Diesel exhaust filters, which are also known as diesel particulate filters (DPF), are integral components of most modern diesel engine systems. They serve an important practical (and regulatory) function, and like any engine system part or component, will wear out and periodically need to be cleaned or replaced.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Diesel Exhaust Filter?
Diesel exhaust filters are devices that help capture particulate exhaust from diesel engines and trap it before it is released into the atmosphere. This helps prevent pollution and improve air quality.
However, diesel exhaust filters also improve the fuel efficiency of diesel engines. This is because particulate matter (like soot) results from incomplete combustion and can be partially recycled as fuel.
Diesel particulate filters are important not only for the purpose of improving the performance and efficiency of diesel engines but also as a matter of regulatory compliance. It is illegal to remove or alter a DPF without replacing it (as per EPA regulations and the Clean Air Act).
How Does It Work?
Diesel engines ignite diesel fuel in the combustion chambers in a manner similar to a fire piston; the fuel and air mixture is compressed and heated to the point that it ignites. This energy is used to drive the pistons and turn the crankshaft.
However, not all of the fuel combusts perfectly within the engine. Diesel engine exhaust contains particulate matter such as ash and soot that, before they can be released, must be filtered through the DPF.
Diesel exhaust filters are a special class of filters known as wall filters which are typically made of ceramic or carbide. These filters mechanically sequester up to 90% of these particulates before releasing the exhaust.
Diesel exhaust filters also improve the fuel efficiency of diesel engines through a process called regeneration. There are two forms of regeneration processes: active and passive.
In passive regeneration, ambient heat from the system results in the combustion of the soot; in active regeneration, an additional supplementary heating element is necessary to catalyze combustion. Both forms of regeneration result in additional power being supplied to the system.
All different types of diesel exhaust filters can become clogged, and all need to be periodically cleaned or replaced. A good practice is to clean a DPF every 200,000 miles or so, but there are conditions that can result in a clogged or dirty filter earlier than this.
If your DPF filter is clogged or not performing, your truck should alert you through the DPF warning light on your dashboard. Other signs that your DPF isn’t performing properly are decreased fuel economy or the presence of a powerful burning diesel smell or thick, heavy smoke being released through the exhaust gas.
Where Can You Get a Diesel Exhaust Filter Replacement?
Still have questions about diesel exhaust filters, how they work, or where you can find replacements? Visit Filter Service and Supply online at FilterServiceandSupply.com.
They carry a wide range of diesel particulate filters and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) and also offer dust collection, cleaning, and recycling services.
Visit their website or contact them at 760-465-0263 to learn more about diesel engine operation and exhaust systems, and how filtration efficiency affects them.
