MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Thermo King’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) for its TriPac Hybrid Auxiliary Idle Reduction and Temperature Management System has been approved for use by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The DPF is designed to meet TriPac APU emissions requirements required by CARB for APUs running in California that are attached to Class 8 tractors with 2007 or newer engines.

In addition to being designed to meet CARB regulations, the TriPac DPF offers several other features. Regeneration, the process of burning off particulate matter trapped in the filter element, takes place during normal driving hours with no disruption to the driver during rest periods. Plus, extended APU runtime between regenerations is designed to ensure minimal driver involvement.

Officials say the TriPac DPF will not reduce fuel economy and will place no extra strain on the APU, nor will it alter scheduled maintenance intervals. As another environmental benefit, the filter also reduces engine noise, making the already-quiet TriPac system even quieter, the company says.

In addition, Thermo King actually performed additional testing, over and above what CARB requires, to ensure the DPF meets company standards.

The DPF has nine different mounting options, based on vehicle considerations, designed for easy installation on most modern tractors despite the trend of less available frame rail space. The DPF is also designed for minimal maintenance, which reduces costs and downtime.

“Beyond meeting the emission requirements as set by CARB, we were very conscious of our customers’ requests not to add additional maintenance to their fleets or require the stocking of different types of lubricants than what they already use in their equipment,” says Tom Kampf, APU product manager for Thermo King.

The DPF is now available as an aftermarket or original equipment option.