While the DPF industry has evolved over the last decade dramatically, the basic needs for service and maintenance has remained unchanged. Manufacturer approved cleaning methods must still be followed for proper cleanings.
By Mike Callaway
Since the introduction of Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) systems, the need to properly and efficiently clean particulate filters has been a challenge. A variety of methods have been used to shortcut manufacturer approved methods of cleaning DPF systems.听 Everything from using a pressure washer to beating on the side of the filter has been tried to clean DPF systems and many have been damaged from this. However, by shortcutting manufacturer approved cleaning and maintenance methods, DPF systems are at risk of causing engine damage, loss of fuel economy, as well as reducing catalyst performance. Ensure that your DPF system is properly maintained to increase the longevity of your system, and to prevent any costly repairs, or possible downtime due to system failure.
Cleaning Methods
Diesel particulate filter systems must be cleaned and听diagnosed by a qualified technician. Following the DPF manufacturers鈥� recommended听maintenance schedule and methods听will prevent expensive repairs down the road, and protect the manufacturer warranty.听Use the 鈥減ulse-bake-pulse鈥� method in cleaning and regenerating the filter, which ensures that soot is properly removed, and the filter is听heated to the manufacturer鈥檚 specified temperature for proper cleaning and regeneration.
Despite the method used in the pneumatic cleaning portion of the process there should always be a baking cycle to accompany it.听 Controlling the DPF temperature over time during the baking cycle is called the 鈥渞amp rate鈥�, and qualified technicians should be aware of the manufacturer-approved rates to keep your filter safe.听 Qualified DPF technicians should always diagnose and document the cause of filter plugging if possible, so the truck owner can perform the necessary repairs and prevent the need for premature cleanings.
Keeping a DPF鈥檚 History
Paper documentation of cleaning services has been the standard in the DPF industry. Customers could only use old copies of invoices as support for any warranty case. The industry is now catching up with technology and the use of digital applications will become commonplace.1 The use of an online application allowing听technicians to view complete filter cleaning history, as well as filter conditions pre and post-cleaning is a must. It allows technicians to听search by Vehicle Vin, Filter Serial Number, or Company name to find the filter being cleaned. The ability for a technician to view the full history of the filter and previous technician鈥檚 notes help the customer stay informed, and assists in diagnosing a pattern听causing cleanings听before a regular service interval. Information regarding听before and after flow rates, weights and pictures are all recorded at every cleaning. Additionally,听the technician will be able to听e-mail the service report to the customer for their records and the听technician notes at听the time of maintenance will听provide adequate documentation听for warranty purposes in the case of filter component failure.
Regardless of the documentation method that your cleaning center uses, make sure that you have access to the records in case of a warranty event. Access to quality products and system maintenance services are key in protecting your investment and revenue; therefore, every technician should be properly trained to diagnose, troubleshoot and maintain your DPF system.
Taking a Holistic Approach
Take听a holistic approach to the care of a DPF system. Always use the correct type of engine oil, such as an approved CJ-4 oil, and track your vehicle鈥檚 oil consumption. Turbocharger and charge air coolers should be checked regularly. Turbochargers that don鈥檛 produce enough air, or have a leaking seal,听can lead to oil and soot generation in the exhaust system, and may damage the DPF. Worn fuel injectors may cause engines to听lose fuel economy, lead听to improper combustion and filter plugging.听When troubleshooting DPF issues look at your vehicle as a whole.听 Your DPF acts in essence like a storage can, it only catches what gets put into the exhaust stream.听 The key to a health DPF is keeping that exhaust as clean as possible before it gets to the DPF through routine maintenance.
While the DPF industry has evolved over the last decade dramatically, the basic needs for service and maintenance has remained unchanged. Manufacturer approved cleaning methods must still be followed for proper cleanings. Documentation of service and cleaning intervals must be stored for customer records. The overall health of the engine must be kept proper working order. All of these factors contribute to the efficiency and longevity of a DPF system. Accepting sub-standard work or procedures from cleaning technicians on any of these fronts is putting your vehicle at risk of unnecessary downtime and costly repairs. | WA
Mike Callaway is the Communications Director for Diesel Emissions Service (Redding, CA). For more information about the SPN network, DES鈥檚 national DPF cleaning network, or FILTERtrak email Mike at [email protected] or call (888) 792-2922.
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Note
DES uses FILTERtrak to track cleaning services and to maintain
digital records.听 Learn more about FILTERtrak in this month鈥檚 Breakthroughs & Innovations sectio
