How does a particulate filter affect engine performance? Particulate filter

Compliance with environmental standards often comes at a cost for owners Vehicle additional problems caused by the complexity of the design of individual components and assemblies of the machine. In particular, particulate filters installed on modern diesel engines become clogged over time and quickly become unusable, causing certain malfunctions in the operation of the machine. What to do in this case? There are two options: either delete particulate filter, or clean it, but for some reason many motorists choose the first option.

Why is the particulate filter removed?

A heavily contaminated particulate filter negatively affects the performance of the entire car, and what owner would like the fact that his car’s traction has decreased, fuel consumption has noticeably increased, and in addition, annoying warning lights are constantly on. Of course, you can solve the issue by replacing the part, but for this you will need to pay a fairly decent amount. In such a situation, the only reasonable solution, at least from the point of view of many car enthusiasts, is to completely remove the particulate filter from the car, but not everyone thinks about the possible consequences.

According to experts, the opinion that the removal of this part has a beneficial effect on the “well-being” of the iron horse is nothing more than a myth, because even despite temporary improvements in dynamics, problems will still appear over time.

DPF removal methods

There are two ways to remove a particulate filter from your car:through the physical removal of all components of the part or through software deactivation, which is a more competent approach to the issue.

In the first case, you need to get to the location of the DPF and use a grinder to cut out the block with the filter element itself and the catalyst. After this, a special flame arrester is installed in their place or a regular piece of pipe is welded. Installing a flame arrester allows you to increase the durability of the exhaust system, in particular, the muffler. Moreover, thanks to this device, the engine power increases significantly, and the exhaust sound becomes much quieter.

Software removal of a diesel particulate filter is considered a more humane method of dismantling the part. It is used when they want to avoid errors in the operation of the engine ECU, which is achieved by adding an exhaust temperature sensor and a lambda probe to a piece of welded metal pipe. Also, after removing the particulate filter, you will have to perform chip tuning of the car, which will eliminate black combustion products.

After completing this procedure, you will notice a decrease in the “capriciousness” of the motor in terms of maintenance, although you will have to forget about the warranty from the manufacturer. Station DPF Removal Procedure Maintenance will cost approximately 25-30 thousand rubles, but it all depends on the complexity of the work and the location of the element itself.

What happens if you remove the filter

By removing the clogged filter from your vehicle, you will, of course, solve the problem with power and fuel consumption, but at the same time, some other inaccuracies in the operation of the car will appear. Extraneous sounds when the power unit is running and incorrect display of the status of the part are just a few of them. The system will see that the particulate filter is not clogged, and this simply cannot be, then decides that it is simply faulty and puts the car into “emergency” mode. To avoid all these nuances, you should reprogram (or, as people say, “reflash”) the control unit, otherwise the ECU will constantly issue fault codes. There are two main options for how to do this.

In the first case, take the “firmware” of the version of the vehicle on which the particulate filter was not installed and load it into your control unit. However, no one can know for sure what is still missing in this firmware, and what consequences of removing the particulate filter will come out here. It is likely that the standard parameters of the car will not be able to “get along” with the new changes, as a result of which any other function that was not in the old program may stop working.

You can download the required firmware on the Internet, but in this case it will be completely impossible to predict the result. Even if such firmware works for some time, no one can guarantee its proper functioning after a year. Floating revs, an ever-shaky speedometer needle and uneven injection are not all possible consequences using low-quality software.

Most the best option The solution to a software problem is to install programs that are used by the manufacturer, but supplemented with some changes made by an experienced programmer. Such software is loaded into the chip control unit using a special device - a programmer.

Did you know? The particulate filter is the development of Peugeot specialists, who installed the first ever particulate filter on their 607 car. model range 2000

There is another way to avoid problems associated with removing the particulate filter. You are required to install an emulator that would simulate the presence of a new particulate filter in the car system. Such an electronic device sends signals identical to those of a real filter, thus deceiving the on-board computer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Filter Removal

You have already learned why to remove the particulate filter, but you should always take into account not only the advantages, but also the disadvantages of any action performed. The positive aspects of removing the particulate filter include:

increased engine power and thrust (can be achieved by reducing resistance in the exhaust pipe);

No need for expensive maintenance and filter cleaning;

Saving motor resources due to the absence of regeneration processes;

No pop-up errors related to the operation of the particulate filter.

