The particulate filter catches the soot particles from the vehicle exhaust gas. The filter enables the reduction of the soot content in the exhaust gas of a diesel vehicle by 80-90%. The series installation of the filters to the diesel vehicles started in 2001, and since 2009 the filter installation has become obligatory. With the introduction of EURO 6 standard, the installation of the particulate filters is also required for the petrol engines.
Despite the self-cleaning mode, the particulate filter becomes unavoidably clogged during the vehicle running. Thus, the service life of the particulate filter depends directly on a number of factors and the individual conditions of the vehicle running. If the vehicle runs in the city at the short distances with low speed, needs the warming up in winter and sits in the traffic, the particulate filter gets clogged much sooner.
There are four options on the solving the problem of the clogged filter:
- first – replacement of the used filter to new one;
- second – particulate filter removal with the deleting of its software from control unit;
- third – filter flushing by the cleansing liquid, without filter dismantling;
- fourth – flushing with the special equipment.
Pros and Cons of each option
The first option allows to solve the problem with the filter clogging shortly, yet the price of a new filter is quite high that makes this option unavailable for everyone.
The high price of the particulate filters generated the following options on the solving of the problems with the particulate filter clogging.
The second option guaranties that the problem with the filter won’t arise again in the future. The average fuel consumption will get lower, while the dynamic performance of a vehicle will grow a bit – attractive option for many car owners. Besides, the removal of a particulate filter allows to fill the engine with the common synthetic oil instead of the expensive specific oils that are used for the engines with particulate filters.
Despite the obvious advantages of the second option, it’s not the best solution on the particulate filter problems because the soot in the exhaust gas is dangerous for the human health and for the environment.
The third option means the filter cleansing on its own, with a special liquid and in the following way:
- the particulate filter is removed from the vehicle, either filter input or output should be closed;
- fill the filter with the cleansing liquid so the filter is completely full;
- the filter is left with the liquid inside for 10 hours; during this interval one should shake the filter from time to time;
- when 10 hours expire, flush the filter with a warm water;
- install the filter back to the vehicle, drive some distance at the high engine speed – for the drying and flush results evaluation.
The one and the only advantage of this option is a price. However, the process takes much time, the flushing results in the big volume of the polluted water which has to be disposed although it often just gets into the ground, that leads to the environment destruction. And the quality of this flushing method is doubtful.
The fourth option of the filter flushing with the special equipment is considered to be the most efficient due to its reasonable price and high quality.
Fourth option pros:
- keeps the exhaust gas system structure and engine settings safe;
- 100% eliminates the negative impacts on the vehicle after the flushing;
- keeps the rated exhaust gas data which makes the border crossing easy;
- the filter flushing doesn’t break the warranty;
- the procedure is safe for a human and environment.
The only disadvantage of the fourth option is the impossibility of the complete renovating of the filter, and the flushing should be repeated once in a while depending on the vehicle running conditions.
MSG Equipment offers the flushing station MS900 for the particulate filter flushing. Its design includes the leading engineering solutions – for the most efficient filter cleansing.
More information on the specifications and features of MSG Equipment products you will find on the website servicems.eu.
COMMENTS