Diesel Particulate Filter

A diesel particulate filter (or DPF) is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. Diesel particulates result from the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel which produces soot (black carbon) particles. These particles include tiny nanoparticles — smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter. Soot and other particles from diesel engines worsen the particulate matter pollution in the air and are harmful to health. New particulate filters can capture from 30% to greater than 95% of harmful soot. With an optimal diesel particulate filter (DPF), soot emissions can be decreased to just 0.001 g / km or less.

DPF Maintenance

Unlike a catalytic converter which is a flow-through device, a DPF retains bigger exhaust gas particles by forcing the gas to flow through the filter. Filters therefore require more maintenance than catalytic converters. Ash, a byproduct of oil consumption from normal engine operation, builds up in the filter as it cannot be converted into a gas and pass through the walls of the filter. This increases the pressure before the filter. Regular filter maintenance is a necessity!

How Can TerraClean Help?

A standard Diesel TerraClean service will help to remove particles from your DPF as part of a preventative maintenance programme. But when the device is too blocked there is a specific tool within the TerraClean range to remove the accumulated particles. This service is available from almost all of our TerraClean Service Centres and mobile engineers. TerraClean engineers who carry out our DPF cleans have our full technical support and that of our network and there is regular training specifically related to DPF technology available to ensure they are highly competent is diagnosing problems and identifying the correct resolutions. To find out more or to book your DPF service please contact us today.