DPF burn-in - what is DPF regeneration? How does a particulate filter work? What is a DPF and FAP filter in a diesel engine? How to burn soot?

The DPF particulate filter is one of the devices present in modern cars. All diesel vehicles manufactured after 2000 have it. Today, more and more gasoline-powered vehicles are equipped with a DPF. It is worth knowing how to care for it so that the ash remaining in the filter does not lead to serious damage. Find out what DPF burning is!

Diesel Particulate Filter - What is a DPF filter?

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is installed in the exhaust systems of diesel and gasoline engines. Its task is to clean exhaust gases from solid particles. They consist mainly of unburned carbon in the form of soot. However, it is most often known for vehicles equipped with a diesel engine. All thanks to environmental solutions and compliance with European standards in the field of reducing particulate emissions into the atmosphere. The particulate filter traps harmful soot particles because they are poisonous, carcinogenic and cause smog. Currently, Euro 6d-temp standards are forcing manufacturers to install diesel particulate filters even in gasoline engines.

DPF and FAP filter - differences

The diesel particulate filter is called a DPF or FAP filter. Despite the similar function, they differ in the principle of operation. The first is a dry filter. This means that a temperature of up to 700°C is required to burn the accumulated soot. Whereas FAP is a wet filter. Produced by the French concern PSA. A temperature of about 300°C is sufficient to burn out the soot. Interestingly, this solution is better when driving around the city, but definitely more expensive to operate. Its use is associated with the need to replenish the liquid that catalyzes the purification, and therefore, with additional costs.

Diesel particulate filter burning while driving

As the mileage traveled, more and more soot particles settle on the filter. This can cause problems with the diesel particulate filter and thus impair engine performance as well as increase fuel consumption. It is worth using fuel additives, monitoring the condition of the fluid (in the case of a wet filter), regularly changing diesel fuel. Before changing the filter, try the DPF regeneration process. You can do this in the service, at a stop or while driving.

DPF burnout procedure while driving

Driving a diesel on a longer route, such as a motorway, is an effective way to burn off the diesel particulate filter. In this case, the temperature of the exhaust gases can reach a level sufficient to regenerate the particulate filters. It is for this reason that the particulate filter causes inconvenience to city drivers. In this case, driving style is very important, because it is not recommended to drive at high speeds if the engine has not warmed up to the desired temperature. The process of burning the particulate filter while driving is the simplest and least problematic solution.

Burning the DPF in place

The filter can also be cleaned in a stationary state.. If you notice a light on, indicating a clogged filter, you need to burn it on the spot. To do this, keep the engine speed at 2500-3500 rpm. However, the filter must not be cleaned in enclosed spaces, garages or underground car parks.

Cleaning the DPF filter in the service

You can burn out the DPF under operating conditions under the supervision of an experienced mechanic. This is necessary when the car rarely drives and you need to burn soot from the filter. The computer starts a process that starts with warming up. After reaching the temperature, the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. It is sucked into the exhaust system and enters the DPF filter, where it burns inside the filter.

How does the DPF filter work in a diesel engine?

The main job of a diesel particulate filter is to stop particles leaving the engine. In addition, they are burned inside the filter. Thanks to this, it has a longer service life, and most problems arise from the fact that the particulate filter does not burn out. The filter itself is a simple device located in the exhaust system. Dense channels arranged parallel to each other form a grid. They are closed on one side - alternately input or output. As a result, exhaust gases leave soot particles on the walls.

DPF burnout - when to do it?

Most often, a diode on the dashboard indicates the need to burn the filter. However, it is also worth paying attention to changes in the behavior of the car. A clogged filter will lead to a loss of exhaust passage and, as a result, the impossibility of igniting the car. So you should pay attention to symptoms such as:

• decrease in dynamics during acceleration;
• slow response to pressing the gas pedal;
• undulating turns.

The DPF filter is necessary in modern cars, because thanks to it you can avoid the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. For this reason, it is necessary, especially in diesel vehicles. With proper care of the filter cartridge, you can use it without problems. However, you must use the vehicle subject to a few rules. As a result, you can avoid the obligation to replace the filter with a new one.