| Frequently Asked Questions About Our DPF Systems
 Transfer Flow’s diesel particulate filter (DPF) system is an engine retrofit solution that brings older Tier 0 engines into compliance by reducing diesel particulate matter into the environment. Unlike costly engine replacement, our product ensures compliance to the new emissions regulations, saves money, and supports our local economy with job growth efforts.
Transfer Flow’s DPF features a silicone carbide filter. This filter media can capture more than 85% of particulate matter. And Transfer Flow’s DPF filter is serviceable; the filter can be removed for cleaning, then reused. Transfer Flow’s DPF solution has been successfully tested for durability, thermal cycling, and hot vibrations following strict OEM Automotive Standards.
Below are some of the questions we are asked regarding our DPF system. For more information, contact Ben Winter at (530) 893-5209, ext. 11.
What does a DPF system do?
Will a DPF work on ALL diesel motors?
When does the regeneration process occur on a TFI DPF system?
How do I know it is working?
Should I shut off the engine when a regen operation is occurring?
How hot does the DPF get during regeneration?
How much fuel does the DPF consume?
Can a DPF damage my motor?
Can I install this myself?
Is there anything I need to do once the TFI DPF system is installed?
Does a DPF need maintenance?
Is there any maintenance I can perform myself with the DPF system?
If the DPF system regenerates automatically, what needs to be cleaned?
What does Filter Cleaning entail?
How much does a DPF cost?
What is the warranty on the TFI DPF?
So I want a TFI DPF system, what's next?
What does a DPF system do?
TransferFlow’s DPF system is designed to supply older Tier 0-2 diesel engines a retrofit system to meet air regulation compliance. It reduces the particulate matter produced by the engine by more than 85%, thereby minimizing harmful air pollution.
Will a DPF work on ALL diesel motors?
The condition of your motor, the horsepower and Tier level will be checked by our sales and technical staff prior to the installation of the DPF system. Diesel motors in very poor condition, or extremely new motors may not be candidates for a DPF retrofit system.
When does the regeneration process occur on a TFI DPF system?
The regeneration process is completely controlled by our onboard computer. The regen operation is triggered when either the pressure differential or timer has exceeded a predetermined value. The regen operation occurs during normal engine operations. The end user doesn’t have to do anything for a regeneration operation.
How do I know it is working?
The DPF will occasionally self-clean (regenerate) and during those times an indicator light will be “ON”. The equipment can be used for its normal function even during the self-cleaning operation.
Should I shut off the engine when a regen operation is occurring?
No. A red light next to the engine shut off will illuminate during a regen operation. The regen operation should only take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete, so wait until the red light turns is off and then you may shut off the engine. If the engine is shut off during a regeneration operation, damage to the DPF system may occur rendering the engine/system to no longer fall under Air Resource Board/ Air Quality Management District compliance and void your DPF system warranty.
How hot does the DPF get during regeneration?
During regeneration events, the temperatures inside the DPF exhaust system may reach upwards of 750°C (1382°F)! The exterior of the exhaust system can be very hot as well. We have a heat shield over the DPF specifically but the inlet and exhaust pipes are not necessarily protected. Extreme care should be performed by anyone or with anything when near the exhaust system. TFI has provided “Warning Hot Surfaces” labels to be applied by the installation technicians at appropriate locations.
How much fuel does the DPF consume?
The DPF system consumes a very small amount of fuel during regeneration events to help bring the exhaust temperature up sufficiently to thermal burn off the Particulate matter soot. It is estimated that at the most, the DPF system fuel consumption will be up to 2 gallons per 100 hours of operation.
Can a DPF damage my motor?
No. The DPF will not damage your motor. If the DPF needs to be cleaned and the engine continues to operate, a sufficient backpressure may cause poor engine performance and ultimately it may not run at all until it is cleaned.
Can I install this myself?
Sorry, this equipment needs to be mounted and verified by a trained member of our installation team.
Is there anything I need to do once the TFI DPF system is installed?
While the Amber LED is on - ensure the engine continues to operate as a regeneration event is occurring. Simply look for one of the other two lights (or flashing lights) that will indicate a cleaning cycle needs to occur (Blue / Slow flashing) or there is a trouble code and you need to contact TFI promptly (Red/ Fast Flashing). (Details Pending) Other than that the DPF system will operate normally and requires no customer maintenance - except there may be a need to change the air compressor air filter in dusty environments more frequently than normal servicing. TFI will let you know if this needs to be done for your application. Also, depending on your engine’s PM output, the filter may eventually need to be removed and cleaned. Upon installation, TFI will inform the purchaser of the anticipated cleaning cycle schedule for each particular engine.
Does a DPF need maintenance?
Very rarely. The filter removal and cleaning service can be scheduled by TransferFlow, Inc or another qualified DPF Service Company.
Is there any maintenance I can perform myself with the DPF system?
There are no user-serviceable parts with the TFI DPF System, other than, if necessary, to change to air compressor air filter. Cleaning of the DPF presents potential exposure to hazardous waste in the form of fine ash that can easily become airborne. The control panel of the DPF has a warranty seal. If that seal is broken, the TFI warranty will be void.
If the DPF system regenerates automatically, what needs to be cleaned?
Yes, the DPF system does regenerate automatically to burn the accumulated soot, but some of the soot turns to ash which remains inside the DPF. Over time this ash begins to clog the exhaust pathway. Once an amount of ash has accumulated such that a set backpressure is applied to the engine, the DPF system filter needs to be removed and cleaned.
What does Filter Cleaning entail?
This filter cleaning is to clean accumulated hazardous ash in the DPF. It is not to be confused with when the active system is deployed to burn the accumulated hydrocarbons or soot thereby reducing the filter back pressure. Upon agreement with the DPF system owner, TransferFlow, Inc or another qualified DPF service company will service your system, remove the filter side of the DPF and have it cleaned off-site. TransferFlow is able to keep your engine/DPF system running by installing a ‘Loaner Filter Side’ while your own filter side is being cleaned.
How much does a DPF cost?
A Transfer Flow DPF System is very affordable and starts out at $6,400.00 installed. Your price may vary depending on the size and complexity of your equipment.
What is the warranty on the TFI DPF?
The warranty on TFI’s DPF System is five (5) years from the date of purchase, although the system is designed to be able to last for many years longer than that.
So I want a TFI DPF system, what's next?
Contact TFI's sales staff at 1-800-442-0056. They will coordinate a site visit and engine evaluation to ensure your engine is optimum for retrofit. If your engine configuration is similar to one we have already designed, you might have the DPF installed with the same visit. Otherwise, some installations may require that a mounting system tailored to your engine configuration be created and the DPF will be installed on a second visit, usually within two weeks of the first visit. | | |
