Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are widely used to control emission of particulate matter (PM) from engine tailpipes. The filter accumulates the PM and must be periodically emptied. This emptying is called "regeneration" and must be performed when the DPF is estimated to have reached a predetermined level of accumulation.

The regeneration, if performed without due consideration to temperature and temperature gradients, can result in catastrophic failure of the DPF. It is only through consistent test procedures that one can evaluate competitive DPF products and reparation schemes. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) studied ways to develop DPF regeneration strategies and achieve automated DPF performance testing cycles.

DPF is the most effective control technology for particulate matter (PM) reduction. Most new diesel engines, if not all, are equipped with DPFs. To convince original engine manufacturers (OEMs) to include DPFs on all new diesel engines, DPF suppliers must show their products’ superior performance.

DPF performance should be tested and verified by well-designed test procedures/cycles. The test cycles should provide accurate, reliable, and repeatable test results. Automated test cycles provide those testing capabilities. In our automated test cycles, accelerated soot loading and precise pressure-based/ temperature-based uncontrolled regeneration schemes were well-developed. Also implemented were:

• DPF degreening

• Cleaning

• Filtration efficiency

• Backpressure measurement

For more information about our powertrain control capabilities, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Jayant Sarlashkar at jsarlashkar@swri.org or (210) 522-5506.

powertraincontroltech.swri.org