Ask the Expert: What is the best process for cleaning a DPF filter?

Q: What is the best process for cleaning a DPF filter?

A: There have been many claims in the heavy duty diesel industry on the best way to clean a DPF filter. But the only way to properly assure your filter gets cleaned completely and maintain longevity is the “pulse-bake-pulse” method. 

Step 1:  The filter will undergo an initial “pulse” clean to remove any loose sediment and disrupt any buildup within the filter’s cells. This process is performed by a Donaldson Pulse Machine, or something similar.

Step 2:  The filter will undergo a “bake” method to ramp the filter up to a specified temperature and complete the soot regeneration process inside the filter element. Each different type of filter requires a different temperature profile during the bake. Using the wrong temperature profile can catastrophically damage the filter and require replacement. The Filtertherm Thermal Oven is specifically engineered to accommodate all of these different temperature profiles.

Step 3:  Once the filter has cooled to a safe handling level, it will then go through another “pulse” clean to remove the remaining ash from the filter’s cells.

Information provided by: Diesel Emissions Service