METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING DEPOSITS IN AN AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM TO MINIMIZE VISIBLE SMOKE EMISSIONS

Systems and methods for removing accumulated soot in an aftertreatment system are disclosed herein. A method includes: determining, by a controller, an adsorption amount of soot in an exhaust aftertreatment system; comparing, by the controller, the adsorption amount of soot to a predefined adsorption amount limit; in response to the adsorption amount exceeding the predefined adsorption amount limit, initiating, by the controller, an exhaust cleaning event to remove at least some accumulated soot in the exhaust aftertreatment system; receiving, by the controller, exhaust gas data during the exhaust cleaning event; determining, by the controller, a desorption amount of soot based on the exhaust gas data; comparing, by the controller, the desorption amount of soot to a predefined desorption limit; and ceasing, by the controller, the exhaust cleaning event based on the comparison.