Soot is a by-product of combustion fuel mixture, and its volume in the exhaust directly depends on the proportions of fuel and air. The particulate filter gets in the way of soot. It traps up to 95% of harmful emissions - does not release them outside and burns them. Excessive clogging of this part leads to a decrease in vehicle power.

Why does the particulate filter become clogged?

When driving, the filter gradually becomes clogged. This process is monitored by special sensors. Automatic regeneration can destroy accumulated soot by burning it off, but this only occurs when driving long distances. As a result of the additional supply of the fuel mixture, the temperature in the filter reaches 700 degrees, which helps to completely burn out the accumulated soot.

If you drive only within city limits, partial burning of pollution will occur, which does not solve the problem. The filter continues to clog.

Over time, it becomes critical - you have to change the element, which can cost 800 euros. By the way, wear is “promoted” by the use of low-quality gasoline. Driving with a clogged filter leads to the fact that regeneration is activated systematically, but complete burning of soot does not occur due to its large amount. Moreover, the system becomes clogged even faster, since due to the too frequent start of the regenerative process, the fuel does not burn out completely. The remaining substances end up in the exhaust.

Some of the unburned mixture may end up in the oil, deteriorating its quality. Excessive pressure raises the oil level - it will eventually end up in the intercooler. Too high pressure can “kill” the motor. This is why the filter system needs to be washed from time to time using a special cleaner.

Signs of a clogged particulate filter

The following symptoms indicate critical clogging of the filter system:

• increased fuel consumption;
• high oil level in the system;
• thrust decreases (as indicated by instrument readings);
• on Idling the motor is unstable;
• when the internal combustion engine is turned on, suspicious noises (hissing) are heard;
• from exhaust pipe too much smoke comes out.

On a diesel engine, the signs of critical blockage are the same. By the way, the degree of contamination is determined by the electronics, so errors can be generated even in the absence of severe blockage.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

The resource of the soot depends on the number of regeneration cycles initiated by the electronics. Frequent cleaning may cause the platinum layer of the catalyst to completely burn out due to too much high temperatures. The main advantage of regular diagnostics and cleaning is saving money on installing a new filter device.

When driving in extreme conditions soot is formed more actively. Preventative cleaning will help avoid replacing the unit. In addition, a car with pure soot consumes less fuel, its motor is more powerful. Is it worth talking about a significant reduction harmful impurities in atmosphere? In general, regular maintenance helps increase the resource of the node and makes it more reliable.

Cleaning particulate filter must be done during Maintenance. This is the only way to avoid the accumulation of excessive amounts of soot deposits. There is another way to extend the life of the filter device - use additives. They help reduce soot formation activity and reduce the temperature that occurs during the regeneration process.

There are additives that are added to diesel fuel so that it burns out completely. This leads to a reduction in soot emissions into the system. When using additives, it is not necessary to clean the soot often - but sometimes it is still necessary to check.

How to clean the particulate filter

The company's cleaning products are considered high quality Liqui Moly, but they are expensive. The product helps reduce the formation of soot. It is suitable for diesel vehicles. Constant use of cleaning additives will increase the filter life.

Another effective remedy- Diesel Partikelfilter Schutz. One package is enough for 2,000 km. This substance is added to the fuel tank before adding fuel. It is not recommended to use Diesel Partikelfilter Schutz together with other products. 75 liters of fuel require 1 bottle.

JLM too quality product for washing soot. If you add it every 10,000 km, it can completely restore the functionality of the element. JLM can be used on any car.

The Russian remedy is “Security”. According to the manufacturer, it can reliably protect the DPF from clogging. The norm is 1 bottle per 10,000 km. The substance is added to the fuel tank. The cleaning process starts while the vehicle is moving. For fuel elements and exhaust systems there is no negative impact. The use of the "Protection" product leads to a significant reduction in exhaust toxicity.

Do-it-yourself diesel particulate filter cleaning

Washing the particulate filter diesel engine(as well as gasoline engine) are produced in 2 ways:

• without dismantling the device;
• after dismantling.

