Experienced motorists look at the particulate filter (DPF) as an absolutely unnecessary element. Its function is to reduce harmful emissions into the environment. Drivers treat the component indulgently, as specifications It doesn't improve the engine. Passing through the filter, the exhaust gases encounter serious resistance, to overcome which the motor must spend a certain amount of power. This is just one of the reasons why drivers do not like soots.
What is a particulate filter on a car?
DPF traps soot particles that contain exhaust gases diesel engine. Since 2009, filters have become mandatory for use, before that they were used only on heavy trucks. They reduce the content of harmful substances in the exhaust by 90%. Soot settles on the walls of the component, which eventually leads to clogging - there is a need for cleaning (regeneration). The method of cleaning depends on the type of element. The following types of filters are common:
- with a catalytic coating (consists of a ceramic matrix with channels that filter the exhaust);
- with active recovery (contains an additive that is automatically injected into the fuel when electronic system determine the presence of contamination).
The additive of the self-cleaning element contains cerium, a chemical element that contributes to the destruction of soot deposits. Additive reserves must be replenished every 80,000 km. The additive is consumed faster if low-quality fuel is used.
Particulate filter: principle of operation and device
The size of soot particles is very small. They are 90% carbon, and it is almost impossible to retain them by conventional means, so diffusion is used in the filter device. The matrix consists of a network of tubes, the ends of which are closed on different sides. Soot comes from the engine side. Its particles cannot pass further - they penetrate into neighboring channels through the filter walls, after which they leave the matrix. During the passage from one channel to another, even very small particles are retained.
The Sazhevik looks quite simple, although its device can hardly be called such. It looks like a metal cylinder. To connect the cylinder to the cleaning system, pipes are located on both sides of it. Matrix inside the cylinder. Sazhevik also contains:
- pressure meter;
- temperature sensor.
Methods for installing a soot planter are different - it depends on the design of the component. Both matrices with a catalytic coating inside and conventional ones are used. In the second case, you have to put a catalyst on the engine.
Where is the particulate filter located?
The diesel particulate filter is located in the exhaust pipe. Due to the design features, the part can be placed behind the exhaust manifold. The exhaust temperature there is at the maximum level, so the device has a special coating and is connected to the catalyst.
It can also be located between the muffler and the catalyst.
Types of particulate filters
For soot regeneration, two types of filters have been developed.
Soot with catalytic coating
The device is placed next to the motor. The input should create heat. This element has a ceramic matrix, consisting of many small channels, which are arranged so that through one row the ends are either open or closed to receive exhaust gases. Porous walls create a filtering effect. Passing through them, soot settles, then undergoes oxidation by a catalyst.
Soot particles are a solid matter that gradually accumulates in the filter. Therefore, the filter must be cleaned periodically. Regeneration can be passive or active. During passive regeneration, those in soot harmful substances upon contact with oxygen, they are converted into harmless carbon dioxide. Active regeneration - difficult process followed by two sensors.
Automatic planter
It is located behind the catalytic converter. The use of additives allows you to increase the exhaust temperature to a maximum, as a result, soot is neutralized. The sensors are triggered as soon as the filter is filled with soot deposits. The matrix is made of a material capable of for a long time withstand elevated temperatures.
Regeneration
During regeneration, the soot particles that clog the membrane are burned. The cleaning process itself involves increasing the temperature to such a level that the pollution occurs. There are 2 types of membranes - FAP and DPF. FAP is located farther from the motor. Here, the exhaust temperature is not high enough to strongly heat up the contaminants, so a special additive containing cerium is used. It heats the gas to a critical temperature, which contributes to the destruction of the blockage. Cerium is in the additive in the form of microgranules.First, under the influence of gases, the shells of the granules evaporate, then cerium is released. Then, when it hits the membrane, ignition occurs, and the temperature of the gases rises greatly. Warming up is local, so it is safe for the system. Of course, the ceramic grating is gradually destroyed, but this process is very long.
DPF are located close to the motor. Therefore, no additional devices are required to maximize the heating of the gas. Hot gases immediately enter the filter, burning off the soot. Such a procedure can only be carried out when driving at full speed, so the car sometimes needs to be accelerated to the maximum.
