DPF Cleaning: The clever alternative to replacement

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) filters harmful particles and soot from the exhaust gases of a diesel engine. Over time, the filter becomes clogged as more and more soot particles accumulate. Regular cleaning of the diesel particulate filter is necessary to maintain engine performance, reduce fuel consumption and prevent damage to the engine. A clogged particulate filter can also lead to high repair costs, as it puts the engine under pressure and can lead to engine damage in the long term. Clean exhaust gas purification is also important in order to comply with legal exhaust emission standards.

The frequency with which a diesel particulate filter should be cleaned depends on various factors, such as the driving style and operating conditions of the vehicle. As a rule, a particulate filter must be cleaned or replaced approximately every 100,000 to 200,000 kilometers. However, the filter can become clogged more quickly with frequent short journeys, as the automatic regeneration of the filter is not fully carried out. It is advisable to have the soot content in the particulate filter checked regularly to determine the optimum cleaning frequency.

The cost of professional diesel particulate filter cleaning is significantly cheaper than purchasing a new DPF. At Advanpure GmbH, the price for cleaning a passenger car DPF is €299.00 gross, including UPS pick-up and delivery service. For commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses or construction machinery, an individual offer is drawn up that is tailored to the respective requirements. In any case, DPF cleaning is a more economical alternative to buying a new one, which can quickly cost several thousand euros depending on the model.

A clogged particulate filter manifests itself through various symptoms. The most common signs are

• Loss of engine power: The engine reacts sluggishly and the power is noticeably reduced.
• Increased fuel consumption: A clogged filter leads to inefficient fuel consumption.
• Warning lights in the dashboard: Modern vehicles are often equipped with a sensor that indicates a blockage in the filter.
• Increased exhaust pressure: A clogged diesel particulate filter can lead to increased exhaust back pressure, which puts a strain on the engine.

It is important to take these warning signs seriously and have the particle filter cleaned or replaced to avoid major damage.

Self-cleaning of the particulate filter is possible, but requires caution. A simple method is known as regeneration, in which the filter is brought to high temperatures in order to burn off the soot particles. This can be done on the highway by driving at a higher speed for a longer period of time. There are also special cleaning agents for particulate filters that are mixed into the fuel to dissolve the soot particles in the filter.

Special particle filter cleaning sprays can be used for more thorough cleaning without removing the filter. These are sprayed directly into the filter via a probe. If these measures are not sufficient, the filter may need to be removed and professionally cleaned or replaced.

Yes, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) can be cleaned without removal, but the results are highly dependent on the method and the degree of contamination of the filter. Two common methods for DPF cleaning without removal are manual regeneration and the use of particulate filter cleaners.

1. manual DPF regeneration

In manual DPF regeneration, the particulate filter is cleaned using high exhaust gas temperatures, which burn off the soot in the filter. This method can be carried out by driving for a longer period at higher engine speeds on the highway or by initiating the regeneration in the workshop. Disadvantage: This type of regeneration only removes the soot particles, but not the remaining ash residue, which accumulates in the filter over the long term. In the case of very heavily clogged filters, manual regeneration can be insufficient and lead to an uncontrolled rise in temperature, which can damage the filter or the engine.

2. particulate filter cleaner in the fuel

A particulate filter cleaner is added to the fuel and dissolves deposits in the filter while driving. These cleaners are easy to use and can occasionally reduce soot deposits. Disadvantage: This method often only has a limited effect on heavily clogged filters and can lead to additional residues in the system if used incorrectly. Furthermore, cleaning agents often do not achieve the efficiency of comprehensive wet and thermal cleaning.

A diesel particulate filter (DPF) that is not cleaned in good time leads to serious problems in the long term. The particulate filter becomes clogged with soot particles that accumulate with every combustion process. This has the following consequences:

• Reduced engine performance: The engine can no longer “breathe” properly, which significantly impairs performance and efficiency.
• Increased fuel consumption: A clogged particulate filter puts a strain on the engine and forces it to work harder, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
• Damage to other engine components: High exhaust back pressure can damage the turbo and other engine components, resulting in costly repairs.

In the long term, a clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF) can even lead to engine damage. To avoid expensive repairs, it is crucial to clean the particulate filter or free the DPF in good time.

A diesel particulate filter is cleaned in a three-stage process that has been specially developed to ensure the highest degree of cleaning, even for heavily clogged filters. Our process combines a thermodynamic cleaning method with wet cleaning, which enables thorough and gentle particle filter cleaning. Further details on cleaning can be found in the article on the thermodynamic particulate filter cleaning process at Advanpure.

