Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) remove harmful particulate matter, such as soot and ash, from diesel engine exhausts. Due to stringent global emissions regulations, DPFs are fitted to an increasing number of trucks, buses, and cars. DPFs consist of numerous small channels in a porous ceramic honeycomb material, designed to trap particulate matter.
When the exhaust gas passes through the filter’s inlet channels, it’s forced through porous walls of the filter, before emerging from the outlet channels. The particulate matter is then trapped when the exhaust gases pass through these channel walls, removing up to 99% of the particulate matter.
DPFs have been used in cars, trucks, buses and off-highway vehicles and equipment for decades. The earliest DPFs appeared in cars in 2001and all new diesel vehicles are now fitted with a DPF, in accordance with EU Euro VI emissions regulations.
Under normal operating conditions, a DPF should last as long as a vehicle, although it will require servicing at regular intervals (depending on the duty-cycle of the vehicle).
Particulate Matter (PM), made up of soot and ash, steadily builds up in a DPF during use. The soot is usually removed during engine operation (by an automatic process known as regeneration) but the ash accumulates in the filter and must be removed periodically by cleaning the DPF to prevent blockages.
The frequency of DPF cleaning varies enormously, depending upon the typical duties performed by a vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer will provide guidance on the recommended cleaning frequency, which can typically vary between 1-2 years, depending on the vehicle operation. For example, DPFs in vehicles making frequent short trips at low speeds can often become clogged much sooner.
Many vehicles are fitted with a warning light that informs the driver when the DPF needs cleaning, based on an increase in the exhaust back pressure detected by the engine.
Fixing a DPF issue is essential as driving a vehicle without the regulated emissions control could compromise the legal compliance of the vehicle, if stopped or tested.
The appearance of a DPF warning light means the filter is not effectively removing Particulate Matter (PM). This means the vehicle isn’t working correctly and may cause loss of engine power, emissions of black exhaust smoke or unusual engine smells.
Our patented Xpurge® DPF cleaning process uses an innovative combination of deionised (purified) water and air to remove any accumulated soot and ash deposits from the filter. Ceramex has also developed proprietary technologies for drying the DPFs after cleaning. We are then able to inspect the condition of each individual DPF using our patented Veritex® DPF inspection technology and other techniques
The cleaning cost varies according to the number of filters that are cleaned under any individual contract. For a detailed quotation, please contact us at [email protected]
Each filter is uniquely barcoded, allowing it to be tracked throughout the entire process right through to despatch, so customers know they are receiving their original DPF back.
Ceramex can clean many different types of DPFs used in vans, buses, trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. DPFs come in different sizes, as well as a variety of ceramic materials, including Silicon Carbide, Cordierite and Aluminium Titanate.
Our Xpurge cleaning technology is used for open end DPFs, mainly seen in heavy-duty applications and Flexpurge technology for closed end filters, which are fitted in light commercial vehicles.
Visit the Resources hub or check your DPF part number now.
