Compliance with the 2007 heavy-duty diesel engine emissions regulations has increased the use of diesel particulate filter (DPF) mufflers on on-highway trucks. DPFs capture the ash and soot generated during the diesel combustion cycle and continuously combust the soot, leaving the ash to be dealt with. Consequently, these DPFs will need to be cleaned periodically through their life cycle. Truck maintenance facilities can now purchase what’s said to be an efficient and cost-effective DPF cleaning system from Donaldson Company.

The Donaldson Pulse Cleaner is a self-contained system which dislodges diesel ash and soot from the DPF. The removed ash and soot are captured in a serviceable filter located in the lower portion of the system’s cabinet for easy removal. The average cleaning cycle is 15 minutes or less, depending on the level of contamination.

For extremely plugged filters which require a more intense cleaning process, Donaldson offers the DPF Thermal Regenerator, a specially-designed unit that removes hydrocarbons and unburned soot through a timed heating and cooling cycle.