Things to know before buying a DPF CLEANING MACHINE

With the introduction of BS6 vehicles in the Indian market from April 2020, DPF cleaning market is anticipated to pickup momentum as replacement of DPFs is very expensive and vehicle manufactures suggest DPF cleaning as the most feasible and cost effective solution .

Unlike replacement of clogged DPF, cleaning is cheaper and efficient. But if the cleaning technique and process applied is not appropriate one might end up replacing the DPF Unit. Selection of an appropriate cleaning process ensures better cleaning efficiency and longevity of the DPF.

Thermal Pneumatic and Hydro Pneumatic are the two DPF cleaning techniques that has evolved during the years.

In thermal- pneumatic cleaning process, a clogged DPF is cleaned with pneumatic pressure which is followed by baking if necessary.

In hydro-pneumati cleaning process, a mix of Hydro Carbon fluid and high pressure water at a certain flow rate is used to clean the clogged DPF. This cleaning process is assisted with intermittent blasts of air to ensure better and efficient cleaning of the DPF Unit.

In both techniques pre and post back pressures and flow rates are measured to evaluate the cleaning effectiveness.

The major difference between these two techniques are;

In the case of a partially blocked DPF, Thermal Pneumatic cleaning technique takes lesser time. But if the DPF is completely blocked, the process involves a time consuming step wherein the DPF has to be baked in an oven for 9 to 12hrs. However, cleaning efficiency of not more than 60-70% is achieved with this technique and results in the removal of only the SOOT not the ASH.

With Hydro Pneumatic cleaning method both SOOT and ASH are cleaned thoroughly from the clogged DPF. The cleaning efficiency and time is much better than thermal pneumatic cleaning technique. However, all machines working with Hydro Pneumatic cleaning technique will not deliver the same outcome. In order to achieve the desired outcome, design and performance optimization through continuous research and development is essential.

As long as the following criteria’s are evaluated prior to selecting a particular type of DPF cleaning machine, venturing into the DPF cleaning market will be at ease with no technical glitches and performance issues.

· Cleaning Efficiency

How efficiently and effectively the DPF unit is cleaned would determine its performance and the overall engine performance. An incomplete or partially cleaned DPF will result in residual soot & ash accumulation in the DPF cells over a period of time. Due to repeated inefficient cleaning the accumulated ash becomes impacted and will eventually be impossible to remove. Since impacted ash is a very hard and dense substance, it would cause an increased backpressure and also acts as a thermal barrier preventing uniform heat distribution during the regeneration cycles. The non-uniform heat distribution will create hot spots inside the DPF cells which could melt the precious metal coating on the DPF surface resulting in SCR poisoning and DPF failure.

· Cleaning Process Time

Time is precious and time is money. In the case of commercial vehicles; downtime is a ticking time bomb. The faster a clogged DPF can be cleaned the quicker the vehicle can be back on the road, running and making money.

In a DPF cleaning process the most time consuming is the drying cycle. The drying time with ambient temperature for passenger cars is 30-45mins and 180-240mins for commercial vehicles. With hot air drying method its takes 15-30 mins for passenger cars and 45-100 mins for commercial vehicles. With the latest Fast Eco Drying technology (F.E.D) from FF Solution the drying time is significantly reduced to 5-7mins and 20-30mins for passenger and commercial vehicles respectively.

Therefore it is a matter of utmost importance to evaluate the drying cycle time while selecting the DPF cleaning technique, process & machine, as minimum drying time means faster cleaning process. Faster cleaning process ensures more DPF’s cleaning in a single day and hence more business and happy customers.

· Design

What would you prefer?

1. A compact smart looking machine at the corner of your workspace or a 3 to 4 multicoloured units which consumes more than half of your workspace?

2. An equipment which can clean multiple types of pollutant filtering components like DOC's, SCR's & DPF's or an equipment designed to clean only one type of component?

3. A robust and reliable equipment built out of complete stainless steel or an unreliable equipment that is susceptible to operating conditions that can cause rust, wear and tear over a period of time?

Without doubt, one would always prefer a smart looking compact machine with a robust long lasting built which consumes very less floor space and one that is capable of cleaning multiple type of components.

· Maintenance Cost

Have you ever regraded buying a cheaper vehicle after spending exorbitantly on maintenance cost? It’s a common mistake most of us make at least once in our life-time. Low initial Invesment doesn’t guarantee lower cost of ownership. Similar is the case while you choose a DPF cleaning machine. Watch out for robustly built equipment's with quality materials and components. A brief market research on the technique, process & machine effectiveness based on its efficiency, durability and reliability helps to avoid expensive mistakes in future. One of the most effective ways is to go with machineries that are prevailing and proven in advanced markets who have improvised over the years through design optimization and technological advancements.

· Operating Cost

Neither a high nor a low operating cost ensures better machine performance and efficiency. The operating cost of a DPF cleaning machine has to be evaluated based on the fixed cost and variable cost. Fixed costs like electricity, water usage etc. should be bare minimum where as the variable costs like consumables cost should be optimal for effective DPF cleaning.

· Safety

DPF Damage Protection: Using a high pressure air blast during the cleaning process could damage the DPF Unit. Optimized air blast pressure and water flow rate will ensure safe and better cleaning efficiency without damaging the DPF Unit.

Operator Safety: DPF is used in vehicles to prevent the emission of particulate matter which is harmful for the environment and mankind. Allowing the particulate matter to escape into the environment while cleaning the filter is unacceptable. The technique, process & machine selected must ensure, safe, harmless cleaning and collection of particulate matter without letting it escape into the environment that is harmful for the operators.

· Water Recycling

Being responsible while utilizing our natural resources is the need of the hour. Selecting a machine which utilizes minimum water through the integration of water recycling process is not only part of our moral responsibility but also an important factor to reduce the operating cost.

· Environment Friendliness

Like reduced water consumption, selecting a technique, process & machine which is less harsh to the environment; say by using bio-degradable solution makes your brand sustainable.

We at ELANGATTU ENTERPRISES did extensive market research on various DPF cleaning machines prevailing in advanced markets across the globe before deciding to introduce FH Series DPF cleaning machines from FF Solution, in the Indian market. FH Series DPF cleaning machines satisfies all the criteria’s essential to achieve a clean DPF, such as;

· 98% consistent cleaning efficiency.

· Fastest Cleaning process in the industry with the help of Fast Eco Drying (F.E.D) Technology

· Compact Design which takes less than 2m2 floor space.

· Capable of cleaning multiple types of components like DOC's, SCR's & DPF's in a single machine.

· Completely built out of stainless steel.

· Easy maintenance (Machines older than 5 yrs are still performing well without breakdown’s)

· Optimizes operating cost by ensuring lower energy and water consumption

· DPF damage protection is ensured by optimizing and regulating the air blast pressure and water flow rate as required.

· Completely closed operation ensures safety of operators and operating environment by effectively preventing the hazardous emissions coming out of the machine during operation.

· Minimum water consumption due to integration of water recycling process.

· Prevention of water vaporization using Fast Eco Drying technology.

· 12months manufactures warranty.

· Free installation and training pan INDIA.

· Quality technical assistance.

Entrepreneurship involves risks, but does not mean going into business blindly and then expecting great results. Successful entrepreneurs minimize the risks through careful planning. We did the planning part for you by introducing the best DPF cleaning machine through more than a year’s research. Now its your turn to act and take advantage of this opportunity.

DPF cleaning is a potential business opportunity which is getting realised in Indian market. Be proactive and enjoy the first mover advantage by investing in the most reliable and profitable FH Series DPF cleaning machines.