All diesel particle filters need to incorporate facilities for monitoring exhaust backpressure. Excessive backpressure may result from the filter failing to regenerate properly or from a build up of ash which will need to be flushed out. If this is left unresolved, high fuel consumption, poor performance and possible damage to both the filter and the engine will be the result. Conversely a very low back pressure reading may indicate that either the filter or its casing has cracked. Backpressure monitoring can be achieved using a simple mechanical pressure gauge or alternatively a more sophisticated electronic system. The electronic variety may incorporate a warning light or a buzzer to alert the operator if a problem is detected.
At periodic intervals (usually from 500 to 2000 hours) the filter will need to be removed and back-flushed with a compressed air gun to clean out any ash which has accumulated. For this reason, the exhaust system should be designed to enable the filter element to be removed easily.