To clean the unit yourself, remove it. The procedure is quite troublesome - it takes 8 hours. We remove the filter device and fill its housing with flushing agent. Cleaning liquid is usually sold in 5 liter canisters. One procedure takes up to 4 liters. We pour the product through the hose that comes with the canister.

When filling the filter, the substance begins to dissolve soot deposits. The desired effect can be expected after the liquid has been inside the case for 8 hours. Do not neglect to read the instructions before using the product, as it describes the dosage.

After 8 hours, the soot deposits are separated and removed with a pressurized water jet. Then the soot is put in place.

Some drivers think that chemical cleaners can be dangerous for the catalyst, but this is not the case. Modern additives contain safe elements that only destroy soot.

Remember the platinum layer covering inner part soot It is quite fragile, and excessive exposure to it is unacceptable.

Washing the particulate filter without dismantling

The work will be completed faster if you do not remove the device. This is made possible thanks to temperature sensor. After unscrewing it, a hole appears through which you can pour flushing fluid.

Do not forget about safety precautions - remember that the liquid can ignite. The product is applied into the hole using a gun or probe.

Here's how to proceed:

1. We warm up the engine.
2. Pour a liter of liquid into the hole and leave for 15 minutes.
3. We connect the gun to the probe.
4. We insert the probe into the hole.

There should be 4 or 5 ten-minute cycles (cleaning-stop). For better spraying of the composition, it is recommended to scroll and move the probe back and forth during the cleaning process.

After the procedures, pour rinse aid (0.5 liters) into the system, which is needed to neutralize residues active substance. We rinse with a sprayer at the same time intervals.

Upon completion of work, screw the sensor into place and warm up the engine to operating temperature. Then we start the regeneration process, which will destroy the remaining soot deposits. The duration of the process is 15 minutes. Natural soot burning begins after the engine has been running at medium speed for some time (15-20 minutes).

The process may not start naturally due to problems with the electronics. In this case, you need to run it yourself using a diagnostic scanner.

Cleaning methods have their pros and cons, but it is better to dismantle the device. And this does not depend on what power unit is in the car - Diesel or gasoline engine.

Owners of cars manufactured after 2005 are well aware of what a diesel particulate filter is, cleaning which is a rather labor-intensive procedure, and replacement can cost a pretty penny. Therefore, it is very important to know in what ways you can extend the life of this filter on your car, how to operate it correctly and how to clean it if it becomes clogged.

Soot formation is an inevitable effect that occurs during engine operation. internal combustion. Diesel engines, whose fuel contains more heavy oil fractions, are especially susceptible to this. The resulting soot is released from the engine exhaust.

Soot particles are very toxic. They have pronounced carcinogenic properties and can cause severe allergic reactions and other diseases. Therefore, in many countries it is accepted regulations, which oblige automakers to take measures to reduce the toxicity of vehicle emissions. The European Union is especially demanding about this. According to the EURO 4 environmental standard, all cars with diesel engines must be equipped with particulate filters, which are designed to reduce soot emissions into the atmosphere.

The soot filtering device is a metal cylinder. Inside it is a special heat-resistant ceramic material with a cellular structure. Thanks to this, small soot particles formed during engine operation are retained and deposited inside the device and cannot enter the atmosphere.

Based on the principle of operation of the particulate filter described above, it is clear that it is a device that must be replaced after a certain time. Standard term its service life ranges from 120 to 150 thousand kilometers. But if used incorrectly, this period can be significantly reduced.

The following signs may indicate a clogged particulate filter:

• fuel consumption increases;
• engine thrust decreases;
• the amount of smoke in the exhaust increases;
• the engine runs irregularly idle speed;
• oil level is higher than normal;
• Hissing sounds appear when the engine is running.

Replacing the filter element is very expensive, so if the above symptoms appear, measures should be taken to clean it.

