DPF Cleaning

DPF Cleaning

If you own a diesel vehicle, chances are you're familiar with the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) installed in its exhaust system. While DPF technology has been in use for over two decades, it wasn't until 2011-2013 that it became mandatory for all diesel vehicles under Euro 5 emission standards. This regulation aimed to curb CO2 emissions from diesel vehicles and protect the environment. As a result, MOT testing stations began including DPF inspections in their tests from 2014 onwards. Recognizing this, we offer high-quality DPF cleaning services to help ensure your vehicle passes its MOT certification.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES A DPF DO, AND HOW CAN YOU MAINTAIN IT?

DPF cleaning across East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Free collection & next day delivery.

What is a DPF?

A DPF plays a crucial role in reducing soot emissions from a vehicle's exhaust system. This filter captures and stores soot produced by the exhaust, which is then incinerated at high temperatures, reducing it to ash. This process, called regeneration, is vital as the DPF's soot storage capacity is limited.

However, DPF-related issues remain common among diesel vehicle owners, with blockages being the primary concern.

DPF Cleaning

A Diesel Particulate Filter is designed to eliminate particulate matter or soot from a diesel engine's exhaust gases, preventing the emission of black smoke into the environment. Sometimes, these filters become clogged and require professional cleaning by qualified technicians.

A blocked DPF can lead to reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential damage if left unaddressed. To prevent such issues and save money in the long run, bring your vehicle to Turboworks LTD, Westham Pevensey - Eastbourne, East Sussex for DPF cleaning.

DPF / FAP / KAT CLEANING METHODS

An effective filter cleaning method should thoroughly cleanse both the inlet and outlet channels of the filter, removing soot, ash, carbon deposits, cerium oxide particles, and other contaminants, while ensuring the safety of the filter core insert.

HOW TO CLEAN DPF FILTER THE RIGHT WAY?

The most effective method for clearing blocked channels of DPF/FAP/KAT filters is cleaning them with a high-pressure water jet using a well-chosen detergent. Hydrodynamic treatment, DPF cleaning by a pressurized water machine is the only method that offers a chance to remove all types of particulates from both the inlet and outlet channels of the filter insert. The working fluid jet in the machine is directed from the outlet side of the filter, typically the unobstructed outlet channels, and then water with detergent penetrates the micropores in the walls separating the channels to reach blocked inlet channels.

The filter is secured vertically in the machine, with the outlet side at the top, where the water jet is applied. This position enables the free cleaning of inlet channels, which, in this configuration, have the channels open at the bottom, allowing contaminated water with all deposits to exit the filter freely.

Pros:

Safe for the filter's catalytic coating. High efficiency, with cleaning rates reaching up to 98% of the flow rate. Unlike other methods, it effectively removes all particles from the filter channels, including soot, ash, scale, and cerium oxide. No need to remove the ceramic cartridge. Fast cleaning time, typically around 30 minutes.

Cons:

Efficiency depends on the proper choice of detergent.

Overall, hydrodynamic DPF cleaning is an effective method for cleaning heavily fouled filters. This method utilizes water injected under high pressure to clean the filter, ensuring effectiveness while maintaining safety for the filter insert, unlike other methods.

DPF cleaning by Heat treatment involves burning the soot in the induction furnace and placing the ceramic cartridge of the filter core in the oven for about 12 hours. Heat treatment in the induction furnace enables the curing of soot in the filter channels to form ash, unlike what occurs in the exhaust system, where soot particles react with nitrogen dioxide from exhaust fumes, producing carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. These combine with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which exit the system through outlet channels.

Simply put, soot oxidizes into a gaseous form, making it easier to exit the filter than ash. However, the effectiveness of this method somewhat depends on luck. Insufficient treatment time may result in unburnt highly compressed soot inside the filter core, reducing its effectiveness. Conversely, excessive heating time can degrade the filter core. After heat treatment, the filter insert channels may be blocked with ash, which may or may not be suitable for blowing with compressed air, depending on the previous process of soot curing.

