In 2007, diesel particulate filters (DPFs) were introduced for many medium and heavy-duty OEMs in the North American market. These filters were the optimal solution that the manufacturers came up with to meet the government-mandated emission standards.

Simply put, the diesel particulate filter physically captures the diesel particulate matter and soot preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. Over time, the filter will fill up with soot and the aftertreatment servicing for the diesel particulate filters have also become a necessary measure since then.

What Is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?

A diesel particulate filter can also be referred to as a soot trap, in simple words. Its primary purpose is to capture the soot before it emits out as ‘exhaust’ into the air. The filter works as a sponge-like structure to trap the diesel particulates. Over time, the sponge like filter will fill up with soot and a ‘regeneration’ process is required which will turn the soot and other captured particles into ash through high temperature treatment.

Technically speaking, the particulates resulting from diesel fuel combustion can be wholly regenerated without leaving a trace of ash. However, fuel additives, oil lubricants, and other engine metals are usually a part of the diesel exhaust. The ash generated upon regeneration results from these elements, which get trapped into the filter.

What Does Traditional Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaning Involve?

The traditional diesel particulate cleaning service involves the ‘bake-and-blow’ methodology which is a 2-step process and will clean your filter to 66%.

Step 1 - Air-Knife

In the first stage, loose debris is removed from any moderately clogged DPF filter using an environmentally safe, air-only service. 

Step 2 - Advanced-Regen “Bake”

The second step is to bake the diesel particulate filter for approximately eight to twelve hours until it reaches the temperature when fuel starts to evaporate and soot becomes oxidized. After that, compressed air is used to reverse flow the remaining ash out of the filter.

However, there is a better option for your diesel particulate filter, learn about ultrasonic restoration which will bring your filter back to like new condition (restores to 98%).

What Is Ultrasonic Restoration Service for DPFs? 

At The DPF Company, we take the DPF aftertreatment servicing to the next step. While the traditional DPF cleaning involves air-knife and baking process, our ultrasonic restoration service involves two extra steps in between them. This is how the filter ultrasonic DPF restoration takes place:

1-    Air-Knife

2-    Ultrasonic

3-    Solution Flush

4-    Advanced-Regen (Bake)

Solution Flush

The ‘Solution Flush’ distinguishes our methods from other DPF cleaning companies. This step involves flushing the DPF with a rinsing fluid to capture any loose debris.

Ultrasonics Process

Ultrasonic Restoration is, by far, the best industry-leading DPF cleaning practice that includes a guarantee clean and a one year warranty for diesel particulate filters. At The DPF Company, we’ve done a vast amount of research, utilizing the acquired data during our extensive testing processes to develop an unmatched filter cleaning option for all industries. Using our Gold Service ‘Ultrasonics’ process, we guarantee to bring any active filter back to 98% work-capacity, which is well beyond the industry standard.

For further information regarding our DPF aftertreatment servicing, you can call us at 800.778.0125 or visit our website’s Contact Us page.