To reduce the clogging of the particulate filter, manufacturers provide an automatic cleaning function. It's called regeneration. Its essence is to raise the temperature in the device above 500 degrees for a while. In this case, the accumulated soot particles burn out and the filter device is cleaned.

Regeneration is triggered by the engine's electronic control unit by increasing the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. But for this it is necessary that the engine operates at full load. When traveling short distances, when stuck in traffic jams for a long time, in the cold season, the engine simply cannot warm up properly, and regeneration does not start.

Therefore, cleaning the diesel particulate filter can be carried out in other ways:

1. Forced regeneration. This method involves accelerating the car to a speed of 80 km/h at low gear and drive in this way for at least 40 km. With such a load, the temperature of the exhaust gases rises and the soot accumulated in the filter ignites. This procedure can also be carried out in a service station using special equipment.
2. Lowering the temperature at which soot ignites. You can clean the particulate filter in this way using special additives which are added to fuel. Additives should be used at an early stage of filter contamination every 2-3 thousand kilometers.

When using additives, you must ensure that good quality offered product. You can find many fakes on the market, the use of which can lead to problems with the engine fuel system.

If the particulate filter is excessively clogged and regeneration cannot be started, washing it may be a solution. This service is provided in service centers, but if you wish, you can do the washing yourself.

You can wash the diesel particulate filter either by removing it or directly on the car. For this, a special flushing liquid is used. At the same time, you cannot clean the filter without removing it with the same liquid that is used to wash the dismantled device.

The filter must be removed in accordance with the vehicle operating instructions.

Then you need to:

• soak the filter in cleaning liquid (time depends on the type of product used);
• blow it out with a compressor;
• put back in place.

After this, you should start the engine and carry out regeneration as usual.

In order to wash the particulate filter without removing it from the car, you need to unscrew the temperature or pressure sensor from the exhaust. A special probe is inserted into the hole from them, with the help of which the cleaning liquid will be sprayed onto the filter. Typically used for this alkaline solution. Injection of the solution must be repeated several times at intervals of 5 seconds. As a result of this manipulation, soot particles dissolve and are evenly distributed over the surface of the filter. This creates the possibility of burning them later during the regeneration process.

Since replacing a particulate filter is very expensive, many car owners prefer to remove it from the car altogether.

Indeed, this improves engine performance, but at the same time leads to an increase in exhaust toxicity.

Traveling abroad with such a car becomes impossible, and the manufacturer’s warranty is lost.

In European countries they are considered one of the most popular. But in diesel internal combustion engines, as in gasoline engines, the fuel does not burn completely. As a result, various toxic gases are formed in the exhaust gases. In addition, they also contain soot, because hydrocarbons do not burn completely. In Europe in the 2000s, environmental activists developed a standard for the level of harmful emissions in environment. Car manufacturers, in order for their products to comply with these standards, began to install particulate filters on diesel engines. Those who drive diesel engines need to know what it is and how it works. Today we will try to answer all these questions.

Main functions

In order to better understand the purpose of these devices, it is necessary to touch upon the topic of exhaust gases. Car exhaust contains a lot of particularly toxic and carcinogenic substances.

Thus, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, aldehydes, sulfur oxides, and tetraethyl lead have a very harmful effect on the environment. In addition, the exhaust gases of a diesel vehicle, in particular heavy-duty trucks, contain large amounts of soot.

In order to reduce the concentration of this component, the design modern car A diesel particulate filter has been introduced into the mobile. What is this detail? This is something similar to a catalyst in a gasoline engine.

What does the element look like?

So, this device is designed to neutralize soot - a product formed during the combustion of diesel fuel. There are two types - closed (DPF) and closed with the possibility of regeneration (FAP).

For all their simplicity, in fact, these auto parts for foreign cars have quite complex device. Regardless of the design, the filter is a metal cylinder. There are pipes on it - inlet and outlet. The output is connected to the exhaust gas purification system.

The main element of the filter is a special matrix, which is made of silicon carbide.