It is not necessary to carry out the regeneration procedure every day - start from the intensity of the formation of soot deposits.
A clogged soot can not be used, because over time it will destroy the engine. Service centers have equipment that starts the process of forced regeneration. But this will not work if the filter is clogged beyond the norm. Here it is already necessary to flush with special means, which will remove the bulk of the deposits. Flushing can be done in one of 2 ways:
- partial flushing (element is not removed);
- deep flushing (implying the removal of the element).
Partial flushing is carried out with a spray gun, a tube and a special agent. You will also need a compressor that will create required pressure. We remove the temperature sensor, open access to the filter and clean it. One procedure takes up to a liter of cleaning fluid, which is usually used as NUNAP MP 131. Then we return the sensor to its place.
When deep flushing, remove the element completely, rinse it special means- for example, DPF Cleaner. The active liquid neutralizes soot deposits, and they are easily removed by water supplied under pressure. Cleaning is more effective if it is carried out with a compressor. After cleaning, dry the filter element, then put it in place.
Flushing does not always completely destroy the blockage. If this fails, it is better to buy and install a new element.
Washing agents contain substances harmful to the skin, so the procedure should only be carried out with protective gloves.
Removing the particulate filter: consequences
Replacing the filter element is an expensive procedure, so some prefer to simply remove the component. What may be Negative consequences, few people stop. According to the rules, before removing the element, you need to reflash the control unit - otherwise the emergency mode will “burn”.
The flashing procedure is best done in service centers is a very responsible job. Here's what the driver wins:
- The resistance to the release of gases will be eliminated, so the motor power will increase.
- No need to constantly spend money on new filters.
- Fuel consumption will be reduced.
After removing the filter element, you can forget about driving your car to Europe - the car warranty is void. Turbine speed can increase to such a state that their whistle will be heard. On high speed pieces of soot will fly out of the exhaust pipe - this can be observed with the naked eye. Emission indicators will also worsen due to the fact that you have to cut out the catalyst, and illiterate flashing may well lead to burnout of the exhaust system.
The soot filtration system is designed to improve environmental performance. Most likely, someday for the lack of such a system in the car will be fined. So why delete it? The car will go a little faster, but there are so many negative consequences that it is clearly not worth it.
In every diesel car there is a particulate filter. If it is not cleaned, this will lead to serious consequences for the machine.
Its clogging leads to the ingress of particles into the environment, so that it is harmful to humans, and on the machine this affects the problems with the electronics signal on dashboard, a decrease in traction and dynamic characteristics, interruptions in the functioning of the motor, an increase in the oil level.
That is why it is carried out for particulate filter diesel cleaning.
What is this?
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a part used in the design of such engines to clean exhaust gases from unwanted impurities.
It reduces the amount of emissions into the environment by accumulating harmful substances and soot. But since it is the ultimate reservoir for their accumulation, it must be cleaned periodically in order to regenerate the DPF.
This process burns off excess soot deposited in the filter, reducing emissions and helping to prevent black smoke.
Causes
If the DPF becomes clogged with soot or an error occurs in the system, an orange light will usually appear on the dashboard.
Short trips to low speeds are the main cause of blocked filters.
That's why automakers often recommend choosing a car that runs on diesel rather than diesel (and why diesels are rare in the urban automotive sector).
The filter is able to clean itself only when driving on high revs, and if the driver drives only within the city, this becomes impossible. Any master at the service station will tell you that cleaning should be done every 150 km.
Oil can also cause contamination. Some of them contain additives that can actually block diesel particulate filters.
All this can lead to damage to the diesel particulate filter, as well as when using low-quality fuel and even when driving the car often on low fuel levels, as the car can avoid DPF regeneration to save fuel.
Cleaning methods
There are several ways to remove soot from a DPF. It is passive and active regeneration or the use of special tools.
Passive regeneration
Particulate filter? Passive regeneration occurs when the vehicle is driving high speed along the motorway. This makes it possible to raise the exhaust temperature to more high level and burn off excess soot in the filter.
However, not all drivers do this regularly - which is why manufacturers have developed an alternative form of regeneration.
