Filtration Facts

Lubrication oil contamination is the primary cause of wear. From studies it has been shown that the highest rates of engine/transmission component wear are due to contamination by particles as small as or slightly larger than the oil film thickness between working parts. These particles are known as 'clearance size' particles. Larger particles cause less wear damage because they are unable to get into the clearance between the working parts.

A combination of water and particulate contamination results in oil oxidation, and increases acid levels. Unless lubrication systems are well filtered they will continue to generate metallic particles and increase wear rates still further. It follows that lubrication fluids function most efficiently and last longer when water and clearance size particles are controlled.