It is enclosed in a metal cylinder. The structure of this matrix is ​​cellular. As for the cross-section of the cells, this cross-section is often square. But cells with an octagonal shape are more effective.

In addition, the diesel filter has several sensors in its design. This is a sensor that records the pressure difference, and an inlet and outlet temperature sensor.

Principle of operation

The size of one soot particle is approximately 0.05 microns. In terms of its chemical composition, this product is nothing more than ordinary carbon. Contain these particles using conventional means very difficult due to the size of the element. To capture soot, it is necessary to use the principle of diffusion. To understand what a typical diesel particulate filter is and what kind of device it is, you need to look inside it.

So, the filter inside is a ceramic matrix. This is a whole series of tubes, while the ends of the neighboring ones are closed. The exhaust gases come inside this matrix from the engine side, however, when the gases enter the tubes, they simply cannot move further. Then, through the walls of the tubes, they enter adjacent open cavities and can then exit the matrix. During the diffusion process, even the smallest particles remain inside the filter, which means it fulfills its task.

Where is the particulate filter located?

Finding this part will not be difficult. The filter is often installed in exhaust system car.

Due to the design features, the part can be found between the muffler and the catalyst. In some cases the device may be combined with the catalyst and located directly behind exhaust manifold. There the maximum temperature of the gases, and such a filter has a catalytic coating.

Operating techniques

To effectively use a diesel engine, the price of which is quite high (about 900 euros), it is necessary to operate the car correctly. The thing is that during the process of cleaning exhaust gases, the cells and tubes become clogged with soot. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the diesel engine.

Decreases throughput filter and increases resistance to exhaust gases. Many manufacturers, in order to increase the service life of this stock without the need frequent replacement, applied a special filter operation algorithm when the filling level is controlled. If the filter is so full that engine power is lost, filter regeneration is triggered.

Reasons for decreased efficiency

There are several reasons why filters become clogged. The main reason is quality When refueling a car low-quality fuel A large amount of soot is formed - the filter quickly becomes clogged, which reduces its service life.

Another reason is insufficient temperature. So, the soot does not burn completely.

The whole point is what a diesel particulate filter is. What is this? It not only traps particles, but also maintains the temperature to burn them. However, it should be said that this happens when the heating of the exhaust gases is high and is no less than 600 degrees Celsius. At lower values, the soot will not burn.

There are also several reasons for the decrease in gas temperature. These are traffic patterns, traffic jams, disruption of the fuel combustion process. Thus, the temperature in the system will not rise if the speed of movement is low, and the movement is accompanied by frequent stops.

Condition monitoring

In order to be able to monitor the condition of the diesel engine tract, it is equipped with control and measuring equipment. It includes temperature and pressure sensors. These elements generate signals for the electronic control unit, which determines whether the filter is full or not. When the element is very full, the cleaning process begins.

How to clean

In order to restore engine efficiency with a full particulate filter, it is enough to use several simple methods, which will help start self-cleaning. Regeneration can be of either passive or active type.

In any case, the process occurs through the combustion of soot and the release of tubes and channels.

For the regeneration process, increasing the heating level of the exhaust gases, additives, or washing the particulate filter can be used. Additives will help reduce the temperature at which soot will burn. And washing with special substances will help clean the filter.

Passive regeneration method

This cleaning can be carried out directly by the car enthusiast. The corresponding indicator will indicate the need for regeneration. It is also necessary to start this process if the dynamics or power of the engine decreases.

The most important thing is to ensure an increase in temperature for the exhaust gases. This is done by driving the car with a full load. It is enough to drive 30-40 km for the filter to be completely cleaned and all the soot to burn out. The second option is the use of special fuel additives.

Active regeneration

This mode can be started automatically by the ECU controller. To do this, the electronics analyzes information from the temperature sensor and pressure sensor. He informs the electronic unit control that the filter is clogged, and the sensor reports the temperature. If it is not enough for the soot to burn completely, the ECU can additionally inject fuel during the exhaust gas release process. This will burn off the soot in the exhaust. This also allows you to raise the temperature to the desired level.