Pros:

Effectively removes soot.

Cons:

Does not remove other particles, such as ash, which cannot be burnt. Significant risk of damage to the ceramic filter cartridge, which is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Requires cutting the filter, removing the cartridge, and then re-soldering.

DPF cleaning by Ultrasonic treatment involves fully immersing the filter in a bath with a solution. Ultrasound in the washing solution generates pressure waves in the form of exploding bubbles, which detach pollutants from the surface of the filters being washed.
Ultrasonic treatment is effective only for slightly or moderately dirty filters. Unfortunately, most filters are brought in for cleaning when they are heavily contaminated. In such cases, water with ultrasound may not reach all corners, leaving some channels blocked. Additionally, final blowing with compressed air is necessary in this method, which helps to varying degrees in removing dissolved deposits from the filter insert channels.

Pros:

Ensures proper cleaning of filter channels once the water reaches all points. No need to cut the filter.

Cons:

In heavily blocked (sintered) filter channels, ultrasonic water has limited access and penetration, leaving these areas clogged. Requires blowing with compressed air.

DPF cleaning by pneumatic treatment involves mounting the particulate filter on a special machine where it is blown out using compressed air. However, pneumatic treatment is not really effective in cleaning filters contaminated with oil and cured carbon deposits, which is not uncommon. Failures in the turbo or supercharger, injection systems often lead to the DPF filter being flooded with oil. Essentially, it works both ways; a blocked DPF can lead to turbocharger damage. Additionally, this method requires cutting the filter, removing the filter core, and welding it afterwards.

Pros:

Each filter channel is individually oriented during blowing, making it relatively non-invasive for the filter cartridge. Cleaning is done without the use of detergents.

Cons:

Requires cutting the filter, removing the cartridge, and re-soldering. Low efficiency of filter cartridge if filled with oil. General efficiency is around 70%.

DPF cleaning by forced regeneration / curing in the service mode involves using the diagnostic computer to initiate a mode where the engine runs at high revs. The fuel mixture is enriched, influencing the increase in exhaust gas temperature up to 600 degrees Celsius. Soot burning is possible under these conditions. Curing in the service mode makes sense in cars with really low mileage, where soot predominantly clogs blocked channels. It's easier to convert such soot into a gaseous form. However, in cars with mileage above 100,000 km, such a treatment rarely proves to be effective. Cured soot only frees a small part of the filter channels, while the remaining part is still blocked with ash.

Pros:

Effectively burns soot in vehicles with low mileage up to 50,000 km. Procedure can be carried out without dismantling the filter.

Cons:

Does not remove ashes; burns only soot. Not very effective for high-mileage vehicles, where ash clogs the filter predominantly. Regeneration service mode considerably stresses the engine. We recommend changing the oil after regeneration.

DPF cleaning by chemical treatment involves introducing chemicals into the filter to dissolve the soot. The carbon deposits are chemically cleaned with one product and then rinsed with another. The technician then connects the computer to the vehicle and starts the filter regeneration service procedure. Cleaning with chemicals can be quite harsh on the filter insert. In the majority of cases, the chemical substance dissolves and combines with the filter particulates, further blocking it. In many cases, the filter insert becomes mechanically damaged.

Pros:

There is no need to cut the filter, and chemicals can be applied without dismantling it.

Cons:

It only rinses the smallest particles from the inlet channels of the filter cartridge. It effectively cleans only the filter outlet channels, leaving dissolved deposits in the filter inlet channels (blocked on the outlet side). It's a very invasive method for the filter cartridge.

When you need a DPF replacement?

If the filter is too dirty to clean, it must be replaced. Make sure you buy the right replacement filter for your vehicle or equipment, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

DPF CLEANING - FAQ


Yes, generally it is possible to clean a DPF yourself, but doing it at home is not recommended due to the high risk involved. The DPF is a very delicate component of your car, and there is a significant risk of causing damage during DIY cleaning.