Active regeneration
This method means that additional fuel is injected automatically as part of car ECU when the filter reaches a predetermined limit (usually around 45%) to raise the exhaust temperature and burn off the accumulated soot.
Problems can arise if the journey is too short, as the regeneration process may not complete completely.
If so, the warning light will continue to indicate that the device is still partially contaminated.
You will know if active regeneration is taking place, because it will be manifested by such signs:
- pungent smell of exhaust gases;
- increased idle speed;
- cooling fans not working;
- slight increase in fuel consumption.
Cleaning the device is not a problem, the main thing is to know how to do it correctly.
Does not cause the indicated problems. The motor engine runs without interruption, and there will be no other problems either.
Liquids
What to do if neither active nor passive regeneration works?
If the warning light continues to flash, cleaning is not successful. It is required to replace the part or remove it for washing with professional products.
Do not fill diesel oil until flush cleaning fluid has been used.
How to clean diesel particulate filters?
It must first be dismantled and then used special liquids. But thanks to these funds, you can do without removing, because this is the hardest: PRO-TEC, Luffe, Liqui Moly.
They reduce the formation of soot during fuel combustion. Cleans and regenerates blocked soot filters without dismantling.
The fuel system of a car is very sensitive to contamination. This contamination can increase engine noise, fuel consumption and reduce engine lubrication and power.
Use of fuel flushing agents on a regular basis will help to keep fuel system clean and the engine will run more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and reducing harmful emissions.
Particulate filters are better to clean than to run and then change to new part. They are expensive. Carry out regeneration in accordance with the requirements and this problem will not affect you.
The advent of the diesel engine on the mass consumer market forced the developers of such motors to bring them to world environmental standards. Diesel engines must effectively deal with exhaust gases, detaining elements that are dangerous for emission into the atmosphere. During the modernization of the exhaust gas system of diesel engines, diesel particulate filters began to be installed everywhere, which effectively clean the exhaust. During operation of the diesel engine, the diesel particulate filter becomes dirty and must be cleaned or replaced.
Table of contents:What is a DPF particulate filter: task and principle of operation
As the name implies, the task of a diesel particulate filter is to keep soot particles as they appear in the exhaust. Soot accumulates in it, which is then burnt out, thereby achieving a less harmful environment exhaust.
The principle of operation of the DPF filter is as follows:
- Soot accumulates in the filter up to a critical moment, which depends on the pressure difference before and after the filter element;
- When this pressure deviates from the norm, that is, decreases throughput filter, the electronic engine control unit receives information about this and activates the afterburning mode of the accumulated soot;
Please note: Depending on the engine manufacturer, the afterburning process may be activated under different conditions. - The afterburning process takes place at an increased rotational speed crankshaft and enhanced fuel injection, the command to which is given by the control unit;
- This increases the temperature of the exhaust gases to values at which soot burns out.
Despite the presence of a soot afterburning mode, nevertheless, it can accumulate in the DPF filter and not burn out. This is especially true for drivers who rarely operate the car when increased speed moving mainly in urban areas.
Since the cost of the DPF particulate filter is quite high, drivers need to monitor these elements and clean it in a timely manner so as not to encounter the need for replacement.
Causes of clogged diesel particulate filter
Soot - by-product working off diesel fuel in the engine cylinders. IN exhaust gases it is presented in the consistency of a fine powder, which is retained almost completely by the particulate filter mesh.
During the operating cycle, hydrocarbon particles that go into the exhaust do not burn in the chamber. Because of them, they begin to form resinous deposits. This resin sticks together small soot particles, which leads to the formation of soot. In a place with soot in this soot, there are other elements of burning diesel fuel, as well as metal sulfates that occur in the exhaust due to the combustion of oil that has entered the cylinder.
Please note: Metal sulphates are a combustion product of fuel additives containing metallic elements. Especially a lot of metal-containing additives are found in universal oils, which can be used for diesel and gasoline engines. This is one of the reasons why such oils are not recommended for regular use in diesel engines.
The result of the processes described above is the formation of soot deposits with particles of other elements that settle on the filter and do not burn out in the soot afterburning mode.