If in exhaust tract There are other equipment that also increases heating, so the ECU can use them too.

Flushing

For this procedure you need special liquids.

The procedure itself as a whole depends only on the type of product.

So, the filter is removed and its holes are closed. Then the cleaning liquid is poured inside so as to fill the entire volume of the filter. Next, the product must be left alone for ten hours, while shaking the filter from time to time. After this, the part is washed with warm water and installed back on the car. There are several types of liquids, and each has its own method of washing. This should be kept in mind before performing these procedures.

Washing and cleaning will help prolong the operation of the element, because replacing a particulate filter is a very expensive pleasure.

But sooner or later the time will come. It is recommended to change filters after 180 thousand kilometers.

The wear of this structure is primarily affected by driving conditions, fuel quality, and driving style. If the machine experiences significant loads, replacement of this element may be required earlier.

So, we found out what it is used for this part in the car. The particulate filter, like other auto parts for foreign cars, - important detail modern car. This item improves environmental situation in the world, and this is people's health. High-quality ecology means a healthy society and happy children.

In every diesel car There is a particulate filter. If it is not cleaned, it will lead to serious consequences for the machine.

Its clogging leads to the release of particles into the environment, which is harmful to humans, and on the machine this affects the problems with the electronics signal. dashboard, a decline in traction and dynamic characteristics, interruptions in the functioning of the engine, an increase in the oil level.

This is why diesel particulate filters are cleaned.

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 I plant. But since it is the ultimate reservoir for their accumulation, it must be periodically cleaned to regenerate the DPF.

This process burns off excess soot deposited in the filter, reducing harmful exhaust fumes and helping prevent the formation of 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 instrument panel.

Short trips to low speeds are the main cause of blocked filters.

This is why automakers often recommend choosing a car based on, rather than diesel fuel(and this is why diesels are rare in the urban automotive sector).

The filter is capable of cleaning itself only when moving high speed, and if the driver drives only within the city, this becomes impossible. Any mechanic at a service station will tell you that cleaning should be done every 150 km.

Oil may also be the cause of 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 frequently 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. This is passive and active regeneration or the use of special means.

Passive regeneration

Particulate filter? Passive regeneration occurs when the vehicle is driven at high speed on the motorway. This allows the exhaust temperature to be increased 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 the vehicle's ECU when the filter reaches a predetermined limit (usually around 45%) to raise exhaust temperature and burn off accumulated soot.

Problems may arise if the journey is too short, as the regeneration process may not complete completely.

If this is the case, the warning light will continue to indicate that the device is still partially dirty.

You will know whether active regeneration is occurring, because it will be manifested by the following signs:

• acrid smell of exhaust gases;
• increased idle speed;
• cooling fans do not work;
• 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 specified problems. The motor engine runs without interruption, and there will be no problems for others either.

Liquids

What to do if neither active nor passive regeneration works?

If the warning light continues to flash, cleaning has failed. It is necessary to replace the part or remove it for washing with professional products.

Do not add diesel fuel until the cleaning fluid has been used.

How to clean diesel particulate filters?

First you need to dismantle it, and then use special liquids. But thanks to these products you can do without removing them, because this is the hardest part: 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 strength.

Using fuel flushing products on a regular basis will help maintain fuel system clean and the engine will run more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and reducing harmful emissions.

It is better to clean particulate filters rather than start them up and then replace them with new part. They are expensive. Carry out regeneration in accordance with the requirements and this problem will not affect you.

Mixtures for washing particulate filters diesel engine easy to find in auto stores. You can clean this element yourself by adhering to some of the rules outlined in the article.

Diesel particulate filter

Cleaning the particulate filter is necessary if a diesel car exhibits the following symptoms:

• the dashboard displays errors regarding the particulate filter;
• craving disappears;
• idle speed floats;
• fuel consumption increases.

