Expert advices

THE PARTICULATE FILTER: TECHNICAL EXPLANATIONS AND SERVICING TIPS

Title

Did you know that the first car to be fitted with a DPF was the Peugeot 607 released in 2000?

Since January 2011, the particulate filter has been mandatory on all new diesel vehicles. What is its purpose and how do you keep it in good working order? Métal 5 takes a look at this question with a view to the next roadworthiness test.

How does the particulate filter work?

Increasingly stringent pollution standards have forced manufacturers to find solutions to reduce exhaust emissions.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is one of these technologies and aims to reduce the well-known “black smoke” so characteristic of older generations of diesel engines. These engines are still produced, albeit in limited numbers. The only way to eliminate particles completely is to use a filter.

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Principle

The particulate filter is a honeycomb structure that traps carbon particles emitted by the engine as a result of the combustion of diesel fuel. In trapping them, it purifies exhaust gases.

The particulate filter is therefore installed in the exhaust system downstream of the catalytic converter. However, like any filter, the DPF traps and accumulates soot as the kilometres go by. To ensure that it remains effective and does not impede the flow of exhaust gases, it must be regenerated regularly: an operation that is carried out automatically and remains transparent for the car driver. Regeneration involves heating the DPF to a very high temperature to burn off the soot. It can occur naturally when the vehicle is driven for long distances at high engine speed (motorways) or can be initiated by the engine control unit if the engine’s temperature does not rise sufficiently (short journeys, traffic jams, etc.).

If regeneration cannot be carried out due to a failure of temperatures to rise, a warning light on the dashboard will come on. To turn it off, you have to drive for a long distance at engine speeds above 3000 rpm. To speed up the procedure, we advise you to add the Metal 5 Diesel DPF Regenerating Cleaner product to the fuel, or better still, the Metal 5 Intégral product which will complete the soot combustion process.

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Our expert advice for mixed town/open road use of the vehicle:

> Every 500 km, drive at an engine speed of at least 3000 rpm for at least 20 minutes.
> Observe the regular recommended servicing intervals, including the filters (diesel and air).
> Use Metal 5 Intégral at least once a year to keep the system and injectors clean and enhance DPF regeneration.
> Or use Métal DIESEL DPF regenerating cleaner at least once a year to enhance DPF regeneration.

Our expert advice for town use only:

> At least once a week, go for a drive at sustained engine speed.
> As often as possible, use a higher quality premium diesel fuel with a higher cetane number.
> Shorten servicing intervals, especially as regards diesel filter replacement.
> Use Métal 5 Intégral every 6 months or 4,000 km.
> Or better still, use Metal 5 Intégral and Metal 5 DPF regenerating cleaner alternately to keep the system and injectors clean and enhance DPF regeneration.

Fap Eteint

Voyant éteint = FAP en fonction

Fap Clignote

Voyant intermittent = Colmatage FAP PARTIEL

Fap Allumé

Voyant allumé fixe = Colmatage FAP IMPORTANT (nécessite une intervention)

In all cases:

• Avoid regular short runs.
• Use an oil specifically intended for DPF engines.
• Drain the engine if the DPF light has come on.

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