What determines the life of the particulate filter
Depending on how carefully the owner of the car approaches the issue of clogging of the particulate filter, the service life of the element is directly correlated. Also, the service life is affected by the number of activation of soot afterburning modes. The more often the car engine activates the soot afterburning mode, the less the diesel particulate filter will last.
Experts recommend to increase the service life of the particulate filter, especially if a car with a diesel engine is operated within the city, to clean this element at each MOT. It is especially important to do this if there are engine problems that can lead to the formation of massive deposits on the filter element.
Please note: A clean particulate filter is also economically efficient. If the filter is dirty, the engine power is reduced, which increases the engine consumption to drive the car with the same dynamics.
It is possible to increase the life of the particulate filter if you use special additives for diesel fuel. In automotive stores, you can find additives that are aimed at reducing the amount of carbon deposits formed as a result of the operation of the motor. This is achieved by maximizing the combustion of fuel in the engine cylinders, which leads to a reduction in the amount of soot in the exhaust gases. It is recommended to use such an additive at least once every 3000 kilometers of the car.
Also, the process of soot formation on the particulate filter is strongly influenced by the quality of the fuel used, so you need to refuel high-quality diesel to maximize the life of this element.
How to clean the DPF particulate filter
There are two main ways to clean the DPF particulate filter from carbon deposits. The first implies the need to remove the filter element from the car, and the second involves performing actions directly on the car. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so we will consider them separately.
Cleaning the particulate filter with removal
Complexity this method consists in the need to dismantle the diesel particulate filter, as well as the duration of the procedure. On average, it will take about 8 hours to clean the filter.
For cleaning, special diesel particulate filter flushing fluids are used, which can be purchased from car shops. It is better to choose the compositions of proven brands, such as Luffe, Pro-tec, Liqui Moly and the like. These fluids are compositions of petroleum components and various additives that can dissolve soot deposits. Liquids are supplied in 5-liter canisters, on average, the entire canister is required for one flush. Canisters on top can have a place for attaching a hose, some of them have a hose included. The hose makes it easier to fill the particulate filter with flushing fluid.
The housing of the removed particulate filter must be completely filled with flushing fluid and left for the time specified in the instructions for use of the composition (about 8 hours). After that, it is enough to rinse the filter with a jet of water to wash away the remaining dirt, as well as the remnants of the cleaning agent.
Please note: Washing with water must be taken seriously as the cleaning agent is flammable and may ignite if exposed to exhaust fumes.
After washing the particulate filter with water, it remains to dry it and install it in place.
Cleaning the particulate filter without removing
The method of flushing the particulate filter without removing it is faster, since the work is carried out directly on the car. Design features filters allow you to supply cleaning fluid through the hole for installing a pressure or temperature sensor, after removing them.
It is important to note that a different composition is used to clean the particulate filter without removal. This is due to the fact that the work is carried out directly on the car, and there is no way to make sure that the oil products will be completely removed from the particulate filter. Therefore, a water-alkaline-based composition is used for cleaning. with flushing fluid. The liquid will allow after cleaning to neutralize the remaining alkali.
To flush the particulate filter without removing it, you will need to acquire a spray gun.
Please note: You can also find initially flushing liquids in aerosol cans. For the effective use of the liquid in the can, be sure to read the instructions for it.
Before washing the particulate filter, the car engine must be warmed up, after which it is necessary to wait until the temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius is established in the filter element. This must be done to improve the efficiency of the alkaline composition.
The composition is sprayed onto the particulate filter at a pressure of about 8 bar. In this case, the spraying process should be interval: 10 seconds the liquid is injected, then 10 seconds must be waited before injecting a new dose. Thus, it will be necessary to introduce about 1 liter of cleaning fluid. It is also important to rotate and move the spray probe in order to clean the entire particulate filter. After washing with an alkaline composition is carried out, pure water is sprayed in a similar way.
After cleaning the particulate filter with liquid agents, it is recommended to carry out the procedure for burning off soot residues by operating the car at high speeds for 20-30 minutes.
In this article, we will talk about what a diesel particulate filter is. And what to do if it is clogged.
Concern for the environment, which has been actively developed in the past few decades, has become for automotive engineers a real challenge.
Every year, the standards for emissions of harmful substances are tightened, which means that it is necessary to come up with new ways to clean exhaust gases.
