The Stages of DPF Cleaning

Stage 1 Pneumatic Cleaning

Stage 1 Pneumatic Cleaning: TrapBlaster pneumatic cleaning machine uses high volume air with the patented bi-directional air scanning to remove soot and ash. About 80% of all DPFs are complete after 30 minutes and ready to be placed back in service.

FSX Diagnostic feature: The unique FSX TrapBlaster diagnostic feature will detect failed filters in the first 2 minutes of cleaning. Our bi-direction air knives provide immediate evidence of damaged cells and cracked filters.

Stage 2 Thermal Cleaning

Stage 2 Thermal Cleaning: TrapBurner thermal regenerator heats the DPF to oxidize any remaining soot and loosen hardened ash after the Stage 1 cleaning. Only necessary when the DPF does not meet the green tag range after Stage 1. This process takes 12 hours. This process completes another 15% of DPFs, bringing the total to 95% to be placed back into service after both Stage 1 & 2.

Stage 3 Wet Cleaning

Stage 3 Wet Cleaning: two options:

  • Dealer / Workshop Level (low volume) – 95% of DPF are cleaned to Green Tag range using the Stage 1 Pneumatic and Stage 2 Thermal Cleaning above. Approximately 5% of DPF require additional cleaning. For low volume applications the TrapRinser can be utilized with the TrapSoak and chemical solutions to actively dissolve remaining ash plugs and scale, returning the DPF to near-new condition. The TrapRinser’s air-knife assisted flushing safely rinses dissolved ash without the risk of hydraulic fracturing used by competitor pulse-based wet cleaners.
  • REMAN / OEM Level (high volume) – REMAN level cleaning builds upon the tools used at the dealer level to accommodate higher volumes and enhanced chemical cleaning, high volume wastewater treatment, and targeted catalytic recovery. As each fleet and OEM needs are unique, please contact FSX for a system designed to your specifications.

Note:  Wet Cleaning in place of Stage 1 Cleaning: It is possible to use the TrapRinser as a Stage 1 cleaner. The FSX TrapRinser is capable of being used to remove both loose soot and ash in similar fashion to competitor equipment. Using the TrapRinser as a Stage 1 cleaner will consequently result in the inability to detect breached DPFs; a unique feature only available in the TrapBlaster Stage 1 cleaner. Furthermore, wet cleaning prior to Stage 1 and 2 cleaning will decrease wastewater filtration system efficiency.