If you own or know someone who owns a diesel machine, you have likely heard of the DPF. In today’s article, we will learn more about the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and the reasons behind its emergence. We will also provide maintenance and care tips so that your construction equipment is always in excellent condition and point you to where you can perform a DPF delete using an emulator when necessary.
Understand the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Climate change generated by the greenhouse effect is one of the main environmental problems facing the planet today. Much of this is due to the burning of fossil fuels, increasing pollutant levels in the atmosphere.
In order to reverse the environmental damage caused by the burning of fossils, there are laws and programs to control and regulate pollutants in the atmosphere. Following the measures, which aim to control construction equipment pollution through metrics and limits imposed for each type of machines, one of the ways to control pollution is through the DPF filter or diesel particulate filter.
The diesel particle filter is responsible for containing soot particles generated by the combustion engine. Instead of being deposited into the atmosphere, increasing the level of pollution, they are stored inside the filter.
The DPF purifies the machine’s exhaust. Soot passes through the filter openings, where it is stored. Once trapped inside the diesel particulate filter, the “dirt” is regenerated, and the regeneration process can happen in three ways.
- Passive: Occurs when the exhaust gases reach a high temperature. Passive burning of particles occurs when the construction equipment travels long distances at a continuous speed, that is, on roads or highways.
- Active: Occurs when the filter reaches its limit. The construction equipment needs a second injection of fuel to force the exhaust gases to reach high temperatures. This way they can be purified and expelled through the exhaust system. Active DPF regeneration is capable of eliminating up to 85% of the “dirt” from the filter via the exhaust.
- Forced: This depends on scanners and a more complex machine diagnosis. Mechanics evaluate the diesel particulate filter due to the high degree of clogging of the part.
The DPF regeneration period is around 10-30 minutes, which may vary depending on cold weather. It is also normal to notice increased fuel consumption during the regeneration process. Therefore, this part requires special attention.
DPF: Care and Maintenance
When the diesel particle filter reaches maximum particle detention capacity, the construction equipment’s dashboard lights up a warning light. The driver must take certain precautions if the machine’s speed is not constant enough to reach the ideal temperature and regenerate the exhaust gases.
One of the parts that causes great inconvenience and high workshop costs is the diesel particulate filter when damaged. To avoid this headache of replacing the part, maintenance and review of the DPF filter must be included in the routine. So, when checking more routine parts like the oil and air filter, include a look at this part as well. The first item that influences the DPF filter is fuel.
Traveling short distances, or not using your construction equipment can affect the diesel particulate filter. These conditions do not generate the high temperature necessary for the part to work correctly, in addition to the loss of power and performance along with greater fuel consumption.
To regenerate the DPF, drive on roads and highways that provide the machine with stability in terms of mileage and high speed. These factors will make the diesel particulate filter reach the ideal temperature for filtering and regenerating soot and ash. Only then can they be eliminated through the machine’s exhaust system, causing less environmental impact.
During the cleaning process, it is common to notice a reduction in the machine’s power and performance, increased fuel consumption, and possible burning smells and smoke. This is because the machine is working on cleaning the filter to burn off dirt particles.
After cleaning the DPF, the dashboard light will go out, and to make sure your machine is working properly, continue driving for another 20-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Once you notice the problem is persistent, you can consider removing it or using an emulator that allows you to perform a DPF delete. This can be done on several heavy machinery models. You can access a compatible emulator choice according to your machine and the DPF problem it developed.