Active particulate filters are generally used in instances where passive particulate filters will not work because there aren’t sufficient natural activation energy levels to achieve regeneration.

Active particulate filters rely on outside energy sources. In an active particulate filter the particulate matter is trapped as it works its way through the exhaust. The control system then activates the regeneration process by auxiliary means, which raises the temperature enough to activate the chemical reaction. Active regeneration is technically possible in several ways.