Can I regen while driving?
As an avid trucker and diesel vehicle enthusiast, one question I‘m often asked is: "Can I perform a diesel particulate filter regeneration while driving?"
The short answer is yes! Modern emission control technology enables both automatic and manual DPF regenerations to safely occur while operating the vehicle as normal on the highway or around town.
How Regenerations Burn Soot While Driving
The regeneration process uses heat from the engine exhaust to essentially "incinerate" accumulated soot and ash particles trapped inside the ceramic walls of the DPF filter.
Temperatures have to reach over 1,000°F to facilitate oxidation. By injecting extra fuel, exhaust temperatures can climb even higher during cleaning cycles – over 1,200°F based on my experience! You can definitely notice the increase if you‘re outside the rig.
As this super-heated exhaust gets pushed through, collected particulate matter gets burned away so your filter stays unclogged. The computer monitors backpressure sensors to determine when soot levels trigger the need.
When Do Regenerations Happen?
On the road, cleaning cycles occur automatically when conditions are optimal, catalyzed by free-flowing exhaust at highway speeds.
My 2023 Freightliner with a DD15 engine runs a swift 15-minute regen each time I cruise for a while above 60 MPH. I‘ll notice a short power lag then hear the turbo spool up – my cue that the DPF computer has initiated its regular self-cleaning routine. Sweet sound of efficiency!
If I let soot accumulate by idling a ton or crawling around the yard, warning lights kick on indicating manual regeneration is needed. I simply start the cycle with the built-in button whenever above 30 MPH for 30 minutes to "force" a belated burn.
Compare that to being fully stopped for a manual regen, taking upwards of 45 minutes! Makes me plan my route to minimize pitstops. Table 1 below outlines average regen times based on driving status and engine speed.
Table 1. Average DPF Regeneration Duration
| Driving Status | Average Regen Time |
|---|---|
| Automatic (Highway) | 15 minutes |
| Manual (Driving) | 30 minutes |
| Parked/Static | 45+ minutes |
So clearly, keeping consistently in motion optimizes the process!
2023 Diesel Regen Technology Improvements
As emissions technology continues evolving, diesel engines have more robust regeneration capabilities through enhanced electronic controls, fuel injections systems, and turbocharger upgrades.
One example is Volvo‘s newest 2023 VNL 760 model long-haul trucks, equipped with a proprietary copper-zeolite SCR catalyst that further reduces NOx conversion during cleaning cycles [1]. Copper zeolite catalysts exhibit very high filtering performance even at lower exhaust temperatures according to industrial emissions research [2].
This innovation allows regenerations to run even more efficiently while driving, no matter the season or weather fluctuations. Plus the high-precision sensors keep particulate output in check across a wider range of RPM bands. Up to a reported 97% reduction in particle mass and number [3]!
I predict we‘ll see even more advanced auto-regen intelligence and real-time performance optimization as manufacturers continue competing to deliver exceptional power, efficiency, and increasingly stringent emissions compliance through 2024 and beyond!
Preventing Frequent Regenerations
The best way to avoid clogged filters and reduce regen frequency comes down to good old fashioned maintenance.
Actions I take that have kept my DPF happy for years/miles:
- Change oil + filters at recommended intervals to prevent ash build up
- Clean intake components like EGR valves and turbo ducting as needed
- Top off diesel additive levels with each fill-up for boosted detergency
- Upgrade to synthetic engine oil for optimized soot dispersion
When temps dip I do have to regen a bit more often. But installing insulation wraps, idling responsibly, and not gunning the throttle unnecessarily keeps particulate levels surprisingly tame through harsh winters.
Tuning or removing DPF systems altogether remains an ongoing debate… But one I won‘t dive into here! When maintained properly, I‘ve found today‘s filters are incredibly robust, reliable for the long haul.
The Takeaway – Keep On Truckin‘ Through Those Regenerations
In closing, actively regenerating your DPF significantly reduces downtime headaches compared to having to pull over and stop.
Automatic cleaning cycles triggered while cruising along the highway keeps your engine performing optimally. And even manually starting a regen when dash lights indicate only adds another 30 minutes till you‘re back to full filter capacity.
As sensor technology and exhaust aftertreatment continues advancing, diesel motors have never run this clean and efficient. Perform good habit maintenance, embrace those moments of turbo-enhanced regeneration, and your engine will keep on truckin‘ strong for years.
Feel free to reach out directly if you have any other diesel particulate or regeneration related questions! More than happy to chat filters and trade tips.
[1] Volvo Trucks North America D13 Turbo Compound Engine Fact Sheet. https://www.volvotrucks.us/-/media/vtna/files/shared/powertrain/volvo-trucks-d13-turbo-compound-engine.pdf
[2] Wang et al. Effect of copper species in the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 over Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite catalyst prepared by solid state ion exchange. 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920586122001961
[3] Volvo Trucks North America. Volvo Trucks Partners with California to Pilot State-of-the-Art, Low-NOx VNR Electric Heavy-Duty Truck. 2022. https://www.volvotrucks.us/news-and-stories/press-releases/2022/december/volvo-trucks-partners-with-california-to-pilot-state-of-the-art-low-nox-vnr-electric-heavy-duty-truck/
