While this particular article is about Diesel Particulate Filter – DPF – maintenance and cleaning, we thought it might be beneficial to review some basics about DPF and why cleaning is so critical.

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?

DPF is an acronym for Diesel Particulate Filter. A DPF works in conjunction with the oxidation catalyst and EGR valve to remove a majority of the NOx, particulate matter (think black, cough-inducing soot) and unburned hydrocarbons from burned diesel fuel. According the the EPA, “Diesel Particulate Filters, also known as DPFs, are exhaust aftertreatment devices that significantly reduce emissions from diesel fueled vehicles and equipment. DPFs typically use a porous ceramic or cordierite substrate or metallic filter, to physically trap particulate matter (PM) and remove it from the exhaust stream.”

Soot is a natural byproduct from the combustion of diesel fuel. Inside the DPF is a porous honeycomb structure that catches the soot as it passes through. After the soot builds up over time, the onboard computer controls fuel injection to allow unburned fuel to enter the filter at measured intervals where it flares off and generates increased temperatures that incinerate the accumulated soot. The result: Soot is chopped by over 90-percent.

Maintaining Your Diesel Engine Vehicle’s DPF is Critical

Accumulated soot creates back pressure that will eventually lead to increased regeneration down time, loss of horsepower, reduced fuel economy, filter damage and, ultimately, engine damage! The EPA states that a “filter must be periodically cleaned to remove noncombustible materials and ash. It is important to avoid excessive PM and ash accumulation in a DPF, so proper maintenance and cleaning instructions should be followed closely.”

The improper care of your Diesel Particulate Filter could cause:

• Engine malfunction or breakdown.
• DPF warranty to be voided.
• Hefty fines due to your diesel vehicle engine to be non-compliant with air pollution laws.

What is the Recommended Interval for DPF Maintenance & Cleaning?

The interval for Diesel Particulate Filter cleaning varies between manufacturers specification, engine condition, duty cycle, and type of lube oil used in the engine. Most DPF retrofit manufacturers recommend cleaning the Diesel Particulate Filter once per year or about every 1000 hours of engine operation. The EPA mentions that the required cleaning interval may be as short as 6 months.

When Your Filter Needs Cleaned – Enviromotive’s DPF Cleaning and Testing Systems Will Outperform the Competition.

• EB9001 – EvacuBlast – Our state of the art Evacublast cabinet uses a manual technique combined of compressed air and intense vacuum that work in sequence to clean your Diesel Particulate Filter like no other machine can.
• EB9005 – EvacuFlush – Our state of the art flush booth uses a powerful water gun system to effectively rid the DPF of any and all soot or other debris.
• EB9002 – DPF Regeneration Oven – Our DPF cleaning regeneration oven is necessary to ensure that the soot packed into your DPF regenerates into ash, in order to make your cleaning process the most effective it can be, without causing damage to the filter.
• EB9003 – Soot Scale – This piece of equipment allows you to record, and inform your customer, the weight of the filter before it is cleaned, and after is cleaned. This allows you to monitor how effective and simple your cleaning process really is.
• EB9004 – Flow Test & Inspector Bench – This machine is designed to measure the flow of your DPF before, and after you have cleaned it. This will assist you in diagnosing whether the filter is cracked, damaged or exothermed.

If you have any questions about DPF maintenance and cleaning or Enviromotive EvacuBlast / Evacuflush technologies, please contact us today. If you are looking to have a filter cleaned and would like to know the closest maintenance facility using industry leading Enviromotive equipment, call (714) 778-5155 or email us at info@Enviromotive.net. We would be happy to provide you with a local center or discuss our equipment and why it produces the best overall cleaning of DPFs available.