The Petroleum Equipment Institute has announced intent to publish a Recommended Practice covering the storage, handling and dispensing of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

     The Recommended Practice is being published in response to a planned national roll out of DEF dispensing infrastructure at travel centers and fleet refueling sites. Pilot Travel Centers, the United States' largest operator of travel centers, announced in 2008 plans to install DEF dispensers at more than 100 locations nationwide in late 2009.

     Beginning with 2010 year-model diesel-powered trucks, Diesel Exhaust Fluid will be required in trucks utilizing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to meet federal emissions standards. SCR is an emissions-reduction technology with the ability to deliver near-zero emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx), a smog-causing pollutant and greenhouse gas. Virtually all heavy-duty engines in volume production today, that will continue to be sold after the new standards take effect, will require DEF.

     The Recommended Practice document, which will be authored by a PEI committee including industry veterans and DEF dispensing experts, is scheduled for publication in late 2009.

     Recommended Practice documents by PEI currently in print include Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems (RP100); Installation of Aboveground Storage Systems (RP200); Installation and Testing of Vapor Recovery Systems (RP300); Testing Electrical Continuity of Fuel-Dispensing Hanging Hardware (RP400); Inspection & Maintenance of Motor Fuel Dispensing (RP500); Overfill Prevention for Aboveground Storage Tanks (RP600); Recommended Practices for Installation of Bulk Storage Plants (RP800); Recommended Practices for the Inspection and Maintenance of UST Systems; and Design and Installation and Servicing of Marine Refueling Systems (RP900). The Association is also in the process of authoring Recommended Practice documents on Design and Installation and Servicing of Centralized Fluid-Distribution Systems at Vehicle Maintenance Facilities (RP700) and Design and Installation of Marina Refueling Systems (RP1000).

Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,500 companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of equipment used in petroleum marketing and related operations. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the international trade association for distributors, manufacturers and installers of equipment used in petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling operations. Users of the equipment include service station and convenience-store owners, terminals, bulk plants and airport refueling operations. The Institute's headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For additional information on PEI or its membership, please contact Tena Wooldridge at twooldridge@pei.org or visit www.pei.org. The PEI logo is a registered trademark of the Petroleum Equipment Institute.