{"id":3543,"date":"2019-10-06T17:20:54","date_gmt":"2019-10-06T15:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/?p=3543"},"modified":"2019-10-06T17:20:54","modified_gmt":"2019-10-06T15:20:54","slug":"gain-the-edge-on-dpfs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2019\/10\/06\/gain-the-edge-on-dpfs\/","title":{"rendered":"Gain the Edge on DPFs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center\">Gain the Edge on DPFs<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The term DPF in most industries will give people chills. It\u2019s a technology that most people want to avoid and hope will never come up in conversation. In reality, it\u2019s a wildly complicated but simple system that by understanding just a few basic principles can greatly influence your bottom line\u2026 in a good way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"incontent02Ad\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Unknown Unknowns\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">A study conducted recently by Webasto Thermo &amp; Comfort North America, in conjunction with a major industry media partner, suggests that over 75% of the fleet and maintenance managers surveyed did not know how much they were spending annually to clean or replace DPFs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">\u201cToday\u2019s DPFs are engineered to reduce pollution by trapping particulate matter (PM), the byproducts of diesel engine exhaust gases, before they can be released into the environment,\u201d said Duane Bratvold, Western regional business development manager for Webasto Thermo &amp; Comfort North America, Inc. \u201cEngine combustion releases exhaust gases which are channeled through the DPF and converted to ash through regeneration and stored until they are cleaned.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">During engine operation, soot deposits form on the walls of the filter and continue to build up over time. Once exhaust gases reach a predetermined temperature and backpressure, the regeneration process begins. Deposits of the ash remain in the filter cavities until they are removed by periodic cleaning. Engine age, condition and duty cycle all contribute to the need for DPF cleaning. These factors should be monitored closely to avoid costly downtime and DPF replacement.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-img\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img class=\"wrapImageCMS aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/trucking-info\/content\/article\/custom-media\/webasto\/201910\/thermo_pro_90_9023075a_9023076a_original-format_4858_720x460.jpg\" alt=\" - \" \/><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Running Hot and Cold <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">\u201cA DPF\u2019s operational efficiency and is wholly dependent upon it reaching the proper operational temperature. If exhaust gases are not hot enough, the DPF may not function as desired,\u201d Bratvold said. \u201cThe DPF is at particular risk when the engine it serves is started cold.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Cold engines can release un-combusted fuel, engine oil, and PM into their DPF, coating them with a thick, wet heavy soot that often leads to face plugging and filter overload. The result is decreased vehicle performance, additional DPF cleaning and\/or replacement costs and downtime. These costs can range from $2,500 to $8,000 including downtime, per vehicle.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Sitting Idle <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Cold engine starts are one factor when calculating DPF overhead costs, but engine idling has to be part of the equation as well. Some industry professionals contend that idling time can account for as much as 45 to 50 percent of a vehicle\u2019s operational life. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a long-haul truck spends approximately 1,800 hours per year idling, consuming about 1,500 gallons of fuel in the process.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">\u201cUnfortunately, an idling engine never reaches temperatures high enough to trigger DPF regeneration and therefore, the abundance of contaminates accumulate in the DPF, overwhelming it and causing it to lose efficiency,\u201d Bratvold said. \u201cThe most efficient regeneration sequence commonly begins at or about 450 to 600 degrees Celsius (842 to 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit), temperatures generally achieved only at highway speeds and well above idling temperatures.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Rerouting Problems <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Temperature-related DPF issues are also prevalent in vehicles with low duty cycles. With the increase in home deliveries, precipitated by the e-commerce revolution, many vehicles have been refocused on last-mile delivery routes with shorter duty cycles. A truck that might have been operating on long distance routes with no DPF issues can begin to have DPF problems if it is assigned shorter routes with frequent stops, increased idling or engine-off sequences. Sub-optimal temperatures and increased emissions are the result and the DPF becomes overloaded and plugs frequently.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Bratvold suggests that to help minimize the impact of increased idling time, fleet maintenance managers can ask drivers to alert them of any engine or DPF warning lights. \u201cThrough teamwork, all stakeholders can help their fleet minimize DPF-related damage, repairs and downtime\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-img\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img class=\"wrapImageCMS aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/trucking-info\/content\/article\/custom-media\/webasto\/201910\/tp90_ttevo_720x338.jpg\" alt=\" - \" \/><\/figure>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Keeping It Clean <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Cleaning a DPF incorrectly can result in a voided warranty and if proper cleaning methodologies are not employed, a DPF may be damaged, resulting in greatly reduced efficiency and service life. Cleaning a DPF requires significant skill and knowledge and a specific understanding of the manufacturers recommendations. Powdery ash may be relatively easy to remove, but carbon deposits can cling to and remain lodged in the DPF\u2019s ceramic surface and pores.