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Current and future diesel engine oil categories have specifications that impose limits on SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulfur) levels that help to minimize accumulation of ash in the DPF originating from oil consumption in the engine. Metallic species in the oil formulation, mostly from detergents and anti-wear additives, have a significant impact on ash behavior when subjected to high temperatures during active regeneration of the filter. Certain compounds in the oil, especially derivatives of ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate), interact with filter substrate and sinter at temperatures that the DPF is exposed to during active regeneration. This phenomenon of sintering or ‘ash wetting’ leads to ash-bridges in the DPF that result in reduction of soot storage capacity, higher back-pressure and possibly reduced active surface area for catalytic conversion of engine-out emissions.

Ash accumulation in the DPF over life results in reduced soot storage capacity, lower catalytic activity and may even alter substrate properties and lead to higher back-pressure; hence ash-cleaning of the DPF is required periodically to extend the life of the DPF and restore its catalytic performance. Several ash cleaning technologies are available which utilize pneumatic, hydraulic and wet-chemical cleaning techniques or their combinations. A batch of DPFs with various ash accumulation levels were recovered from customer field units. X-ray CT imaging was performed to understand the ash distribution in the DPF channels. Field returned DPFs were tested on Engine Dynamometer to determine the impact on overall system performance loss from fresh state. The DPFs were then cleaned using various cleaning techniques; X-ray imaging and dynamometer testing was repeated to evaluate the performance recovery.