Here are the key points to pay attention to when cleaning a diesel particulate filter:

1. Pump power and filtration system: Less powerful pumps or inefficient filters reduce performance, which can negatively affect the quality of cleaning and the longevity of the filter.2. Software and automation in DPF cleaning equipment: Simplified interfaces or the lack of flexible settings may reduce the equipment cost but will limit the ability to adjust washing parameters for different types of filters. It’s essential to have washing settings that are both flexible and automated (set once and forget). This can be achieved using presets.3. Lack of temperature and pressure control systems: Low-quality equipment may not provide stable control over these parameters, which is critical for effective cleaning and preventing filter damage.4. Cost-efficiency of DPF cleaning equipment: It’s important to understand that using chemicals, for instance, entails significant additional costs over the year, as a large amount of liquid is needed to clean the filter. Also, inefficient one-way cleaning can lead to complaints, further harming your business.5. Testing and drying capabilities in DPF cleaning systems: Before and after cleaning, it's important to monitor the results to show the customer and assess them yourself. This is often measured by resistance – in mBar. 

Why is drying necessary during DPF cleaning?

First, if the DPF cleaning equipment you're planning to purchase includes a built-in drying function or a separate drying unit, you can save time, which positively affects productivity. 

What happens if the DPF is not dried after cleaning? 

Let’s calculate:
1. Increased exhaust gas resistance. A wet filter creates additional resistance, which can be tested on a stand if it includes a drying unit that shows real-time resistance data (like the MS900). Higher DPF resistance can worsen engine performance by increasing load and reducing efficiency.
2. Errors in the engine management system and on the car's dashboard. Exhaust gas monitoring sensors (such as the pressure sensor) can detect increased resistance, triggering the "Check Engine" light or even forcing the engine into limp mode.
3. Filter damage and corrosion. When the engine starts, a wet filter heats up quickly. This can cause it to crack or deform due to the rapid expansion of moisture. Additionally, moisture inside the filter can lead to corrosion of metal components.
4. Ineffective regeneration. The regeneration process requires high temperatures to burn off soot. A wet filter makes it difficult to reach these temperatures, leading to faster clogging.

The cleaning method and use of chemicals in catalyst and DPF cleaning equipment.

Most companies clean the DPF using one-way flushing or by using chemicals, which can lead to certain consequences and reduce the effectiveness or performance of DPF cleaning as a whole.
Why is that?
It’s due to the design of the DPF or catalyst. Let's take a closer look at the construction of these two units:Catalytic converter: Designed to reduce harmful emissions in exhaust gases. In everyday language, it’s called a catalyst. It is important to understand that while the catalyst can be cleaned, the chemical substances typically used are alkaline and may break down the catalytic layer, deactivating its functionality. Water flushing is safer for the catalytic layer on the cells.

Diesel particulate filter (DPF): A device installed in the exhaust system of a diesel vehicle to trap and hold soot, ash, and other combustion and engine wear particles. 
 Over time, the DPF clogs for various reasons:
● The filter's service life, as specified by the manufacturer, has expired.● Malfunctions in the engine’s fuel system.● Oil entering the exhaust system (problems with the engine: turbo, cylinder head, pistons).● Incorrect engine operating modes (city driving).

We can see that DPF cells have an inlet and outlet, both with dead ends. Since soot is heavier than air, it accumulates in these "dead ends," allowing the DPF to filter exhaust gases. Cleaning the filter in only one direction won’t achieve the desired result, as the soot will simply move to other dead ends. 
The filter needs to be thoroughly cleaned, not partially, so two-way water cleaning is much more effective and productive (and cost-efficient, too).
When choosing equipment for cleaning the catalyst and DPF, it’s essential to consider all these points and opt for equipment that meets all the mentioned characteristics. To learn more, you can also refer to articles on our website.

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