One of the biggest concerns voiced by customers in the lead-up to EPA2010 is the propensity of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to freeze at -11 C. While OEMs and DEF suppliers say it’s a non-issue (the fluid is freeze-thaw stable, and besides, DEF tanks are heated), it remains a point of concern for many operators -especially here in Canada. However, Terra Environmental Technologies has quietly been working on a solution that will be resistant to freezing at temperatures as low as -30 C.

In September 2008, Terra struck a licensing agreement with Kemira Oyj of Finland, obtaining North American licensing rights to Kemira’s patented Denoxium technology which includes ammonium formate. Among its advantages, Denoxium allows DEF to operate better at low temperatures and remain in liquid form in temperatures as low as -30 C, according to Terra. The company plans to roll it out in North America as TerraCair Plus, once it has been approved for use by the EPA and the various OEMs. The product is currently undergoing testing with various OEMs, the company confirmed to Truck News.