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This paper presents the application of Weibull distribution model on diesel fuel filter field clogging results in the aim to create an innovative life prediction model for filtration medium surface calculation. A complete investigation of high performance 2 layers pleated media fuel filter clogging has been done with common rail diesel vehicles powered with EN590 fuel. 2 new numbers have been created to characterize clogging advancement and filter life of all filters based on same filter media technology. A filter media surface design model has been created based on 90% Weibull reliability of the filtered volume for diesel filter pressure drop equal to 250mbar. This model has been successfully applied to design the diesel fuel filter for the new 3 liters V6 common rail engine V9X fro RENAULT. 25% filter media surface saving has been reach without degradation of filter change interval.

From the end of the 90's, the use of biodiesel fuel (FAME) in blends with petroleum diesel fuel is increasing year after year with a minimum share of 10% defined by the European Parliament for 2020. In parallel, vehicle fleets working with B30 (EN590 - RME) have been developed in France under the impulsion of biodiesel fuel producers. The aim of this investigation program was to determine the impacts of biodiesel fuel blends (higher than 20%) on diesel fuel filters regarding filter clogging and water separation efficiency. Experiments show that high efficiency material with MFP 8μm are not presenting accelerated clogging during laboratory filtration tests with oxidized biodiesel fuels and this is confirmed by analysis of used diesel fuel filters from Euro 4 vehicle field tests using EN590 and B30 fuels.

A significant increase of diesel vehicles commercialization is expected in North America in the next years, especially in Full Size segments (Pick Up, CUV, SUV, Van, …) and new high performances common rail turbo charged diesel engines are in development with excellent balance between power, torque and fuel consumption. New diesel fuels as Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel and Bio Diesel Blends (2% to 20%) are now a reality in US gas stations to help to reach EPA emissions targets and CO2 foot prints of vehicles but these new fuels are showing undesired impacts on fuel line and fuel injection system components as deposits or corrosion and seizing risks. The fuel filter is THE safety component of the diesel fuel line by cleaning the fuel from particles, water droplets and other organic contaminants and is by this way one of the most impacted by new fuels.