Protecting Engines and the Environment - A Comparison of Oil Filtration Alternatives

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