What is a DPF?
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a component that is part of the exhaust system on all modern diesel vehicles. Its role is to stop harmful emissions from entering our environment.
It does this by collecting the particulate matter in the cells (or cores) of the filter, which are capped at either end of selected cells. The capped cells force the exhaust gases to flow through the wall of the filter, which then traps particular matter.
DPFs are designed to function primarily in self-regeneration mode, which means when the particulate matter (or soot) accumulation reaches its limited threshold it is burned off in what is known as a regeneration cycle. This burning of the soot leaves behind a substance known as ash. Ash remains in the filter indefinitely until it is removed from the vehicle and cleaned or replaced.
What are the warning signs that a DPF requires cleaning?
A diesel vehicle will alert the driver that it has reached capacity in a number of ways, including:
- Dashboard warning light
- Loss of horsepower
- Reduced fuel economy
- Frequent regenerations
It is vital that these warning signs are not overlooked, as a full filter will damage your DPF which will result in requiring particulate filter replacement.
How is a DPF cleaned?
To obtain an accurate diagnosis, the DPF needs to be removed from the vehicle for inspection by an authorised automotive technician.
There are a few methods in which the DPF clean can be conducted, however, at DPF HQ, we employ ultrasonic technology as we believe it is the safest and most sustainable method.
When blocked DPFs are submerged into our ultrasonic tanks, it initiates a process whereby high-frequency sound waves create cavitation bubbles which implode on impact. This microscopic implosion can reach every minute cavity of the Diesel Particulate Filter, removing all remnants of soot and ash.
We then implement a flushing process to completely remove the dislodged ash and soot particles.
The filter is then re-inspected before it is connected to our drying bench, where we dry the filter and monitor the filter’s flow capacity.
What are the benefits of a DPF clean?
Economically efficient
DPF cleaning services increase the vehicle’s fuel economy and performance, saving drivers on petrol and future car services. Keeping your DPF clean will help reduce the cost of running a diesel vehicle and increase the resale value.
DPFs that are cleaned regularly are less likely to become damaged and need a particulate filter replacement. Currently, the diesel particulate filter cleaning cost is less than a quarter of the cost of a new or genuine DPF.
Environmentally friendly
The DPF was specifically designed to prevent diesel vehicles from producing large clouds of black smoke and reduce carbon emissions. Systematic DPF cleaning services ensure that the DPF works at optimal efficiency year-round, reducing the negative environmental impact caused by exhaust emissions.
Quick and safe
When completed by our experienced and professional team, DPF cleaning is a quick and safe process that improves the longevity of your vehicle and saves you on costs down the track.
In an Australian first, our team offers repeated cleans on DPF components within diesel vehicles using innovative and efficient processes. By effectively evaluating the soot levels within the vehicle’s DPF, our specialised processes clean the DPF filter without causing damage.
Additional components
Alongside DPF cleaning, ultrasonic technology can be used to clean a variety of vehicle parts, including:
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve – The EGR Valve recycles exhaust gas back into the engines combustion chamber. It must be cleaned periodically to effectively control the vehicle’s carbon emissions.
- Intercooler – Intercoolers are air coolers that lower the temperature of the inlet gas within a vehicle to densify the air and optimise combustion. Without regular cleaning, the intercooler will fail to regulate combustion levels.
- Inlet Manifold – The inlet manifold evenly distributes air between the vehicle’s cylinders. Systematic cleaning is required to maintain this process.
Why DPF HQ?
Our team of diagnostic technicians offer diagnostic advice on all DPF components, ensuring that our customers have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done and why.
DPF cleaning services will help maintain the longevity of your diesel vehicle, reduce carbon emissions and save on future replacement costs.