As for the shortcomings, there are not so many of them. The main thing is that the car ceases to comply with Euro-4/Euro-5 standards, which means that the car will no longer pass technical inspection, at least without additional material expenses. True, if you look at the problem from the other side, this nuance will not be so significant, especially in comparison with the cost of the procedure for replacing the part. We must not forget about the above technical problems associated with the absence of a particulate filter, which appear as a result of its removal from the vehicle.

Diesel particulate filter is an element of the diesel exhaust system. power unit. The purpose of this device is to clean exhaust gases from soot in order to prevent them from entering the atmosphere (about 90% does not pass outside).
The use of the filter began in 2001 in freight transport. But the introduction of the Euro-5 environmental standard in 2009 obligated all automakers to install this filter element on cars of any class and type that run on diesel.

Principle of operation

The purpose of a particulate filter is to prevent/minimize the release of soot into the atmosphere. It is part of the muffler and its main task is to clean exhaust gases. However, you should not compare this device with a catalyst, because the catalytic converter fights exhaust gases, while the filter only fights soot in them.

The particulate filter operates in two stages:

Stage I – soot capture. At this stage, soot particles settle on the walls of the filter element, which resemble cells in appearance. At the same time, the soot does not remain here completely, but only particles larger than 0.5 microns in size. The rest of the “trifles” come out together with gases, although the percentage of such precipitation is small - about 10%.

The particulate filter tends to become clogged, which negatively affects the power characteristics of the power unit. Based on this, the device must be periodically cleaned/regenerated.

Stage II: regeneration. A labor-intensive process of cleaning the cells of the filter element from soot deposits. The procedure takes place according to the regulations prescribed by the manufacturer.

Interaction with the catalytic converter

On diesel (compared to gasoline engine), for the most part, a catalyst is not used due to differences in engine ignition systems (no spark plugs). But big ones automobile concerns(VW Group) are actively working in this direction and creating combined particulate filter/catalytic converter circuits.

Combined filter design:

• The sides of the cleaning device body consist of a catalytic material (often titanium). Through this, combustion and oxidation processes of exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide) occur;
• the internal cells have channels of small cross-section (consisting of silicon carbide), which do not allow soot particles to enter the atmosphere.

Passive regeneration

This occurs only on a combined device, where the catalytic converter provokes the purification process through high temperatures. The particulate filter heats up to 300-500 O C, at which soot elements oxidize and burn.

This happens as follows:

1. In the catalytic converter, nitrogen and oxygen form a chemical reaction. The result of the interaction is the formation of nitrogen dioxide.
2. Nitrogen dioxide reacts with soot to produce carbon monoxide/nitric oxide.
3. Final stage: oxygen forms a chemical reaction with nitric oxide/carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide appear.

This is how the particulate filter can be cleaned, but only on long trips.

When driving short distances, the desired temperature may not be reached. In this case, forced regeneration is required, which is also provided on a diesel engine.

The cleaning procedure is carried out while driving at high engine speeds. In this way, it is possible to achieve heating of the filtration element to approximately 600 O C. At this temperature, a process similar to that described above takes place chemical reactions followed by cell cleaning.

All the driver needs to do during forced regeneration is to maintain the required engine speed. Everything else happens under supervision electronic system– information is read from sensors:

At the end of the cleaning procedure, the pressure returns to its original values, which indicates the completion of regeneration.

Filter without catalytic converter and automatic regeneration

The particulate filter may not be compatible with the catalyst. Catalytic converter in this case, it is located in front of the filtration element, and these two devices do not come into contact in any way. A similar scheme is used by Ford, Peugeot, Toyota and others.

Here the purification process takes place differently. At a certain mileage (with an exact frequency of several hundred kilometers), the car’s electronics independently inject a special additive (based on Cerium) into the heavy fuel:

• When the diesel particulate filter becomes clogged, the injection system supplies this additive to the combustion chambers. When exhaust gases exit, the filter element inside heats up to very high temperatures (from +650 to +750О C), which heats up the device;
• cerium does not interact with the fuel and passes along with the exhaust gases into the filtration device. The moment the substance comes into contact with the filter (mesh), it ignites and raises the temperature to +900-1000 O C;
• soot particles oxidize and burn.

