Originally Posted By: TiredTrucker
Originally Posted By: Jim 5
Are there any issues with Biodiesel and DPFs?
None. Thousands of semi's with DPF's and SCR are using bio blends daily with no issues. Bio has no negative effect on DPF. I would step out here a little with no real evidence, and say that bio blends would actually have a net positive on DPF. Reason is that bio actually has a slightly hotter burn. This would, in theory, reduce the amount of soot downstream to the DPF. Because of the hotter burn, bio will kick out more NOx in combustion, but by not being a petroleum product, it actually results in a lower CO level. I came across these findings several years ago when bio was the new kid on the block. Things may have changed.
There is little evidence today that would indicate a "hotter burn" in fact, bio diesel generally produces lower BTU's than ULSD. Biodiesel does produce less ash and CO2 in theory during combustion. However the thermal instability of biodiesel vs ULSD can stress injectors, and filters and cause combustion issues that will actually decrease combustion efficiency and as a result potentially cause DPF related issues. Trucks with DPF's aren't exclusive to injector choking; so biodiesel doesn't cause issues with DPF's per say, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it will help them.
The biggest enemy to a DPF is heavy idling and failure to maintain them by having them cleaned at a regular interval.