diesel combustion, and we have all struggled to wash soot off our hands. Do you think it can all be removed from a porous honeycomb filter by blowing on it? To properly clean a DPF, it must undergo what is referred to as a Level-2 cleaning. Tis pro- cess includes a thermal regeneration over a period of six or more hours in a temperature-controlled chamber. Tis ensures that all the soot, oil, and contaminants have been burned off and broken down prior to cleaning. Anything less is a substandard cleaning.
WHO SHOULD CLEAN MY DPF? Because getting a DPF back to its optimal performance level
is so complex, picking the right service provider and ensuring use of the right equipment is critical. Now there are multiple options. One is to purchase your
own cleaning equipment, but this option rarely makes sense. To properly clean a DPF, you would need multiple pieces of equip- ment, adequate space and special training. Sometimes there are also additional electrical requirements. Tis can become costly, and in some states the ash is considered a hazardous substance, bringing with it additional disposal requirements and expenses. Typically, it only makes financial sense for very large fleets to clean their own filters, and that is debatable. Tis leaves you with a couple of other options. One option is to use a local DPF cleaning provider that has
the proper equipment, training and knowledge. Some provid- ers also offer pick-up and delivery of your DPF. Remember, it is important to request a Level-2 cleaning that includes the thermal regeneration. A new and exciting option for fleets is a Diesel Particulate
Filter Exchange Program. Tis type of program allows you to al- ways have a spare, clean DPF on the shelf and almost eliminates downtime. Tis typically requires the purchase of a spare filter, but in most cases is much more cost effective than purchas- ing and operating DPF cleaning equipment. Te purchase of a spare filter also ensures you are retaining a closed loop on your DPFs. Some OEMs are offering an exchange program, but you are receiving a serviced filter from another fleet. Tis is not rec- ommended. After all, you are not sure how well the other fleet has maintained its vehicles.
START YOUR DPF MAINTENANCE PROGRAM TODAY With today’s new vehicles, proper DPF cleaning needs to be
incorporated into every preventative maintenance program. Whether your choose to have your DPF cleaned by a local cleaning provider or participate in a DPF exchange program, maintaining your DPF will not only improve the longevity of the engine and diesel particulate filter, but it will also result in overall fuel and maintenance cost savings for years to come. ■
Michael Swartz is president of FleetServ, a company based in Fontana, Calif., that provides documentation, tracking and scheduling of fleet preventive maintenance as well as actual technician service of highway fleets. FleetServ also maintains gas and oil field equipment.
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