OWATONNA, Minn. — OTC, an SPX Brand, today unveiled its new Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Cleaner (P/N 5280), an OEM-tested, dealer-approved DPF cleaning system specifically designed to clean the diesel particulate filter element that is now being used on diesel engines to remove particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gases. The patented cleaning process allows the DPF to be cleaned as part of a general maintenance schedule at the service location with minimal time away from the vehicle, providing fleet managers with flexibility and control of their DPF cleaning at a local level, while reducing spare DPF inventory costs.
"Compliance with recent diesel engine emissions regulations has significantly increased the use of DPFs," said Eric Adamson, SPX Service Solutions product manager of equipment and heavy-duty tools. "As part of the emission reduction process, DPFs capture ash and soot generated during the diesel combustion cycle and, through a regeneration process, oxidize the soot leaving the ash behind. Consequently, these filters become clogged and must be cleaned or replaced. Due to the high cost of replacement, OEMs have recommended various cleaning intervals, depending on manufacturer and usage. The OTC 5280 was engineered with shop service in mind and has been tested and recommended by most OE engine manufacturers."
The unit consists of an enclosed HEPA-filtered cabinet, a provision for 120- to 150-psi air pressure and a strong vacuum which helps control loose ash in the cabinet. OTC’s patented high-pressure cleaning process delivers approximately 10 times the burst energy over competitive models — based on the delta pressure and air burst duration — with an average cleaning cycle of 30 minutes depending on the level of contamination, and it can deliver up to 92 percent cleaning efficiency of ash-laden DPFs when used with authorized SPX adapters and burst patterns.
"The EPA’s clean diesel regulations became effective Jan. 1, 2007, on a phased-in basis through 2010, and next year, will include new off-highway engines as well," said Adamson. "In accordance with the new standard, more than 2 million vehicles on the road may require DPF service within the next 12 months. At a suggested list price of $20,000 and an average price of $450 per cleaning to the service center, the OTC 5280 can pay for itself in as few as 45 cleanings, although actual prices will vary. All future cleanings beyond the initial 45 produce additional profit for the service bay. Furthermore, the unit is ETL certified to the UL201 standard with a HEPA Filter Air-Exhaust System that exceeds environmental air standards."
The OTC 5280 is microprocessor controlled with a backpressure control system, an electrical control circuit, and a backpressure warning indicator. It allows the user to select from multiple OEM cleaning parameters for tank pressure, burst duration, number of burst cycles, and clamp force, providing "Start to End" cleaning without constant monitoring and assurance that the cleaning is in accordance with OE and dealer recommendations.
Its portability allows the unit to be placed as close to the vehicle as possible and to be stored wherever needed in the service facility. The locking wheels and built-in forklift pockets provide mobility to the unit and can be easily transported to the point of service, enabling technicians to perform work in the field, while increasing productivity and reducing equipment downtime. The hydraulic cylinders and pump provide 18 inches of travel and up to 2,200 pounds of clamp force, and can handle DPF heights from 9.5 inches to 28.5 inches.