Step 1: Wet cleaning

To begin with, the filter is treated with a special wet cleaning process. This involves flushing the particulate filter (DPF) with heated water and cleaning additives in order to loosen firmly attached particles. Due to the hydraulic properties of the water and the addition of cleaning additives, impurities are removed more intensively than with pure air cleaning. For additional cleaning effects, the filter is also blown through with targeted blasts of compressed air during the rinsing process.

Step 2: Thermodynamic cleaning

The second step is the main cleaning using a thermodynamic process. Here, the filter is treated with a controlled flow of hot air, which thoroughly cleans the surfaces. During the entire process, temperatures and pressure are continuously monitored and documented to prevent damage. The cleaning time is around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the degree of soiling and the size of the filter.

Step 3: Quality control and documentation

After cleaning, a comprehensive quality check is carried out, during which the filter is weighed and a pressure measurement is performed. All data is stored in a QM database. Our customers also receive a complete cleaning log containing all relevant information on the condition and cleaning of the filter.

Cleaning a DPF usually only takes a few hours. Car diesel particulate filters that arrive at our premises by 10 a.m. can be collected or dispatched by 4 p.m. on the same day. Filters that we collect by UPS Express arrive the next working day, are cleaned immediately and sent back the same day by UPS Express. They are then returned the next working day by 12 noon at the latest. This fast DPF cleaning and return service is ideal for vehicle owners who need to use their vehicle again quickly.

Not every diesel particulate filter can be cleaned. In some cases, the filter is so badly clogged or damaged that cleaning the particulate filter is no longer effective. Possible exceptions:

• Severe mechanical damage: If the filter is damaged internally, it should be replaced.
• Excessive ash deposits: While soot deposits can normally be burned out, ash deposits are difficult to remove. If the ash content in the DPF is too high, replacement is often the better choice.
• Thermal damage: High exhaust gas temperatures can damage the filter, which impairs its functionality and makes cleaning ineffective.

It is advisable to have the condition of the DPF checked by a specialist to determine whether it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Cleaning a diesel particulate filter does not impair the service life of the DPF, but actually extends it. Professional DPF cleaning removes deposits of soot and ash that reduce filter performance. Complete cleaning improves the exhaust gas permeability and reduces the exhaust gas back pressure, which relieves the filter and extends its service life. Thermodynamic cleaning in combination with wet cleaning (see Advanpure article) ensures that all particles are removed without damaging the filter’s sensitive ceramic core.

The risks of diesel particulate filter cleaning depend heavily on the method used. Non-professional cleaning, especially chemical cleaners or uncontrolled free-burning processes, can cause damage to the filter material. Some risks include:

• Thermal damage: An uncontrolled increase in temperature can damage the ceramic structure in the DPF.
• Residues in the filter: If inferior cleaning agents are used, residues may remain in the filter, which impairs the filter performance.
• Mechanical damage: Improper handling during installation and removal can also lead to damage.

A professional process, such as that offered by Advanpure, uses controlled thermodynamic cleaning with wet rinsing, in which the temperatures and back pressure are continuously monitored. This minimizes the risk of damage and ensures safe, thorough cleaning.

Yes, a thorough DPF cleaning can significantly improve a vehicle’s exhaust emissions. A cleaned diesel particulate filter ensures optimum exhaust gas flow and significantly reduces the emission of harmful particles. By removing the accumulated soot and ash deposits, exhaust emissions are reduced, which contributes to compliance with legal environmental regulations and also increases the likelihood of the vehicle passing the emissions test.

To prevent the diesel particulate filter (DPF) from clogging, there are some effective measures that protect the filter and reduce the likelihood of clogging: 1. Regular highway driving at higher engine speeds The DPF regenerates at high temperatures, which are reached especially during longer trips on the highway. Drive occasionally at higher engine speeds to burn off the DPF and prevent soot deposits. This allows the soot in the filter to burn itself off and the filter remains functional for longer. 2. use suitable fuel and particulate filter cleaner Use high-quality diesel and, if necessary, special DPF cleaners added to the fuel. These cleaners support the regeneration of the DPF and help to dissolve soot particles in the filter. Caution: Only use such additives occasionally to avoid residues in the filter. 3. avoid short journeys Frequent short journeys prevent the DPF from reaching the operating temperature required for regeneration. If possible, you should reduce short journeys or supplement them with a longer journey to allow the diesel particulate filter to regenerate regularly. 4. have regeneration started manually Have a manual DPF regeneration carried out in the workshop from time to time. Manual regeneration is particularly useful for vehicles that are mainly used in city traffic in order to remove stubborn deposits and extend the service life of the DPF.