DPF / FAP / KAT cleaning methods
An effective method of filter cleaning, such as HYDRO FLUSH, must thoroughly clean the channels—both inlet and outlet—of the filter from soot, ashes, carbon deposits, and cerium oxide particulates, while remaining completely safe for the filter core insert itself.
1. Hydrodynamic cleaning.
The cleaning method involves the use of a specialist machine, forming the working jet of the fluid pointed directly at the filter inside. The application of a cleaning agent – a detergent – is required for effective cleaning DPF and cleaning KAT.
Advantages : Safe for the filter catalytic coating. High effectiveness, even up to 99.5% of capacity. As one of the few, it has the possibility of effective cleaning of the filter channels of all particulates: soot, ashes, carbon deposits, cerium oxide. No necessity to cut out the ceramic insert. Fast cleaning time of about 30 minutes.
Disadvantages : Effectiveness depends on a well-selected detergent.
2. Heat treatment
Curing soot in the induction furnace involves placing the ceramic insert of the filter core in the furnace for about 12 hours. This method is used in cleaning FAB and maintaining the exhaust system.
Advantages : Effectively removes (cures) soot.
Disadvantages : It does not remove the remaining particulates, e.g., ashes, which cannot be cured. High risk of damaging the filter ceramic insert, which is sensitive to too rapid temperature changes. Necessity to cut the filter, remove the insert, and weld.
3. Ultrasonic treatment.
This method consists of the full submersion of the filter in a bath with the solution. Ultrasounds in the washing solution form pressure waves in the form of imploding bubbles, which in turn tear off contaminations from the surfaces of the filters being washed. It is used for cleaning DPF and cleaning KAT.
Advantages: It enables good cleaning of the filter channels as long as water reaches all places. No necessity to cut the filter.
Disadvantages: In the case of very blocked (cured) filter channels, water with ultrasounds has limited access and a possibility of penetration, leaving those places blocked. It requires blowing with compressed air.a
4. Pneumatic treatment.
The particulate filter is placed in a specialist machine in which it undergoes blowing with compressed air. This method is used for cleaning FAB and maintaining the exhaust system.
Advantages: Each filter channel is dealt with individually during blowing. Relatively non-invasive for the filter insert. Cleaning without a detergent.
Disadvantages: The need to cut the filter, remove the insert, and weld. Not very effective in the case of the filter insert flooded with oil. General effectiveness at the level of 70%.
5. Curing in the service mode.
By means of a diagnostic computer, a mode is launched in which the engine operates at high speed. A much richer fuel mixture influences an increase in the temperature of exhaust fumes even up to 600 degrees! In such conditions, it is possible to cure soot. This method is applied for cleaning DPF and cleaning KAT.
Advantages: Effectively cures soot in vehicles with low mileage up to 50,000 km. The procedure requires filter disassembly.
Disadvantages: It does not remove ashes; it only cures soot. Not very effective in cars with high mileage, where the level of ashes is the majority of the blocked filter. The service mode of regeneration overloads the engine (damaging the engine). Necessity to change oil.
6. Chemical treatment.
The activity consists of inserting special chemicals inside the filter to dissolve soot. Chemical treatment of carbon deposits is done with one preparation, and then flushed with another. Afterward, a mechanic connects the car to the service computer and initiates the service procedure of filter regeneration. This method is used for cleaning FAB and maintaining the exhaust system.
Advantages: It does not require cutting the filter. Application of chemicals without filter disassembly.
Disadvantages: It washes away only the smallest particles in the inlet channels of the filter insert. Effectively cleans only the outlet channels of the filter, leaving dissolved deposits in inlet channels (blinded from the outlet side). A method very invasive for the filter insert.