Technical Bulletin
Diesel Particulate Filter
Installation
National Clean Diesel Campaign
www.epa.gov/cleandiesel
Pre-lnstallation
Prior to installing any retrofit device, engine inspection
and maintenance should be performed to ensure
proper engine operation, vehicle exhaust system
integrity, and amount of lubrication oil consumption.
Technology Selection
To select the best Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) for a
specific vehicle it is necessary to identify:
Vehicle Type: Highway or Nonroad:
• Vehicle Class: School Bus, Class 8ATractor, Ferry,
Locomotive, Forklift, etc
• Vehicle Specifications: Manufacturer, Model, Year
• Engine Specifications: Manufacturer, Model, Year,
Displacement, Horsepower; Location, Turbo-charge,
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
• EPA Engine Family Name: Can be found on the engine's
emission label and contains 11 or 12 characters such as
TCP7.2RZBDBRB or 3NVXHO466ANA
• Annual Miles Traveled (Highway) or Annual Hours of
Operation (Nonroad)
• Engine-out PM emission levels and
• Engine duty cycle and the resultant exhaust temperatures.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
installed on municipal truck
The verified diesel retrofit technologies lists of the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
California Air Resources Board (GARB) define the specific
engine operating criteria that must be met in order to
successfully apply a particular retrofit technology, (www.
epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/verif-list.htm'). Installing retrofits
on engines not included in the verification designation
may void the engine and emission control component
warranties, and may be considered tampering.
Exhaust Temperature Data Logging
The exhaust temperature is the main factor determining
whether a passive or active DPF is applicable fora specific
vehicle or piece of equipment. The required minimum
exhaust temperatures for regeneration of passive DPF
systems range from approximately 240°C for 50 percent
of the operating cycle to 400°C for 30 minutes. Active
DPF systems rely on an additional heat source and are
therefore not dependant on the engine duty cycle and the
resultant exhaust temperatures for filter regeneration.
Data logging must be performed on each vehicle to
document exhaust temperatures. If varying vehicle
routes or sporadic work loads are used, or significant
changes in ambient temperatures are expected, data
logging under different conditions may be necessary to
accurately document duty cycle and the resultant exhaust
temperatures. Exhaust pipe insulation may be used to
retain heat. If insulation is used, data logging should be
performed with insulation installed. Fleets should maintain
data logging records for all vehicles for later reference.
Installation
Installation may be performed by the retrofit supplier, or
the retrofit supplier may provide training to fleet personal
to perform installation.
Since a DPF typically weighs more and may be larger
than the muffler, stronger clamps and brackets may be
required in place of those used with the original muffler.
Failure to utilize appropriate hardware can result in a
mechanical failure of support brackets and damage to the
equipment. To facilitate removal of the DPF for cleaning,
quick-release clamps are often used. DPFs typically come
in a kit that includes the mounting brackets.
In some applications, the DPF matches the dimensions
of the conventional muffler and can be installed as a
muffler replacement. In other cases the space available
for DPF installation on the vehicle or equipment is very
restricted and the DPF configuration must be custom-
designed. Safety, visibility, and vibration may also need to
be addressed by a custom installation. The time required
EPA-420-F-09-008
February 2009
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for DPF installation will vary depending on the situation
and can range from two to twelve hours.
Passive systems impose strict requirements on exhaust
temperatures and must be mounted within a set
distance from the exhaust manifold, as specified by the
manufacturer. Exhaust pipe insulation may be used to
retain heat. Active systems may have more flexibility in
their installation location.
Backpressure Monitoring
An exhaust backpressure monitoring and operator
notification system must be installed with every DPF. If
exhaust backpressure exceeds certain thresholds the
operator is notified that maintenance is needed. It is
important that all vehicle/equipment operators and fleet
service technicians are properly trained to recognize and
respond to high backpressure alert signals.
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