This temperature regime promotes the regeneration of the filter element. The exhaust tract remains undamaged thanks to the use of high-strength materials.

A special container is provided for the fuel additive. The additive itself is designed for 100,000 kilometers, although this figure may be reduced when the vehicle is operated on low-quality fuel.

Removal

The particulate filter serves only environmental purposes, so it can be removed without consequences for the car. Then the engine will become easier to operate, and environmental standards will drop to the Euro-3 standard - which is not critical. The procedure will require some skill and effort due to the relationship of the element with the power unit ECU.

Pros and cons

Pros of removal:

• absence of errors and engine emergency mode due to a clogged filtration element;
• there is no need for a regeneration mode (mandatory procedure);
• reduction of fuel consumption;
• improving the dynamic performance of the car (increasing power);
• stable operation of the power unit;
• There is no need to maintain the filter element.

• deterioration of environmental performance. The level of soot emissions into the atmosphere increases sharply, although technical inspection can be passed;
• problems with operating a vehicle in countries with mandatory requirements for the necessary environmental standards (European Union).

Removal methods

1. Software flashing. By connecting the programmer, new software (which does not require a filter element) is installed on the controller. After which the filter itself is dismantled.
   The success of the operation depends on the level of professionalism of the specialists. With an unskilled approach, various malfunctions in the operation of the power unit and unpredictable consequences are possible.
2. “Deception” (emulator). A device that takes the place of a remote filter element and simulates its operation. Installing a “trick” is contradictory: on the one hand, it will become easier for the motor to work, and on the other, imitation of operation will save the need for regeneration in the controller’s memory. Fuel consumption will remain at the same level.

Owners of foreign cars are often interested in what the consequences of removing a diesel particulate filter are. After all, this action has to be performed on many machines, including fairly new ones. The reason for the need for such modification is usually low quality fuel. Difficulties may also arise due to incorrect and/or untimely maintenance. Therefore, there are plenty of reasons to figure out whether it makes sense to remove this filter, and what consequences this may have. Still an engine modern car A rather expensive device, the repair of which can cost a significant amount of money.

Of course, there are consequences for removing the particulate filter on a diesel engine. This must be taken into account when making a decision. But in order to understand exactly what we are talking about, you must first understand the features of this part, and also clarify what it affects.

Why is it used?

At this point in time, manufacturers are struggling to improve the level of environmental safety of cars. The consequence of this was mandatory installation on vehicles equipped with diesel engines, particulate filters. This is a mandatory condition for trucks starting from the introduction of the protocol EURO 4, and since 2009, after the introduction of the protocol EURO 5. The rule also applies to all vehicles with diesel engines.

This reduces the level of soot emissions into the atmosphere, which are inevitably formed during the combustion of diesel fuel. But, the consequence of this was some complication of the design. Still, additional components in the exhaust system affect the power and efficiency of the engine.

Technical features

There are several types of such filters. All of them are used in modern vehicles, so it makes sense to understand their features in more detail. Main differences between different types similar filters in cleaning features. Here are the types that can be found on passenger cars:

• DPF- This is a closed filter. The passive regeneration method is used for cleaning. They are impossible to clean. Typically used on cars Volkswagen concern, as well as some of their partners;
• FAP– means a closed filter with forced regeneration. Developed by the Peugeot-Citroen concern. As a rule, when the filter is clogged with soot, the engine control unit gives a command to inject an additive, which causes the filter to be cleaned. In general, the service life of such a device is longer. Widely used on cars of Ford, Toyota and some others.

Symptoms of a problem

First, let's figure out when to replace this filter, or rather, let's look at the signs of a malfunction. This will allow you to respond to the problem in a timely manner. In fact, the problem is defined quite simply:

• First of all, we look at dashboard. If there is a problem with the filter, the engine fault warning light will come on. If you conduct a diagnostic scan, an error will be displayed in the sensor that controls the operation of the particulate filter. During further operation of the vehicle, the control unit will limit functionality motor;
• When the engine operates in different modes, malfunctions may occur;
• Significant decrease in dynamics. The car begins to noticeably slow down;
• The lubricant level in the engine may increase.

