Lubricating oil filters
The main function of lubricating oil filters is to prevent contaminants such as solid particulate material, water, sludge, and others from causing damage to the metal surfaces of moving parts through abrasive wear, oxidation (rust), cavitation, or insufficiently thick lubricating oil film.
Simple tips for improving performance
- Try to use full-flow lubricating oil filters that follow the OEM technical specifications such as pressure drop, flow rate, bypass valve opening pressure, Beta filtration ratio, Average Pore Size (micron), and Capture Efficiency.
- Carry out the replacements of the filter elements or of the full-flow lubricating oil filters or following the intervals recommended by the OEM (even before if the environment is very dusty or humid) or by reading the pressure differential indicators.
- Monitor through analysis of the lubricating oil in use the soot content in lubricating oils of internal combustion engines Diesel Cycle 4T and the General Cleaning Level in lubricating oils used in hydraulic systems, steam turbines / natural gas / hydraulic, air compressors, circulation systems, etc.
- Install an off-line filtration system with a depth filter element to control the soot level in 4T internal combustion engines (Diesel Cycle / Otto Cycle) and to improve the General Cleaning Level (solid particulate material and sludge) and content of water (filters with cellulose filter elements are very efficient in removing water) in hydraulic systems, steam / natural gas / hydraulic turbines, air compressors, circulation systems, etc.
- Do not increase the average pore size (micron) of the filter element in order to increase the periodicity of changing the lubricating oil filter. If the levels of contamination by solid particulate matter, sludge and water are high and it is necessary to replace the lubricating oil filters very often, the ideal is to purchase and install filters with a larger filtration area, however, of the same Beta Ratio, Capture Efficiency and Average Pore Size (micron) recommended by the OEM in order to increase the water and dirt retention capacity and avoid early obstruction of the filter elements.
- If an off-line filtration system is installed using depth filtering elements, a shorter service life of the lubricating oil filter is expected initially. This condition is foreseen and temporary since the off-line filtration system using a depth filter element must first eliminate the contaminants (solid particulate material, water, sludge etc.) that cannot be removed with the flow filters which generally has a higher Average Pore Size (micron).
- When replacing the lubricating oil, it is imperative to also replace the lubricating oil filter.
- Try to use desiccant and solid particulate filters in the vents of hydraulic systems, steam / natural gas / hydraulic turbines, air compressors, circulation systems, etc. with filter element of Average Pore Size (micron) less than or equal to the filter element of the total flow filter of the system.
- Always use lubricating oils with the viscosities recommended by OEMs for mobile or industrial equipment.
- If the mechanical system undergoes corrective maintenance, never replace the lubricating oil without meticulous filtration and dehydration. It is also essential that the mechanical system is flushed without load and at low operating pressure in order to eliminate any contaminants.
- Try not to use offline filters with “adsorption” depth filter media. The filter media of the “adsorption” type differ from the “absorption” type in that they contain active chemical media, such as activated carbon or Terra Fuller, which can react chemically with lubricating oil additives while retaining contaminants (solid particulate material, water, lees etc.)
- Do not make the item “price” be the determining factor when purchasing lubricating oil filters.
Conclusion
Lubricating oil filters are fundamental parts in any mobile and industrial equipment and their correct selection is decisive in the useful life of these equipments.
The decision to purchase lubricating oil filters in many companies is entirely under the responsibility of the purchasing staff. Assuming that it is not part of the attributes of the buyers to specify technically the Beta Ratio, Average Pore Size (micron), Capture Efficiency, Differential Pressure Drop etc. of lubricating oil filters we cannot in any way charge you any liability if unsuitable filters are purchased. Unfortunately, in many companies, the maintenance staff completely delegates to the purchasing sector the very important responsibility of technically specifying lubricating oil filters when, in reality, buyers should seek competitive prices with the technical specifications well defined by the technicians of the sector. maintenance.
We have available on the Brazilian market excellent OEMs of lubricating oil filters that will be able to specify, with precision and economy, which is the best filtration system for mobile and industrial equipment, enabling greater operating reliability and reducing maintenance costs for mobile and industrial equipment.
