What occurs during the regeneration phase in a diesel particulate filter (DPF)?

During the regeneration phase in a diesel particulate filter (DPF), soot is effectively burned off to restore the filter's efficiency. This process is essential because over time, the DPF captures particulate matter from the exhaust, leading to clogging and reduced vehicle performance. Regeneration helps to reduce this accumulation by raising the temperature within the filter, thereby igniting the trapped soot particles.

The burning of soot during regeneration is typically accomplished in two main ways: passive and active regeneration. In passive regeneration, the exhaust temperature naturally rises high enough to burn off the soot during normal driving conditions. In contrast, active regeneration involves the engine control unit injecting additional fuel to increase the exhaust temperature, thus facilitating the combustion of the soot particles in the DPF.

This process is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance, fulfilling emissions regulations, and prolonging the life of the DPF.