The following factors lead to deterioration of the condition of DPF filter elements:

1. Insufficient heating of the specified device due to frequent short trips around the city. To ensure automatic regeneration, the car must be driven along the highway for a long time, then the temperature sensor of the particulate filter unit determines the desired temperature.
2. Faulty motor. Irregularities at work power unit also affect the regeneration process.
3. The plug is not closed or not tightened enough fuel tank leads to the absence of the regeneration process.
4. Use of fuel of questionable quality. In such fuel the sulfur content exceeds acceptable standards, this leads to an increase in soot formation and deterioration in the performance of the power unit, which leads to clogging of the filtration element.

In these situations, incomplete combustion of soot occurs, its residue accumulates, clogging the filter element. As a result, it becomes necessary to replace or wash the filter device. The second option is much cheaper than the first.

There are two types of cleaning of this filter element:

1. Passive. It involves the afterburning of unburnt fuel particles by ensuring a temperature of up to 600 0 C inside the filter element. Regeneration is also possible using special additives added to the fuel. Additives allow soot residues to burn out at a lower temperature.
2. Active. This is done if the filter tube is clogged and the car cannot be started. It involves burning the filter device through the power unit control controller. Before this, additives are additionally added to the fuel, which include cerium.

In addition to cleaning the filter, it is necessary to perform a washing procedure. There are two ways to wash the filter element:

• without removing the filter;
• by removing the filtration element.

Before cleaning this element yourself, keep in mind: the use of liquids not intended for these purposes will lead to complete damage to the device.

Method one

First, we will purchase a means for washing the diesel particulate filter. For quality implementation To remove contaminants, one particulate filter will require up to 5 liters of washing mixture. These mixtures act in this way: for a certain time chemical composition the washing mixture can dissolve a certain amount of resins on which the formed carbon deposits are held. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the manufacturer of the cleaning fluid and maintain the specified time.

Clogged filter device

You can clean the particulate filter as follows:

• remove the device from the car;
• pour the cleaning mixture into it;
• wait for the time specified by the manufacturer of the mixture (about 8 hours) for the resins to split;
• drain the mixture from the unit;
• wash off the separated soot with a stream of clean water;
• dry the filter device;
• install the unit in its original place.

These manipulations can be carried out using special cleaning mixtures that have an effect on the resins and are also easily washed off with water. Using other substances will damage the fragile layer inside the filtration device.

Second way

Washing the filter unit directly on the car

This method allows you to clean the filter without removing it from the car. With this method, manufacturers of cleaning products take into account the possibility of ignition of the composition flushing fluid. Therefore, solutions with a water-alkaline base are used for washing. They are used in tandem with a flushing mixture that can neutralize alkali after the cleaning process is completed.

For this procedure the following are used:

• set of liquids;
• gun;
• spray;
• probes.

All these elements are sold in a car store or on the market. Allows you to clean the filtration element on any model diesel cars equipped with a particulate filter device. Cleaning is carried out by step-by-step dosing of the incoming cleaner through the hole for the pressure and temperature measurement sensor. Before starting the procedure, the car is warmed up, after which the filter device is allowed to cool to a temperature of 40 0 ​​C. This is the optimal temperature indicator for efficient work alkaline mixture.

To rinse the filtration device, you will need a spray gun; it must be connected to a probe, which will be inserted into the sensor hole. The cleaning agent is sprayed inside the filter, then left for up to 10 seconds. and spray again intermittently. This procedure is repeated several times. To increase the cleaning efficiency of the probe, it is necessary to perform rotational movements around its axis. Then a rinsing agent is used, a second probe is used, and the procedure is repeated in the same way, maintaining a time interval. The result of these manipulations will be a uniform distribution of soot over the surface of the matrix, and it will be possible to burn it out more efficiently.

After the cleaning work is completed, the sensor is installed in its original place, the car engine is started and the car is operated for 20 minutes at medium and high speeds, then regeneration starts or this procedure begins in automatic mode.

Particulate filter, principle of operation, purpose After what period should it be changed? fuel filter on a diesel car?