Understanding Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF’s)
The Sintered Metal Filter (SMF®) is the core of HJS’s DPF systems and the preferred filter of John Ratcliffe.
The SMF effectively reduces soot and fine particulate emissions with over 99% efficiency.
What are Diesel Particulate Filters?
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are critical devices designed to capture and eliminate diesel particulates, preventing their release into the atmosphere. These filters showcase exceptional filtration efficiency, exceeding 90%, along with robust mechanical and thermal durability. DPFs have emerged as the most effective technology for controlling diesel particulate emissions, including particle mass and count, with high efficiency.
How Do Diesel Particulate Filters Work?
DPFs primarily target the solid fraction of diesel particulates, such as elemental carbon (soot) and black smoke emissions. However, they may be less effective or entirely ineffective against non-solid fractions of particulate matter (PM) emissions. To manage total PM emissions, DPF systems often incorporate additional components like oxidation catalysts, and the use of ultra-low sulfur fuels may be necessary to control sulfate particulates.
Diesel Particulate Trap vs. Diesel Particulate Filter
The term “diesel particulate trap” is sometimes used interchangeably with “diesel particulate filter,” especially in older literature. While “trap” refers to a broader class of particle separation devices, DPFs specifically utilize filtration to capture particulates. Other particle deposition mechanisms, such as gravity settling, centrifugal separation, or electrostatic trapping, are less effective for diesel PM due to the small particle size and low density of diesel soot.
Collection and Regeneration
Diesel particulates have a low bulk density, typically below 0.1 g/cm³. This means DPFs can quickly accumulate significant volumes of soot. For example, older heavy-duty truck or bus engines can collect several liters of soot per day. To prevent excessive exhaust gas pressure drop and maintain engine performance, DPF systems must include a regeneration process to remove accumulated particulates. Regeneration can be continuous during normal operation or periodic after a set amount of soot has been collected. This process should be seamless for the vehicle driver or operator.
Our Solution – The Sintered Metal Filter (SMF®) System by HJS
The Sintered Metal Filter (SMF®) is the core of HJS’s DPF systems and the preferred filter of John Ratcliffe. The SMF effectively reduces soot and fine particulate emissions with over 99% efficiency.
HJS has many years of experience and expertise in the field of exhaust-gas after treatment. From the analysis of the market demand for a rugged, full-flow particle filter with high ash-storage capability, HJS have developed a completely new filtering material, including the corresponding manufacturing processes. The patented Jetfilter® design supports these special characteristics. Based on scientific know-how of particle filtration, HJS could develop a partial flow filter of which approximately 1 million are already in use world-wide. The HJS Sintered Metal Filter is available in South Africa in five variations: SMF-AR, SMF-ER, SMF-CRT, S-CRT & FBC. Individual recommendations are made based on engine capacity, the stage/tier of the engine, power output and the typical duty cycle of the machine. Each option incorporates the patented HJS Sintered Metal Filter, which can be cleaned with a standard pressure washer with hot or cold water.
At John Ratcliffe, we specialize in advance technologies to reduce diesel emissions at source.
To learn more about our emission solutions and the Sintered Metal Filters we stock, contact us or read more about the filters we stock here
