Will Your DPF Stand Up to Your Duty Cycle?

Buying a diesel particulate filter is an important decision. No matter which brand or model you choose, it is imperative to first determine what type of DPF will work with your vehicle(s). Why is this so important? We've heard the horror stories first hand. Fleets that had passive filters when they needed active filters have paid the price in time and money. We know of fleets that have to uninstall their filters on a regular basis and manually regenerate them, because their trucks don't reach high enough temperatures to regenerate the DPFs properly. This is a costly mistake most of us can't afford to make. We hope to help you understand both the differences in the filters and, most importantly, how to determine which type is best for your vehicle.

Your Duty Cycle is Paramount

How you use your vehicle is critical in determining which DPF is right for you. For instance, a vehicle such as a garbage truck, which makes frequent stops and drives primarily "in town" would not generate engine temperatures high enough to regenerate a passive diesel particulate filter (DPF). This type of duty cycle would require an active DPF. A passive DPF requires consistent high engine temperatures in order to regenerate the filter. A long-haul semi may generate sustained temperatures necessary to maintain a passive DPF.

Beware of Changes in Duty Cycles

When determining if your vehicle(s) should use an active or passive diesel particulate filter, keep in mind whether or not the vehicle's usage may change. If the vehicle's route changes and the vehicle engine doesn't get up to high temperatures regularly, the DPF cannot effectively regenerate and can no longer be used, or worse can cause engine damage. On the positive side, an active DPF can work on a broader range of vehicles, regardless of the change in duty cycle, because it doesn't rely on engine temperatures to regenerate.

DPF Type Checklist:

1. What does my duty cycle look like? (This is where data logging comes in handy.) Is my vehicle meeting the sustained temperatures needed to regenerate a passive filter?

2. Will my duty cycle change? How?

3. How long will the DPF I'm considering take to regenerate (what down time is involved):


So What's Your Best Solution?

While passive systems are often desired for their simplicity of operation, some applications may not provide the exhaust temperatures that are required. Passive systems also require data logging to confirm that the duty cycle of the vehicle meets exhaust gas temperature requirements. Many operators prefer an active system for the freedom of operation and the broad range of vehicles upon which it can be used. The Econix DPF-A is simple to regenerate, requiring the operator to just push a button and idle for 10-minutes. CARB has approved a 10-minute idle regeneration specifically for Econix DPF-A users.

Our goal at Econix is to help you determine which system is right for your vehicle(s). Regardless of your fleet compliance requirements, we can help you determine the optimum solution for your vehicle(s). Give us a call at 1-877-4-Econix.

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