The Diesel Particulate Filter

THE DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is an exhaust filter designed to reduce PM (Particle Matter -soot/black smoke) from the environment. This is not green house gas, it is fine dust that settles to the ground. The DPF is a system consisting of: A filter and a complex monitoring and maintenance system, to keep the filter operating correctly. The filter itself is made of a special catalyst which, the exhaust from the engine is forced thru, before leaving the tail pipe. The filter collects PM. As the PM accumulates exhaust pressure builds up behind the filter. The truck computer monitors the pressure, and when it determines the filter is clogged it injects raw diesel fuel into the exhaust system. Which ignites in the filter and re-gens (burn’s), the PM out. This re-gen cleaning cycle happens from every 100-300 miles and lasts from 15-45 min. This re-gen cleaning cycle, only happens when vehicle is at speeds above 45 mph. LONG TERM EFFECTS It reduces engine power because of the restriction in the exhaust caused by the filter. Reduced fuel economy, because of lower engine performance, and wasted fuel used in re-gen. Increased wear and tear caused by soot backing up into the turbo and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and diesel in the oil. During re-gen fuel is injected into the engine during the exhaust stroke. Small amounts of this fuel leaks past the piston and into the engine oil, thus dilutes the oil, which reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine properly, causing …

Tags: Diesel, Filter, Particulate