Change or throw away?

It is worth noting that the particulate filter is quite expensive. Depending on your car model, the purchase may cost between $200 to $2500. This is quite a lot of money, which is spent on consumables.

Therefore, drivers are beginning to think about whether it is worth buying and installing a new filter, or whether it can be completely removed. In fact, there are many features that are worth considering. This is the need to solve the problem of adding a missing exhaust pipe segment (on some models). You will also need to solve the problem of disconnecting the sensor. After all, if you simply turn it off, the car simply won’t start. Let's look at the nuances in more detail.

Pros and cons of deletion

To begin with, let’s carefully analyze the positive features that await you in the event of such a modification:

• You are guaranteed to eliminate the possibility of this problem occurring in the future;
• Average fuel consumption will decrease slightly;
• The dynamic characteristics of the car will be completely restored, you will definitely like it;
• For engines with particulate filters, specialized oils are recommended, which are quite expensive. Removing this part will allow you to fill the engine with normal;
• You will not need to periodically refill the filter with expensive reagents;
• The cost of removing a part is significantly lower than purchasing it new part. Even if you do not do this work yourself.

Minuses. There are plenty of disadvantages to such a conversion. For some people, the restrictions that have appeared make such modifications completely meaningless. Therefore, you need to know what such repairs can entail. The disadvantages are the following:

• The car will not be allowed into Europe. After removing the particulate filter, the car will not pass exhaust gas control at customs. If you travel often or are planning a trip to Europe, you should not remove this part;
• If the car on guarantee, you will lose it;
• When the engine is running at high speeds, you may notice that the smoke from the exhaust pipe will be much darker than it should be;
• The turbine may whistle;
• . Therefore, the car may not be able to pass technical inspection;
• As a result of malfunctions in the engine control unit, negative consequences may occur in the form of damage to the exhaust system.

conclusions

The particulate filter is an important part of a car's exhaust system. Therefore, when deciding to remove it, you should carefully weigh all the pros and cons of this action. At the same time, it is worth noting that the positive consequences do not quite balance out the disadvantages, and you need to look at it taking into account your requirements for the vehicle.

You need to understand that the work of removing the filter also costs money. Therefore, you need to take into account all the features and consequences of removing a diesel particulate filter, and only after that make a decision about dismantling.

The different types of fuel used in gasoline and diesel engines, as well as the fundamental difference in the methods of ignition of the combustible mixture in the cylinders, require designers to take different approaches to the problem of exhaust gas purification.
Tightening the requirements for the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases has also affected the standards establishing the maximum amount of solid particles contained in them. In this regard, it was necessary to equip the exhaust system of diesel engines with an anti-particulate filter, or, as it is commonly called, a particulate filter.
Let's figure out what it is - a diesel particulate filter, and what features there are in operating a car whose exhaust system is equipped with a particulate filter.

Diagram of operation of a diesel particulate filter

The particulate filter is designed to trap particulate matter (soot) in diesel exhaust gases.

This element of the exhaust system is designed to capture particulate matter (soot) contained in the exhaust gases of a diesel engine.
Accordingly, it is installed in the exhaust tract - and, depending on design features car and the filter itself, it can be located immediately after the exhaust pipe or after the catalyst. Some designs combine a particulate filter and a catalyst, the elements of which are located in a single housing.

How does a diesel particulate filter work?

Exhaust gases enter closed channels and diffuse through their walls, entering open channels. Next, the gases continue to move through the exhaust system, already cleared of soot particles and, depending on the design of the exhaust system, end up either in the catalyst or in the muffler.
In cross-section, the channels of a particulate filter usually resemble regular octagons - it is this shape that contributes to maximum soot retention by the filter. The filter element is made of silicon carbide and is enclosed in a metal housing, the shape of which does not resemble the rest of the exhaust system. It is impossible to retain soot in any other way due to the small size of its particles - about 0.05 microns.

