Get an Idea of How Diesel Particulate Filters Work and Their Benefits

As just one of the many devices designed to help protect the environment, the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is a type of filter that is mounted inside the exhaust system of vehicles. It is meant to withhold certain air-polluting particles released from the combustion in the engine. Being first introduced in 2007, this type of filter has proved to have a high emission reduction rate, even in start-stop city driving situations where normal regeneration is not possible due to the lack of a suitable temperature.

Reduction of Emissions

Being around well over two decades now, there have been a lot of improvements in the design and features of exhaust DPF systems over the years. They have proved to be one of the best choices for decreasing PM emissions that can escape in the air, because they can greatly reduce diesel particulates and soot emissions, trapping between 80% and 99% of the harmful carbon particles.

Regeneration

Once the saturation level of particles inside exceeds a certain percentage, it will show up on your ECU (engine control unit). To clean itself from the particles, inside the base of the filter a process called ‘regeneration’ takes place. With the right temperature, this burns the particles off the filter with one of the three types of regenerations  at a time: passive, active and forced regeneration.

Cost-Effective

Instead of buying a new car, which can be quite expensive, you can get an exhaust DPF and have it installed on the car you already have. You can still save money by adding a separate tank filled with Cerium Oxide to inject some of this fluid into the fuel mixture when needed, in order to make your exhaust system regenerate at lower temperatures.

Easy to Install

A lot of today’s exhaust DPF systems are easy to set up on all kinds of vehicles – from buses and SUV’s to off-road vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. However, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable dealer and that the DPF is compliant with the laws for local emissions.

Durability

Most DPF’s have a great lifespan – they can go roughly up to 240,000km before they need to be cleaned. Some of the most advanced types of filters are meant to last the life of the vehicle without having to be cleaned if used properly. A good rule of thumb is to manually check the condition of the filter every 6 to 12 months in case it doesn’t show on the dashboard.