On average, DPF cleaning / regenerating a diesel particulate filter costs £300, with prices varying from £150 to £500. Therefore, the precise cost of DPF cleaning depends mainly on your vehicle, the required extent of work, and the recommended parts by your car's manufacturer.

Many workshops specialize in cleaning blocked DPF filters using various methods. Typically, the cost of such a service starts at £150, and while it's not a 100% guarantee of effectiveness, it often succeeds in removing excess soot, enabling the DPF to function and regenerate automatically. The most effective method widely acknowledged for clearing blocked channels of DPF / FAP / KAT filters is cleaning them with a water jet under high pressure with a well-chosen detergent. This method is commonly referred to as DPF cleaning by pressurized water machine or Hydrodynamic DPF cleaning.

The signs of a blocked DPF may include the DPF warning light illuminated on the dashboard, reduced engine power, inability to rev to high RPMs, difficulties starting, black smoke emitted from the exhaust during acceleration, a strong smell of diesel fuel in the cabin, decreased fuel efficiency and a malfunctioning start-stop function.

If you notice the following symptoms, your DPF may require cleaning:
- The DPF warning light has illuminated on your car's dashboard.
- Loss of power.
- Difficulties starting.
- The automatic stop-start system is not functioning.
- Poor fuel economy.
- Cooling fans running more frequently than usual.
- Black smoke emitted from the exhaust during acceleration.
- Strong smell of diesel fuel in the cabin

In technical terms, you can continue to drive the vehicle for a short period of time, although that is not recommended. A blocked DPF can result in significant engine damage. This is because your engine is having to work a lot harder to vent the exhaust fumes that your blocked DPF is failing to.  Consequently, this can result in decreased acceleration, heightened fuel consumption, and a greater risk of leaks. If the filter becomes clogged, the flow of exhaust gases diminishes, potentially leading to increased pressure in the exhaust system and turbocharger. The warning light is there for a very good reason, it's telling you that your DPF is blocked with soot and is affecting the engine.

If your vehicle has switched to 'limp' mode, it will not be possible to regenerate the DPF filter automatically, and it will need to be professionally cleaned. The most effective method, widely acknowledged for clearing blocked channels of DPF filters, is cleaning them with a high-pressure water jet.  This method is commonly referred to as Hydrodynamic DPF cleaning (DPF cleaning by pressurized water machine). We recommend this method.

The DPF operates within a finite capacity, requiring stored soot to be burned to prevent blockages. This cleansing process, known as regeneration, is divided into two types: active and passive. Passive regeneration occurs during extended high-speed driving of a diesel vehicle, elevating exhaust temperatures sufficiently to incinerate accumulated soot within the DPF. However, this mechanism is ineffective during short trips, potentially resulting in DPF blockage. To address this, the active regeneration process was developed. During active regeneration, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) injects additional fuel into the exhaust system upon reaching a predetermined soot accumulation threshold. This injection elevates temperatures, initiating the regeneration process to eliminate accumulated soot within the DPF. If neither regeneration method adequately clears the DPF, severe blockage may occur, necessitating professional cleaning at a garage. The most effective method for unclogging DPF/FAP/KAT filters is DPF cleaning by pressurized water machine. This method is commonly referred to as Hydrodynamic DPF cleaning,  widely recognized and recommended.
DPF Cleaning in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Turboworks LTD
DPF, FAP, KAT cleaning specialists. East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent & Surrey
DPF cleaning specialists in East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent & Surrey
Hydrodynamic DPF cleaning in East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent & Surrey

Based in Eastbourne, we are perfectly located to offer our range services like turbo reconditioning and repairs, turbo replacement and DPF cleaning across East Sussex, even as far as West Sussex, Kent and Surrey. We offer FREE no-obligation quotes for all of our services and are well-known, tried and tested for all services we provide.

Here you will find a list of all the counties in the United Kingdom covered by Turboworks Ltd for DPF cleaning services.

For more information on diesel particulate filter cleaning / DPF cleaning in Eastbourne, East sussex, contact us online or call us directly at 01323 301 999 or 07702 737 718.

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