Operating a car with a particulate filter

Filter element clogged with soot

What is a particulate filter on a car from the point of view of a driver who wants to achieve maximum performance from the engine?
This is, first of all, an obstacle to the exhaust gases - especially when it is clogged with soot. There are three ways to eliminate this interference or reduce resistance:

The particulate filter is an obstacle to the exhaust gases - especially when it is clogged with soot.

• cleaning the particulate filter;
• its replacement;
• removing the filter altogether.

The service life of a diesel particulate filter is on average about 150,000 – 180,000 km. If the car is not used intensively, then the mileage is quite long, and you can replace the filter without resorting to additional actions - reflashing the engine ECU, for example. But if the car works hard, and “covers” such a distance in two to three months, then it is preferable to completely exclude this element from the exhaust system - prices for particulate filters installed on diesel engines start from 900 euros, and motor oil For a diesel engine with a particulate filter, a special one is required and it costs more than a “regular” one.

Automatic cleaning of the diesel particulate filter

To control self-cleaning systems and (or) to signal to the driver that the filter is clogged with soot, sensors are built into its housing. In case of violation bandwidth filter, the “DPF” (Diesel Particulate Filter) lamp on the instrument panel lights up.
In addition, if the diesel particulate filter is clogged, the following symptoms appear:

• the power and traction qualities of the engine decrease;
• fuel consumption increases;
• The idle speed begins to “float”.

An experienced driver will also notice a change in the sound of the engine.

Modern diesel engines are equipped with electronics that can enable filter self-cleaning mode. As a rule, self-cleaning is carried out in one of two ways:

Modern diesel cars are equipped with electronics that can turn on the particulate filter self-cleaning mode.

1. The engine ECU, having processed the signal from the sensor installed in the particulate filter, sends a corresponding signal (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), which connects the exhaust and intake tracts, passing some of the exhaust gases back into the cylinders. By changing the position of the valve flap, the EGR system shapes the air flow in such a way that the gases entering the particulate filter are at a higher temperature than normal, and the soot burns out.
2. Some cars are equipped with an additional container that contains a special composition, which, when it gets into the particulate filter, also burns out the contaminants. The entire process is also controlled by electronics.

How to clean a diesel particulate filter yourself?

The particulate filter usually becomes clogged due to insufficient heating of its filler, which leads to poor combustion of contaminants. This usually happens during city driving - when insufficient engine speed is not conducive to warming up the exhaust tract. In addition, when the engine is running at Idling or at low speeds, an enriched fuel mixture enters the cylinders, which does not burn completely.
If the design of the car only provides for informing the driver that the filter is clogged, then it is necessary to ensure that the engine operates at high speeds in order to raise the temperature of the “exhaust”. Simply put, you need to “ride with the breeze.”
You can also wash the particulate filter with a special solution after removing it from the car. To ensure proper rinsing, the filter housing should be filled entirely. However, detailed instructions instructions for using the flushing agent are usually printed directly on the label and do not require the use of any additional devices.

How to remove a diesel particulate filter

Diesel particulate filter housing without filter element

Depending on the design features, filter removal can be done in the following ways:

Often, car owners simply remove the particulate filter, since replacing it is very expensive.

1. Remove the filter filler without disassembling its body - simply crush it with any suitable tool. The catalyst, for example, is sometimes “knocked out” with a crowbar.
2. Open the case and after “cleaning”, brew it.
3. Make an insert from a suitable pipe - but this will require adjusting the flanges, which is more difficult than the previous two methods.

The most difficult part of this procedure may be the subsequent “reflashing” of the ECU - without changing the program, disturbances in engine operation are inevitable after removing the filter.
The consequences of removing the particulate filter on a diesel engine are:

• reducing diesel fuel consumption;
• improvement of acceleration dynamics and engine thrust;
• reduction in car maintenance costs;
• possible fines, especially outside the Russian Federation.

In conclusion, we can say that environmentalists have begun to solve the problem of excess soot “from the wrong end.” Additional costs associated with servicing diesel units equipped with particulate filters have fallen on the shoulders of ordinary motorists. Although it would be more correct to achieve the production of higher quality fuel without raising its cost. This is especially true for domestic oil refiners. More than 15 years ago, employees of one of the French laboratories, after analyzing Russian diesel fuel, concluded that this liquid is not diesel fuel at all.

