Volvo, Mack Unveil Retrofit DPF To Meet CARB Regulations

Feb. 10, 2009
Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks Inc. now offers retrofit diesel particulate filters (DPF)

Volvo Trucks North America and Mack Trucks Inc. now offers retrofit diesel particulate filters (DPF) to allow operators of older-model Mack trucks to meet stringent new emissions requirements from California environmental regulators.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) intends to improve air quality by reducing particulate matter (PM) emissions from older vehicles. The new requirements apply to all diesel-powered vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR; this includes out-of-state vehicles which operate in California, as well as vehicles based in the state.

The retrofit DPFs are designed for non-EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) diesel engines sold from 1996 to 2002. CARB projects the use of retrofit DPFs will reduce PM emissions by 13 tons a day in 2014. CARB will offer financial assistance and incentives for the purchase and installation of the DPFs (preliminary details regarding the regulations and financial incentives can be found at the CARB website).

The retrofit DPFs come with a five-year. 150,000-mile warranty and can be ordered through any Mack dealer in the U.S. and Canada. Dealer installation is required. The product is integrated into existing exhaust systems and offered in several sizes based upon engine displacement and horsepower. Each retrofit DPF comes with an installation kit, complete with brackets, engineered for the customer’s specific model.

The DPF uses active regeneration to clear accumulated PM from the unit’s filter element. This involves raising the heat of the DPF by injecting a small amount of diesel fuel, typically after 8 to 10 hours of truck operation. The DPF system includes an electronic control unit which constantly monitors the filter element to precisely control PM accumulation and regeneration. Retrofit DPFs using passive and passive/active regeneration technologies are under development for 2002-2006 EGR engines. The retrofit DPF system is manufactured by HUSS, LLC, Palm Springs, California, a specialist in exhaust aftertreatment for diesel engines.