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Bratvold noted that for the DPF to function properly after cleaning, the majority of contaminants must be extracted, while leaving the filter\u2019s catalytic coating intact. Cleaning approaches are dependent on the DPF make, model and may include compressed air, heat or a combustion cycle booth. \u201cCleaning should only be performed by a qualified person or service facility,\u201d Bratvold said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"article-img\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img class=\"wrapImageCMS aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/fleetimages.bobitstudios.com\/upload\/trucking-info\/content\/article\/custom-media\/webasto\/201910\/tt-evo_720x545.jpg\" alt=\" - \" \/><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Pre-Conditioned for Success <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">One way to protect a fleet\u2019s DPF investment is to use an engine-off coolant heater like the new Webasto Thermo Top Evo. Pre-heating or pre-conditioning a diesel engine with a fuel-operated heater (FOH), allows the engine and its fluids to warm to about 165 degrees prior to engine starting. This greatly reduces noxious waste moving into the exhaust system, commonly associated with cold starts. Fuel-operated heaters are quickly becoming a reliable tool among fleets for controlling DPF maintenance costs, idling times and fuel costs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">For more information on Webasto\u2019s full-line of fuel-operated heaters, including no-idle bunk heaters and engine-off coolant heaters, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webasto-comfort.com\/en-us\/#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Webasto.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>by Webasto<\/p>\n<p>Source:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.truckinginfo.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> https:\/\/www.truckinginfo.com<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center\">FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/h3>\n<p>Fleet management is the use of a set of vehicles in order to provide services to a third-party, or to perform a task for our organization, in the most efficient and productive manner with a determined level of service and cost.<\/p>\n<p>Fleet management activities are shown in the following graph 1:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1106 size-full\" title=\"fleet management activities\" src=\"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/grafico-AFMC-en.jpg\" alt=\"fleet management activities\" width=\"1600\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/06\/grafico-AFMC-en.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/06\/grafico-AFMC-en-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2016\/06\/grafico-AFMC-en-1024x512.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\">Graph 1: fleet management activities<\/p>\n<p>The proposal audit analyses and assesses all fleet management activities shown in the graph 1, and its main goals are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Know the overall status of the fleet management activities<\/li>\n<li>Provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet management\u00a0 activities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With the information obtained, we\u2019ll elaborate a report that holds the overall status of the fleet management as well as the suggestions, recommendations and the measures to take in order to cut costs and optimize the fleet management activities.<\/p>\n<p>CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE PROPOSED FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT:<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Fleet-Management-Audit-AFMC.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000\">Fleet Management Audit AFMC<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n<p>Contact:<\/p>\n<p>Jos\u00e9 Miguel Fern\u00e1ndez G\u00f3mez<\/p>\n<p>34 678254874<\/p>\n<p>info@advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1680\" src=\"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/JMF-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"JMF\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/04\/JMF-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/04\/JMF-350x350.jpg 350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>I\u00b4m\u00a0a Fleet Management expert, and the manager of\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/en.advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Advanced Fleet Management Consulting<\/a><\/strong>, that provides Fleet Management Consultancy Services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gain the Edge on DPFs The term DPF in most industries will give people chills. It\u2019s a technology that most people want to avoid and hope will never come up in conversation. In reality, it\u2019s a wildly complicated but simple system that by understanding just a few basic principles can greatly influence your bottom line\u2026&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3544,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[28],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3543"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3543"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3543\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}