Efficient Plant October 2021 - 21

feature | lubrication solutions
Fig. 3: Beta rating and fi lter performance
Fluid cleanliness
Method Limit/base Current
ing, pressure spikes, and vibration, causing
reduced effi ciency and particle sloughing.
Th e next two layers are a scrim material
Fluid cleanliness
Method Limit/base Current
that provides support to the media and
prevents " linting, " which is fi ne particles
shed by the fi lter media that can increase
contamination levels within a system. Th e
fi nal center layer typically comprises either
a graded media or a dual, coarse-and-fi ne
layer to provide fi ltration down to the preThe
impact of beta rating and fi lter performance for two oil samples is illustrated in the table. Note
the sharp cut-off in particles larger and smaller than the fi lter's beta 1,000 rating when oil is fi ltered
through a high-quality fi lter element.
scribed micron rating and effi ciency.
" Economy fi lters, " on the other hand,
are typically constructed of only three
layers and are oſt en manufactured from
paper (cellulose) media. Th is results in an
element with lower effi ciency and dirtFig.
4: Pleats and layers matter
holding capacity, which in turn results in high particle concentrations
in hydraulic and lubricating oil systems. Cellulose can also
channel or swell in the presence of water, rendering the fi lter ineffective
at particle removal. For this reason, cellulose-based pleated
elements are not typically recommended for critical applications.
Aside from the number of layers, pleating depth and the number
of pleats also play a signifi cant role in effi ciency and capacity. Shorter
and/or fewer pleats for a given fi lter circumference will off er signifi -
cantly less surface area, meaning that, all else being equal, the fi lter
will not hold as much dirt before it goes into bypass. In fact, some
economy fi lters can have 30% to 40% less surface area. Th is results in
an equivalent reduction in dirt-holding capacity.
When it comes to lubrication and asset reliability, fl uid cleanliness
Most high-quality pleated fi lters use fi ve or seven layers of media to
meet the micron rating and provide structural integrity. Pleat depth and
quantity determine effi ciency and capacity.
the design and fabrication of the fi lter that truly determines how it
will perform in each application.
Most high-quality pleated fi lters are made from synthetic microglass
with fi ve or seven layers of media (Fig. 4). Th e outer two layers
are usually a wire mesh that provides structural stability. Without
this support, fi lter elements will fl ex and deform under cyclical loadOCTOBER
2021
is paramount. Make sure that you understand how clean your system
needs to be for optimum reliability, think carefully about how well
the fi lter is constructed, and consider how it will work to protect
critical assets. Filters are much more than simply a product code and
micron rating. Th ey are precision components that should be selected
based on sound engineering principles and contaminationcontrol
best practices. EP
Mark Barnes, CMRP, is Senior Vice President at Des-Case Corp.,
Goodlettsville, TN (descase.com). He has 21 years of experience in
lubrication management, oil analysis, and contamination control.
EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM | 21

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Efficient Plant October 2021

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