One of Denmark''s oldest oil filter companies has undertaken studies to show that its filters are not only better than centrifuges but they are much cheaper costwise. They also says that increase lie of engine parts by up to four time or more.
more.
Kim Kjaer, a board member of the family-owned CJC (C.C. Jensen A/S) in Svendborg, explains the rationale behind the studies.
He says the lubricating oil of a diesel engine is constantly contaminated by combustion blow-by debris and metal particles. The smaller combustion particles damage the oil, accelerate oxidation and thereby lead to a decreased total base number (TBN) of the oil, increased viscosity and change in the oil. However, most harmful to the engine parts are the solid 3-15"m particles, causing wear, blockage, fatigue and bore polishing in bearings, liners, camshafts etc.
He suggests that factory-mounted, full-flow filters are always coarse, filtering in the range of 25 "m, and that this only gives very little protection since less than two per cent of the particles in an engine lube oil are 25 "m or larger.
Centrifuge or filter
"When filtering diesel engine lube oil it is very important that you take the high contamination ingress into consideration. You have only two options: centrifuges or filters with extremely high dirt-holding capacities, he says.
"When used right, the centrifuge can remove particles smaller than the mechanical filter is able to. However, [this will only happen] if it is adjusted very accurately, which rules out self driven centrifuges. Due to improved dispersant additives in the oil, the oil has to be heated for the centrifuge to be effective. This has a negative effect on oil life time and increases running costs. He adds that comparisons show that centrifuges are 2-3 times more expensive than the equivalent CJCTM Filters; both in purchase - but also in running costs.
"By using a cellulose filter element it is possible to remove combustion debris, particles and water at normal working temperature. On top of this the cellulose filter insert reduces the problem with liner lacquering," he said.
Of course CJC has done this research in order to support claims for its filters. Kjaer says CJC 's largest off-line fine filter has a dirt-holding capacity of 160 kg. and an internal surface of more than 18 m2. "This ensures you service intervals of up to 12 months, and during this period no additional service is needed," he says. "Furthermore, the large surface makes it possible to absorb large amounts of oxidation products (resin)," he added.
