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Economic, regulatory and environmental concerns are forcing vehicle operators to reevaluate oil filtration practices. Operators can choose from options, including conventional disposable filters, sieves, centrifugal separators and in-place cleanable oil (IPCO) filters. To guide decisions about filtration practices, this paper compares the performance, serviceability, economics and environmental impact of these options. A laboratory evaluation of representative products was conducted. Additional field tests of disposable and IPCO filters for on- and off-road applications were also conducted Disposable and IPCO filters are similar in terms of serviceability and contamination control, but IPCO filters offer environmental and economic advantages

Environmental concerns over disposable oil filters impact engine oil filter selection for over-the-road trucks and buses. Fleets are extending oil drain intervals and considering alternatives to traditional spin-on filters in an attempt to reduce the costs associated with filter service and disposal. Alternatives to spin-ons, such as screen type separators, are inadequate in terms of particle removal efficiency and contaminant holding capacity. Further, these alternatives typically cost 20 to 40 times more than spin-on filters and are difficult to service. This paper discusses a new line of cleanable, high performance spin-on oil filters. Laboratory tests show that these reusable filters meet or exceed efficiency and capacity specifications set by engine manufacturers. These filters can be cleaned at the normally scheduled service interval without special tools and without removing the filter from the engine.

Environmental concerns over the use and service of traditional disposable oil filters are becoming important in filter selection for off-road equipment. This is particularly true on job sites where “zero” equipment oil leakage is demanded. However, many alternatives to traditional filters do not meet original equipment manufacturers specifications for particle removal efficiency and contaminant holding capacity. This paper discusses the operating features and performance of a new line of oil filters that can be cleaned in-place, on equipment. These new filters meet or exceed the capacity and contaminant removal efficiency of typical high performance synthetic or cellulose disposable filters. Laboratory test results of filtration performance and long term structural integrity are presented. Results of extensive, successful field testing on several types of off-road equipment will also be presented.

To protect components from abrasive wear, modern fuel systems require fine filtration. Many current fuel filter test standards such as SAE J905 and ISO 4020 use gravimetric analysis to determine filter efficiency. Gravimetric analysis can be ambiguous when differentiating between fine filters in terms of efficiency. Furthermore, it is impossible to determine the size rating of a filter using the gravimetric method. Optical particle counting as practiced in other test standards, such as SAE J1858, has proven to be a more useful method of determining filter efficiency. Not only is optical particle counting a precise method, but it also relates efficiency to specific particle sizes. This paper illustrates the feasibility of particle counting fuel filter bottle samples to determine fuel filter efficiency. In this study, test results determining efficiency derived from both gravimetric and particle count analysis are compared.

The lube oil filtration system for diesel engines is becoming increasingly important. Oil filtration systems typically consist of full-flow and bypass filters. A well-designed system will reduce engine wear and oil usage and may play a role in controlling engine emissions. Thus, both economic and environmental benefits are realized. Past work has dealt with the benefits of using finer full-flow filters and with the use of bypass filters; however, the critical issue of optimization of the entire system has largely been ignored. This is the subject of this paper. The removal and dust-holding capacity characteristics of a variety of commercially available and prototype filters, including cellulose, synthetic and “centrifugal” filters, were determined in the laboratory. The performance of these filters in various full-flow/bypass combinations were further evaluated in the field on city buses.