Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a component in the exhaust system of diesel engines that is designed to reduce the amount of particulate matter emitted into the environment. It works by capturing and storing the soot particles produced during the combustion process, and then periodically burning them off at high temperatures to turn them into harmless gases. While the DPF is an effective way to reduce emissions, it can also be a source of problems for diesel vehicle owners, as it can become clogged over time and affect the performance and fuel efficiency of the engine. As a result, some vehicle owners may choose to remove or remove the DPF, although this is not legal in many countries and can lead to hefty fines and penalties. In this page, we will provide information about the DPF, including how it works, why it is important, and the costs associated with it. We will also discuss the issue of DPF removal and explain the potential risks and consequences of this action.
What is Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?
The Diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a crucial component in modern engine exhaust systems designed to curb harmful emissions. In accordance with the latest emission standards such as Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6, the DPF is now a mandatory requirement in some vehicles. The principle of operation of a DPF is to capture and retain harmful particles, which would otherwise pollute the environment. As a result, it serves as an essential component in reducing the number of harmful emissions released into the atmosphere.
Over time, the particle filter becomes clogged with the trapped particles, leading to reduced engine performance and increased emissions. To address this issue, the DPF has a built-in pressure sensor that measures the amount of trapped particles in the filter. When the soot level reaches a high point, the sensor triggers a process called “regeneration,” which initiates cleaning of the DPF. In other words, the DPF is capable of self-cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
However, despite its crucial role in curbing emissions, the DPF comes with a cost. Due to its complex design and the high level of technology involved, it can be expensive to maintain and repair. This has led some vehicle owners to consider canceling or removing the DPF altogether. Nonetheless, it is important to note that such actions may not only be illegal but can also have adverse effects on the environment and vehicle performance.
When the Diesel Particulate filter (DPF) becomes clogged with accumulated particles beyond a certain limit, it needs to be cleaned through a process called regeneration. However, there can be instances where the regeneration process does not take place. In such cases, warning indicators like the warning lamp or the Diesel Particulate Filter indicator will continue to be illuminated. Although we do not recommend it, you can find cleaning methods for the particle filter under the cleaning methods heading below.
Some brands offer disposable particle filters, while other systems have filters with particles that are burned out, resulting in self-cleaning. The process of self-cleaning is facilitated by a sensor and a syringe, known as an afterburner. When the sensor detects that the filter is full, it sends a warning message on the screen, indicating that the combustion process has started. To complete this process, the driver must continue driving for about 20-30 minutes, without stopping or idling and at a slightly higher speed until the warning message disappears.
It is important to note that regular maintenance and cleaning of the DPF is essential for ensuring the long-term health of the engine and avoiding costly repairs. Therefore, if you encounter warning indicators or any other issues related to the DPF, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.
Why Does the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Get Clogged?
- Low quality fuel,
- Bad burning due to failures in the fuel or air system,
- Long-term driving in low speed and heavy traffic,
- Running the vehicle at idle for a long time,
- Burning of the engine after using the wrong oil
Should I Have Particulate Filter Cancellation?
You can try cleaning methods before considering particle filter cancellation. But these will be a work around and you will soon encounter the same failures. Therefore, our recommendation will be to either replace the filter with a new one or have it canceled. However, for those who are curious, the cleaning methods are described below. If the problem recurs after performing the cleaning methods respectively, either the filter will need to be renewed or it will need to be cancelled in software. The cancellation method stands out as the cost is too high for filter replacement. The particle filter cancellation process consists of two stages. The first one is the mechanical process and the second one is the software process.
Mechanical process: A cover is opened on the diesel particulate filter and the filter is emptied. In order to prevent sound inside the filter, honeycomb-shaped pieces are welded and the opened cover is closed.
Software Process: The filter to be done after mechanical cancellation of the filter is to cancel the filter together with the software. The software in the engine control unit is read to the computer and the DPF maps in the software are found and the maps are canceled. The cancellation process is completed by writing the updated software on the engine control unit again.
We prepare particulate filter cancellation files on our website online. You can get detailed information about our file services by contacting us. For detailed information, please see our System Cancellation File Service page. You can find the current price of DPF cancellation on our price list page.
Is there any problem in emission values after particle filter cancellation?
The question of whether there is a problem in emission values after particulate filter cancellation is one of the most frequently asked questions.
For systems that are separate units with the catalyst; the cancellation of the diesel particulate filter does not significantly affect the emission values. Since the string particle filter has only soot properties, it does not disturb the emission measurement values. If your vehicle has no problem in air and fuel systems, your exhaust emission values will be good.
For systems with a single unit with catalyst; the cancellation of the diesel particulate filter will increase the emission values. Because its catalyst needs to be emptied. Therefore, emission values increase somewhat.
How To Clean Diesel Particulate Filter?
Diesel particulate filter cleaning process is carried out by 3 different methods. DPF cleaning methods
I – Self Cleaning of Diesel Particulate Filter
When you drive the car at high speed on the long road, the exhaust gas temperature will increase. So the particles in the filter will be burned out by itself. The important point here is not high speed, but high engine speed. Therefore, if you want to clean the diesel particulate filter while driving, you can drive for a while at high engine speed. In other words, you have to drive the vehicle for over 2500 rpm.
II – Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaning Process on the Road by Engine Control Unit (ECU)
When the diesel particle filter is full, the engine control unit (ECU) performs particle filter cleaning by changing the injection quantities with a special process.
The engine control unit ECU rearranges the injection system according to the regeneration mode of the particle filter. The ECU delays (delays) the preliminary injection and the main injection, and makes an additional 3rd post injection. Sub-injection is performed by spraying a small amount of diesel while the piston moves from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC) during work.
During the cleaning mode, the EGR system, which lowers the combustion temperature, is disabled. sends more fuel and increases the exhaust temperature. When the exhaust temperature reaches about 600 ° C, regeneration process begins and solid particles are burned and converted to drying. In some cases, this process may not work as well. The vehicle’s DPF or Engine Malfunction Lamp will not go out and the vehicle will lose power. In such a case, the vehicle should be taken to the service and regeneration should be done with the help of the fault detection device.
III – Cleaning Process by Connecting to Computer in Workshop
When the car is checked by workshop due to the particle filter malfunction lamp lit or the particle filter is full-clogged, a computerized cleaning process is carried out with the obd device. This process takes about half an hour. Some companies recommend changing the engine oil at the end of this process. Under computer control, the engine speed is increased and it is operated at high speed, the exhaust line will get very hot in this process. In some services, diesel particulate cleaner spray is also used for cleaning. The temperature sensor is removed and sprayed from there. Awaiting for half an hour, and then cleaning the computer with a diesel particulate filter.
As we said above, our advice for those considering the cleaning method will be that they do not. They are likely to fail again soon. Therefore, there will be unnecessary money expenditure.
Ref: Carstechnic and BTP Online Garage