When a diesel engine operates, as a rule, complete combustion of fuel does not occur. As a result, along with exhaust (spent) gases, harmful to humans and environment components, including soot. To reduce the concentration of the latter, a particulate filter is used. In English option - Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Design and location in the system

The particulate filter belongs to the exhaust system and can be located next to or combined with it into a single structure (in this case it is located near the exhaust manifold, which ensures the filtration of gases at maximum temperature). The device is used only in vehicles running on diesel fuel, and, unlike the catalyst, which is installed on gasoline engines, it cleans the exhaust exclusively from soot particles.

Particulate filter

Structurally, the particulate filter consists of the following elements:

• Matrix. It is made of silicon carbide (ceramics) and is a system of thin channels with a cross-section in the shape of a square or octagon. The ends of the passages are alternately closed, and the walls have a porous structure, due to which soot is retained inside and deposited on the walls.
• Frame. Made of metal. Has an input and output channel.
• Sensors for measuring pressure (differences at inlet and outlet).
• Temperature sensor at inlet and outlet.

Features of operation and operation of the particulate filter

Passing through the particulate filter, contaminants settle on the walls of the matrix, resulting in the formation of purified gases at the outlet. Gradually, the filter cells fill and become clogged, preventing the passage of exhaust gases. This results in a decrease in engine power, which indicates that it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

The service life of the particulate filter depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle. On average, manufacturers recommend checking the condition every 100 thousand kilometers. The actual range of filter contamination is from 50 to 200 thousand kilometers. To extend the service life, it is necessary to regularly perform regeneration and promptly change the engine oil.

Types and tasks of regeneration

DPF regeneration is a procedure for burning off soot deposited in the matrix. There are two types of regeneration:

• Passive - carried out by increasing the temperature of the exhaust gases. This can be achieved by accelerating the engine to maximum load (about 15 minutes of driving at 3000 rpm or more) or by adding additives to diesel fuel that reduce the soot combustion temperature.
• Active - performed when the main engine operating mode does not provide the necessary indicators for passive regeneration. To do this, a forced increase in temperature is performed for some time. An increase in temperature is achieved in various ways - through late or additional injection during the exhaust stroke, an electric heater or additional fuel additives.

Frequent burning wears out the ceramic matrix and leads to its destruction. And since the cost of a particulate filter is quite high, it is necessary to find the most gentle mode. It is achieved by increasing the amount of distance traveled between regeneration procedures, as well as reducing the temperature range of oil combustion.

Choosing diesel oil

Unsuitable oil provokes additional contamination of the filter matrix cells and preliminary wear. When the engine is running, it burns along with the fuel and, in the presence of non-combustible sediment, blocks the operation of the exhaust gas cleaning system.

For diesel engines with particulate filters, ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers) has established a certain oil standard that meets environmental standards no lower than Euro 4 and vehicle operating rules in general. Motor oils for modern particulate filters that have ACEA approval, they are marked C (C1, C2, C3, C4). They are used for cars with exhaust cleaning systems, and their composition allows to extend the service life of the matrix.

Is it possible to remove the particulate filter

Many motorists, wanting to get rid of the problem of constant cleaning and replacement and the additional financial costs associated with them, decide to remove the particulate filter. You can do this in several ways:

• Dismantling the device. Mechanical removal of the particulate filter allows a slight increase in vehicle power. On the other hand, when operating the machine, the engine ECU will begin to generate an error, perceiving the absence of a filter as a malfunction.
• Making adjustments to the engine ECU software (updating the program to a version that does not contain information about connecting the particulate filter). Software updates are carried out using a special device - a programmer, but you must be sure that the new firmware is working correctly, since the consequences can be unpredictable.
• Connecting a device emulator (without changing the factory program), which sends signals to the ECU similar to the operation of a real particulate filter.

However, it should be borne in mind that the currently established Euro 5 environmental standards prohibit the operation of a car with diesel engine without particulate filter.