Soot monitoring method and alert system

A monitoring system for the regeneration of a particulate filter associated with a diesel engine, the system comprising:

• a temperature sensor proximal to the particulate filter configured to monitor the exhaust temperature;
• a pressure sensor configured to measure first and second filter pressure differentials;
• a clock;
• memory configured to store temperature readings from the temperature sensor, pressure readings from the pressure sensor, and time from the clock;
• a programmable logic controller configured to perform a method of monitoring soot accumulation and regeneration of a particulate matter filter for an engine, the method comprising
• (a) measuring exhaust temperature proximal to the particulate filter and operating time of the engine to calculate a first accumulated operating time during which the exhaust temperature is below a critical temperature,
• (b) initiating a warning signal when the first accumulated operating time is greater than or equal to a first period,
• (c) repeatedly measuring the exhaust temperature proximal to the particulate filter, the first filter pressure differential at a first time, and the second filter pressure differential at a second time, wherein the second time is equal to the first time plus an interval,
• (d) calculating an accumulated regeneration period, wherein the accumulated regeneration period is total instances when the exhaust temperature is greater than or equal to a regeneration temperature and the difference between the first and second filter pressure differentials is less than or equal to a critical value, and
• (e) generating a completion signal when the accumulated regeneration period is greater than or equal to a completion value;
• an indicator configured to display the warning signal;
• and
• a user interface configured to allow a user to initiate at least one of steps (a) and (c) of the method performed by the programmable logic controller.

A method of monitoring and regenerating a particulate matter filter for a diesel engine, the method comprising:

• (a) monitoring exhaust temperature and operating time of an engine to calculate a first accumulated operating time below a critical temperature;
• (b) initiating a warning signal when the first accumulated operating time is greater than or equal to a first period;
• (c) increasing load on the engine to increase the exhaust temperature;
• (d) maintaining the increased load on the engine during a regeneration period;
• (e) repeatedly measuring the exhaust temperature, a first filter pressure differential at a first time, and a second filter pressure differential at a second time, wherein the second time is equal to the first time plus an interval,
• (f) calculating an accumulated regeneration period, wherein the accumulated regeneration period is total instances when the exhaust temperature is greater than or equal to a regeneration temperature and the difference between the first and second filter pressure differentials is less than or equal to a critical value, and
• (g) generating a completion signal when either
• i. the accumulated regeneration period is greater than or equal to a completion value, or
• ii. the number of exhaust temperature measurements measured during step (c) which meet or exceed the regeneration temperature is greater than or equal to a shutdown value.