The Dirty Truth:
Comparing the 1970’s Thermasan System to Deleted DPFs in the Diesel World
In the world of diesel exhaust, there’s no shortage of innovations—some groundbreaking, others downright bizarre. One such quirky invention from the 1970s was the Thermasan system, designed to incinerate sewage through a motorhome’s exhaust. Yes, you read that right. Let’s take a humorous yet insightful look at how the Thermasan system stacks up against modern-day practices like deleting Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and why both might be putting… well, you know, into the atmosphere.
The Thermasan System: A Brief (and Smelly) History
Back in the groovy 70s, RV enthusiasts were introduced to the Thermasan system, a contraption that promised to burn your poop using the heat from the vehicle’s exhaust. As you cruised down the highway, your waste was incinerated and released as… exhaust. This was supposed to be a sanitary solution to the age-old problem of waste disposal on the go.
According to an article by The Drive, the Thermasan system wasn’t just a wild idea; it was a fully operational system installed in some GMC motorhomes . The Autopian elaborates on how the system worked, emphasizing the bizarre yet innovative nature of this RV accessory . The official Thermasan flyer even boasted about the system’s efficiency and cleanliness . However, as discussions on Good Sam’s community forum reveal, the reality was often less than pleasant .
Deleted DPFs: The Modern-Day Pollution Problem
Fast forward to today, and we’re dealing with a different kind of exhaust problem—deleted DPFs. For those uninitiated, a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a device designed to capture soot and other particulate matter from diesel exhaust. However, some truck owners opt to delete these filters to improve performance and fuel economy. The downside? They’re releasing all those harmful particulates directly into the atmosphere, effectively turning their trucks into mobile pollution machines.
A Humorous Comparison
Let’s draw a humorous comparison between the Thermasan system and deleted DPFs. Both concepts involve using the vehicle’s exhaust in ways that, while seemingly beneficial to the owner, result in releasing some rather unpleasant byproducts into the air.
1. The Odor Factor:
Thermasan: Imagine driving behind a motorhome with a Thermasan system. The exhaust isn’t just exhaust—it’s baked sewage. The smell must have been something special.
Deleted DPF: Modern diesel trucks with deleted DPFs may not emit the same olfactory assault, but they’re releasing soot and other particulates that contribute to smog and respiratory issues.
2. The Environmental Impact:
Thermasan: While incinerating waste sounds innovative, burning sewage and releasing it into the atmosphere isn’t exactly eco-friendly.
Deleted DPF: Similarly, removing a DPF is done because it is assumed that it will boost performance in every case (on Class 8, heavy diesel, deletes can actually make performance and reliability worse), but the environmental cost is significant, contributing to air pollution and health problems.
3. The Legal and Practical Aspects:
Thermasan: The system was a product of its time, perhaps legal then but unimaginable now.
Deleted DPF: Deleting a DPF is illegal in all 50 states due to its environmental impact, with hefty fines for those caught.
The DPF Guys Solution
At DPF Guys, we believe in keeping our air clean and our engines running efficiently. Unlike the dubious innovations of the past, our services focus on maintaining and cleaning DPFs to ensure they operate at peak performance without harming the environment. Proper DPF maintenance can prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and keep your diesel engine running smoothly.
Conclusion
While the Thermasan system might be a quirky relic of the past, the issue of emissions and pollution is as relevant today as ever. Comparing the Thermasan system to deleted DPFs highlights the importance of responsible waste and emissions management. At DPF Guys, we’re committed to providing solutions that benefit both your engine and the environment. So, next time you think about deleting that DPF, remember the Thermasan, and let’s avoid putting any more “sh*t” into the atmosphere.