Diesel particle filter: Function and cleaning
What is it?
Particulate Filters were invented in the 1970s, aiming to comply with European anti-pollution standards.
These standards are called “European Standards and are classified by 6 categories:
- Euro 1: 1st January 1993
- Euro 2: 1st July 1996
- Euro 3: 1st January 2001
- Euro 4: 1st January 2006
- Euro 5: 1st January 2011
- Euro 6: 1st September 2015
The main function of Particulate Filters, more commonly called PFs, is to reduce the emission of fine particles contained in exhaust gases. The PF is situated in continuity with the exhaust line, most often the engine outlet.
How do Particulate Filters work?
The PF works in two stages. In the first stage, it collects the emitted articles and in the second one, eliminates them.
First stage
The filter captures particles suspended in exhaust gases. A layer of carbon forms at that point and degrades the engine’s performance over the long term.
Second stage
The filter forces the temperature of the exhaust gases to climb sufficiently in order to burn off the carbon layers. To increase the temperature of the exhaust gases, a surplus of fuel is injected into the PF, causing combustion of the carbon imprisoned there.
What are the symptoms of a clogged Particulate Filter?
When the Particulate Filter is clogged, several problems can arise:
- Loss of power
- Engine lights on
- Working in a degraded manner
- An engine that splutters, stalls, etc.
How do I clean and maintain the Particulate Filter?
It is at this point that de-scaling stations by the injection of hydrogen from FlexFuel Energy Development®, Hy-Calamine and Hy-Carbon Connect, comes into play! Thanks to their innovative process, using the solvent power of hydrogen after combustion, Hy-Calamine and Hy-Carbon Connect permit unclogging of the PF. Your vehicle then regains its original performance! An end to black smoke, loss of power, engines that splutter and stall, due to a clogged or blocked Particulate Filter!