DPF filter cleaning - stages and benefits

Surely many of you have heard of the inconvenience caused by clogged DPF filters or catalytic converters in a vehicle's engine. It should be noted that if manufacturers have created something, it is not done in vain. The DPF filter has a purpose that is very important for your car, the environment and society.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is a diesel particulate filter (soot filter) installed in the exhaust system of newer turbodiesel engines. The filter is designed to neutralize solid soot particles formed during fuel combustion. Due to poor fuel quality, improper maintenance of the fuel system, long-term operation of the car in urban conditions, as well as due to the service life of the system components (at vehicle mileage greater than 170,000 km), the DPF filter becomes clogged.

Theoretically, due to the regenerative properties of the DPF filter, the DPF filter should be equally functional indefinitely. However, this is usually not the case due to the operation of the car itself, which requires special conditions. In order to properly remove soot and particles, DPF regeneration requires an extremely high temperature, which is recommended to be 600ºC to burn everything. However, the car can only reach this temperature when driving on highways and highways where the vehicle reaches higher speeds.

But the reality is different, we are driven in traffic jams and short distances in the city only worsen the efficiency of this cleaning process. Unfortunately, the practical world demands a different car to be used than what car engineers thought when creating them. The lack of high temperature is often the cause of the DPF filter clogging.

The DPF / FAP filter's self-cleaning process has a negative effect on engine longevity and service life. Due to the regeneration, the exhaust system reaches an extremely high temperature and the turbine suffers as a result - the variable geometry wings get stuck, the turbine becomes uncontrollable or completely fails. In the event of turbine malfunctions, the car's traction is significantly reduced and fuel consumption is increased. Due to the late fuel injection cycle, part of the walls of the unburned fuel cylinder escapes into the crankcase, thus diluting the engine oil. This reduces the lubricating properties of the oil, increases the oil content and requires more frequent changes.

This is why it is more useful and longer to wash DPF filters. This requires specific equipment that will be relevant to each service in the future. This is Plan B, when forced regeneration of the DPF filter no longer helps the car.

DPF filter cleaning process:

Each DPF, FAP or SCR type filter has its own unique serial number by which it is identified both during the entire cleaning process and during return to the customer.

Visually inspect the filter for damage, dents, cracks, or other features.

A check of the return air flow is performed. The data obtained are compared with the standards set by the manufacturer or other data provided, and a verification report is drawn up.

If the filter is undamaged and suitable for cleaning, the appropriate program is selected and the cleaning process begins.

After cleaning, the return air flow measurement data are checked again and recorded.

After evaluating the return air flow data and performing a hole depth check, the filter is assigned to the appropriate category (Green, Orange or Red).

After completing the required procedure, the filter with the performed inspection documents is returned to the customer.

After successful washing of the DPF filter, we have the following improved features: higher engine power and better dynamic properties; reduced fuel consumption; no more errors and messages related to the DPF filter; save up to 90% on the price of a new DPF filter.

DPF filter cleaning equipment performs everything very efficiently and safely, without any risk of damaging the filter element. After the cleaning procedure, the DPF washing equipment restores the permeability to 98%. Another advantage is that there is no need to cut the filter housing and remove the sensors, as they will and must be cleaned during cleaning.

Cleaning the DPF filter takes between 4 and 6 hours, and includes removing, washing, and reinstalling the DPF filter. The filter itself takes a variety of time to wash, depending very much on how clogged it is. With DPF filter cleaning equipment, the process takes 1 to 3 hours when it is already heavily clogged.

While this service is not cheap, you will be protected from barbaric methods where the filters are simply programmed and cut out. Because then everything that was trapped by the DPF filter will be released into the environment and more toxic gases will be emitted. When working with DPF filter cleaning equipment in a car repair shop, the service fees can range from 180 to 250 euros, with all dismantling and installation work. If the filter has already been removed, cleaning prices range from 130 to 170 euros.

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