Consider a particulate filter, what it is, whether it is possible to do without it and what to do if it has become unusable.
The first serial attempts to install a diesel particulate filter date back to the early 2000s, and a decade later, in 2011, these devices became mandatory for all cars with a diesel engine.
You need to thank for the appearance of the particulate filter included in environmental regulations Euro 4 and Euro 5.
The function that performs this filter, is clear from its name and without further explanation - it must remove the smallest soot particles from the composition of the exhaust gases resulting from the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.
The filter is located as close as possible to the exhaust manifold, where the temperature of the gases is still quite high, which helps to burn harmful substances right in it.
Sometimes a particulate filter is structurally combined with a catalytic converter.
The design of our today's hero is quite simple. Inside the device is a special matrix made of silicon carbide and having a cellular structure.
This structure allows you to trap small particles. In addition, there are various sensors in it that have a connection with the engine control unit.
They're in right moment signal to the computer that the filter is already clogged and it is time to take measures to clean it or the so-called regeneration.
There are no problems with the second, regeneration, as a rule, occurs in automatic mode, but owners of cars with simpler and cheaper units can wait for the particulate filter to be flushed by specialists at service stations.
How older filter, the more often it requires one of these procedures, and sooner or later the question arises of replacing it. And then the owners diesel cars, which can boast of complying with Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, an unpleasant surprise awaits, and more on that later ...
Replace or remove?
What is so unpleasant about replacing the particulate filter? The main problem of this procedure is the impressive price of a new node, sometimes reaching 1000 euros or more.
Replace?
It is clear that not many car owners want to spend that kind of money on a device that, in fact, is a whim of environmentalists. What to do? Is it possible to completely remove the particulate filter?
Yes, you can do it, but you need to remember:
When withdrawing this device the car will begin to comply only with Euro 3 standards.
In our country, this fact is acceptable, but if you suddenly want to travel in your car to Europe, then there, when checking, you can be forced to immediately go to a local car service to install a filter.
Delete!
How is the particulate filter removed, because in reality, this process also has its own nuances.
Simply dismantling it from the exhaust system, unfortunately, will not work. The fact is that it is programmatically tied to the car's computer, and the system, having detected the absence of this device, can even block the engine.
Therefore, the craftsmen came up with several options for how to remove the diesel particulate filter without problems. The methods are:
- firmware upgrade electronic block engine control - with the help of a special programmer, an updated version of the software is uploaded to the "brains" of the car, in which there is no filter as such. The problem with the method is that the introduction of a machine into programs can lead to the most unpredictable consequences, therefore, having decided to carry out this particular procedure, find out from other car owners with the same car about the quality of work in a particular service station;
- installation of a particulate filter snag - in fact, in this case, a new small block will appear in the car, connected to its electronics and simulating all filter signals. This option is more preferable than the previous one, since no destructive interventions in the auto electronics occur.
The question is quite logical: what are the consequences of this procedure on a diesel engine after removing the particulate filter? You will get something like this:
- due to the reduction of obstacles in exhaust system for gases, engine power will increase slightly;
- savings on maintenance of the exhaust system;
- lack of annoying errors in on-board computer from the filter.
So, dear colleagues, we have examined the nuances that a diesel particulate filter gives.
Until new publications and meetings on the blog pages!
The fight for clean exhaust car is coming in earnest, it is understandable that there are more and more cars and they are polluting our atmosphere with you more. Therefore, developed various devices, which are designed to reduce harmful substances in the exhaust. At gasoline engine This . But a diesel engine has a completely different structure, and the exhaust needs to be cleaned differently, because there is a lot of soot there, so a particulate filter was created. I want to talk about it in detail in this article ...
The principle of fuel ignition in a diesel engine is very different from a gasoline engine, there are no spark plugs (in the sense that gasoline has), and the fuel ignites due to high pressure and fast heating. Therefore, it is clear that another filter should clean the exhaust gases from such a cycle. But first, a definition.
Definition
is a device that cleans the exhaust diesel engine from soot emissions into the atmosphere. With its use, the amount of soot is reduced by 80 - 90%.
