There is a lot of misinformation being spread about cleaning diesel particulate filters (DPFs). We have heard everything from active and passive regeneration being enough to people resorting to deleting the DPF system completely. However, are you aware single truck owners can be fined $2500 per incident and large truck companies might have to part with hundreds of thousands of Dollars or more for tampering with or deleting these systems. Deleting the DPF isn’t the answer, proper DPF cleaning procedures are.
If removing the system isn’t an option you want to consider, what do you need to know about proper DPF cleaning procedures? What is the difference between passive and active regeneration? When do you need to have the DPF removed for a more thorough cleaning? Our goal with this article is to help you understand the answer to these questions a bit more.
Passive, Active & Filter Removal – Proper DPF Cleaning Procedures
Passive DPF Regeneration – Quite simply, this is the cleaning that occurs automatically when trucks are running at speed, typically on the highway. In this situation, the exhaust is typically hot enough to burn off the soot that can clog a filter. This cleaning tends to become less effective when a truck is stuck in stop and go traffic or operation that does not allow the truck to get up to full operating temperature for extended periods.
Active DPF Regeneration – Active regeneration is used to manually increase the exhaust temperature in an attempt to burn off the soot. This is typically initiated by the operator of the vehicle. Essentially, the vehicle ECU initiates a specific fuel injection process designed to increase the exhaust temperature reaching the DPF to over 600 °C in an effort to stimulate oxidation of the particulate deposits in the filter.
DPF Out Cleaning – Even with passive and active DPF regeneration, you will occasionally need to remove the DPF from the vehicle for a more extensive cleaning. You might notice that the truck needs more passive and active regenerations to continue running properly. You might also notice decreased performance or a lower fuel economy. These are indications you need to have a DPF out cleaning done.
This process will keep the vehicle operating as designed and help you avoid a costly DPF replacement if the vehicle continues to operate with a clogged filter. A diesel mechanic will remove the filter and take it through a very thorough cleaning process with DPF cleaning equipment designed for this process. This is typically done by heating the filter to loosen the particulate and then using either forced air or fluid to remove the soot from within the filter. There are advantages and disadvantages to the air or fluid method. That is why we offer both an EvacuBlast and EvacuFlush DPF cleaning system at Enviromotive. The filter is then re-installed into the truck.
We hope that this brief article gives you some insight into the differences between the types of DPF cleaning and the importance of proper DPF cleaning procedures. Don’t risk heavy fines by deleting the DPF system, just maintain it properly. If you have any questions about aftertreatment system maintenance or DPF cleaning strategies, please contact us today by calling 800-954-8265. We have the best informed DPF related technical support available in the industry.
You can also check out our EvacuBlast and EvacuFlush DPF Cleaning System you see pictured in the article by clicking HERE. Or, fill out the contact form below if you are interested in learning more. We look forward to hearing from you!