to leave space in each container when filling to allow for expansion in case of freezing . DEF expands when it freezes, and if this happens in a full container, it can crack the container and cause loss of product.

Interested in installing or fixing DEF, DEF equipment, or other fuel related  products? Innovative Fueling Solutions offers affordable, safe products throughout Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Oklahoma. For more information, contact us today.