Such devices have been used since 2001, at first they were installed on heavy trucks. However, since 2009, the EURO5 standard has been introduced and the use of this filter has become mandatory on all cars using diesel fuel.
How does it work
The main task is to capture soot from the exhaust of the car. In fact, it is also the part of the muffler that cleans the exhaust. Only this is not a catalyst at all, it fights soot, and not exhaust harmful gases.
The work consists of two stages:
1) - as it becomes clear, at this stage, soot particles are captured. Inside, the filter looks like a cellular material, on the walls of which particles settle. However, it should be noted that they are very small, they are not captured - their size can be only 0.1 - 0.5 microns, but they are only 5 - 10% in the exhaust. After trapping, the filter gradually begins to clog, which leads to a decrease in engine power. Therefore, from time to time it needs to be cleaned, or regenerated.
2) Regeneration - this process is quite complicated, and each manufacturer implements it in its own way. However, the effect of it is one, cleansing the cells of soot. Now a little more.
"Soot" and catalyst
Many, probably, have now begun to wonder - why is it that soot is captured, but there is no exhaust gases, because there is no catalyst? Not quite so. Some companies (eg Volkswagen) are developing combined options. Both purifications are combined in one device.
The bottom line here is this: - inside, as usual, there are cells with small cross-section channels (made of silicon carbide), they fight with “particles”. But the sidewalls of the cell body are made of a catalytic material (titanium is usually applied), which contributes to the combustion and oxidation of harmful carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases.
Thus, two filters are combined in one device at once.
Passive regeneration
I told you about the combination for a reason. WE have already understood that sooner or later regeneration is needed, and it is the catalyst that contributes to this process.
The thing is that the converter is able to heat the particulate filter to high temperatures, about 300 - 500 degrees. In this case, the soot particles are oxidized and burned.
If we describe the process chemically, we get:
- Nitrogen compounds react with oxygen in the catalyst - nitrogen dioxide is formed
- Nitrogen dioxide reacts with soot - nitric oxide and carbon monoxide are formed
Nitric oxide and carbon monoxide react with oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide.
Thus, the particulate filter is cleaned of soot. Here is a small diagram.
However, if you do not drive enough, frequent short trips, then the particles may not burn out, they simply do not have enough temperature. Then the car may require forced regeneration - there is a special function on diesel engines.
This procedure occurs at high speeds and the filter is heated to 600 - 650 degrees Celsius. It goes through all the chemical reactions that I described above, and the cells are cleaned.
The system is fully automatic and does not require human presence. The car reads information from sensors (air, exhaust gas temperature before the filter, after the filter and, most importantly, the pressure of the particulate filter). When (during cleaning) the pressure is restored, the system automatically ends - this indicates that the regeneration is completed.
Diesel particulate filter without catalyst and automatic regeneration
There are other types, they do not have a catalyst in their structure. If you notice exactly, then we can say that it is, however, it is installed in front of the "soot" and does not come into contact with it in any way (two individual element). These types are used by manufacturers of Peuqeot concerns - Citroen, as well as FORD, TOYOTA and some others.
Here, cleaning is completely different. Every few hundred kilometers, the car automatically injects a special additive into the fuel (usually based on a substance such as Cerium).
When the filter is filled with soot, the diesel injection system pumps this additive into the cylinders. Moreover, during the exhaust, a very high temperature is created inside the filter, approximately + 650, + 750 degrees. The "soot" itself is heating up.
At the same time, cerium does not decompose in the fuel, it is delivered with gases to the filter, after it enters the hot "mesh" element, it begins to burn, raising the temperature to 900 - 1000 degrees. Soot oxidizes and burns. At this temperature, the filter regenerates, that is, it is cleaned. materials exhaust system strong enough, so the destruction of the exhaust tract does not occur.
Watch the informative video, everything is painted on the fingers.
The fuel additive is stored in a separate container, and it is enough for long term, as the manufacturers assure, it should be enough for 90 - 100,000 kilometers, however, when using a low-quality "diesel", the mileage can be significantly reduced.
The particulate filter is another device that is designed to make our air cleaner for the sake of the environment. If you remove it, the car will work a little better - because there are no obstructions in the exhaust tract.
By the way, on many diesel engines, to save fuel, I advise you to read.
