Pilot Travel Centers began operating its diesel exhaust fluid fuel island pump in Brooks, Ore., in preparation to serve vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction technology
. Pilot claims the DEF pump is the first in the nation.

According to Pilot, DEF has a 2 percent consumption rate in comparison to diesel, so a 23-gallon tank will cover 7,000 miles.

"The installation and operation of the first DEF pump marks a major milestone for Pilot and the commercial vehicle industry," said Mark Hazelwood, executive vice president for Pilot Travel Centers. "Buying and dispensing DEF in bulk quantities allows for greater handling efficiencies and more effective DEF pricing for our customers. This adds to the economic payback of using SCR which is proven to provide up to 5 percent in fuel efficiency while reducing emissions to near-zero levels at the tailpipe."

SCR is one of the technologies that can be used to meet the EPA's emissions requirements in 2010. When used in combination with diesel particulate filters, SCR technology helps to reduce criteria pollutant emissions to near-zero levels.

According to Pilot, DEF will initially cost $2.79 per gallon at the pump. Drivers can fill up with DEF while they are filling up with diesel fuel and will pay for DEF using the same charge processes they use today.

Pilot plans to install 100 bulk dispensing pumps at a rate of 25 pumps per quarter beginning in the 3rd quarter of 2009 through the 2nd quarter of 2010.

"Pilot is committed to its customers and communities. Both will be served by the fuel efficiency and near-zero emissions of SCR and enabled by DEF in 2010," said Hazelwood. "We've worked with Daimler Trucks North America and Detroit Diesel Corporation to prepare for entering this new emissions market and believe it only makes sense given the benefits customers will get in fuel economy, optimized engine performance, reliability and simplicity of SCR technology."


More info: www.pilottravelcenters.com