The Particle Filter is an additional filter fitted in the exhaust system that is designed to filter out harmful soot particles from the exhaust gases and help protect the environment.
The Particle Filter is fitted exclusively to diesel engines, and reduces emissions of such particles to below the Euro V emissions regulation that came into place in 2009 of 5mg per km.
Soot particles are collected in the Particle Filter and eliminated periodically by automatic regeneration.
It is the process of removing the accumulated soot in the FAP. The video shows this process taking place. Soot builds up in the filter and at a certain point combusts in the high temperature. This causes less environmental damage by significantly reducing exhaust emissions, without affecting the smooth running of the car.
This innovative solution is not suitable for vehicles which are solely used in urban areas, where cars move at slow speed and frequently have to stop and start, but it is equally well suited to other conditions. The system is activated as soon as a sufficient quantity of soot is detected in the filter and the engine has reached the correct operating temperature. In most driving conditions with modern engines, the customer will not notice any automatic regeneration. However, minimum speeds of at least 8-12 mph will be necessary to instigate a regeneration. The cycle will then normally be completed under normal driving. A failure to get above these speeds, typically in constant traffic conditions, will cause problems for some customers*.
*FAP technology may not be suitable for vehicles that are constantly in urban cycle. eg. Lots of short journeys where the vehicle does not reach optimal operating temperature. Please consult your dealer if in doubt
With Euro V engines, the regeneration process can be carried out at speeds as low as 8-12 mph and will not have a noticeable affect on the vehicle's performance.
The system works: