DPF filter en DME-wetgeving
“DPF filter and DME legislation, what's the deal?”
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) in machinery works in a similar way to vehicles, but the conditions and usage patterns of machinery can greatly affect DPF filter operation and maintenance. DPF filters in machines, such as excavators, bulldozers, tractors, generators, lighting towers, and other construction and agricultural equipment, are also designed to filter particulate matter from the exhaust to reduce emissions.
Operation of a DPF filter in machines.
- Capturing soot particles:
- As in diesel vehicles, the DPF filter in machines captures soot and particulate matter particles generated during diesel combustion. This is done in a porous structure of ceramic material, usually cordierite or silicon carbide, with small channels in which the particles remain.
- Clean exhaust gases then leave the filter, while harmful particles are retained.
- Regeneration of the DPF filter:
- Machines often operate at low speeds or at varying loads, which means that the exhaust temperature is sometimes insufficient to clean the filter by itself (passive regeneration). Therefore, regeneration is especially important in these machines to prevent clogging:
- Active regeneration: In machines, active regeneration is most common. In this, the system temporarily raises the temperature of the DPF filter by supplying additional fuel. This burns the accumulated soot particles and prevents clogging of the filter.
- Manual regeneration: Many machines have a manual regeneration option, where the operator can start the process when the filter is in danger of becoming full. This is often done on site, and the machine must be stationary for this to take place so that the combustion of soot particles can take place safely.
- Forced regeneration at maintenance: When active and manual regeneration are not sufficient and the filter becomes seriously clogged, the DPF filter must be cleaned in the workshop by forced regeneration. In this process, under controlled conditions, the filter is heated strongly to burn all accumulated particles.
- Maintenance and replacement:
- Machines often have intensive operating conditions, such as heavy loads, working at low speeds and long periods of idling. This increases the risk of clogging the filter, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning of the DPF.
- With prolonged use, ash residue eventually accumulates in the filter, which is not removed by the combustion process. This ash must be physically removed by cleaning or replacing the filter, which depends on the intensity of use of the machine.
With the introduction of the new Direct Environmental Emissions (DME) legislation, the government is setting stringent requirements for construction and agricultural machinery using diesel engines. The main focus of the legislation is the requirement to use and maintain Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF filters) in order to drastically reduce particulate emissions.
The DME legislation, which will be phased in from January 2025, establishes that not only vehicles on the road, but also stationary machinery and mobile equipment in construction and agriculture must meet stricter emission requirements. Many of these machines, such as excavators, tractors, generators and forklifts, have diesel engines that emit significant amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants. With a properly functioning DPF filter, emissions of harmful particles can be reduced by more than 90%.
DME legislation mandates that all construction and agricultural machinery with diesel engines must be equipped with a working DPF filter starting in 2025. Older machines without a factory-fitted filter will be required to be retrofitted so that they too can meet the new emission standards. Machines that do not meet these requirements will not receive approval during annual safety and emissions inspections, which could result in a work ban and heavy fines.
"We need to take responsibility in the construction and agriculture sectors. Particulate matter and harmful substances in exhaust gases have a direct effect on the health of workers and people living near construction and agricultural sites, “ said Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers. “This new legislation contributes to cleaner air quality for everyone.”
While the new legislation is seen as an important step in improving air quality, the adjustment is not without cost. Many companies in the construction and agricultural sectors will need to invest in new machinery or in installing DPF filters on existing machines. The cost of a DPF retrofit varies widely, from about €2,000 to €5,000 per machine, depending on the type and specifications.
The government has announced grant programs to financially assist companies with these investments. The National Clean Machinery Fund (NFSM) is offering grant opportunities for this purpose in 2025 and 2026 to help companies purchase and install the required filters.
In addition to mandatory DPF installation, the government is introducing stricter controls on emissions at construction sites and agricultural sites. The Environmental and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) will conduct regular inspections at construction sites and agricultural sites to check compliance with DME legislation. Machines without functioning DPF filters will not only be fined, but may also be temporarily banned from use until the filters are installed or repaired.
Retrofit DPF filters are also available from Trime North for all machines in the range. Request a quote early so you can be sure that by January your machines will have DPF filters installed.