TECHNICAL REFERENCE
Synteq fibers offer the least amount of resistance to fluid passing through the media. Consistency of fiber shape allows the maximum amount of contaminant-catching surface area and specific pore size control. The result is media with predictable filtration efficiencies at removing specified contaminants (i.g., 4 m) and maximum dirt holding capacity. Natural cellulose fibers are larger than synthetic fibers and jagged in shape, so controlling size of the pores in the media mat is difficult and there is less open volume. In most applications this results in higher ' P as compared to synthetic filters. Higher beta ratings mean there are smaller pores in the media; smaller media pores cause more flow resistance, in turn causing higher pressure drop. 2. Dirt, Contaminant As dirt gets caught in the media, it eventually begins to build up and fill the pore openings. As the pore openings shrink, the differential pressure (pressure drop) increases. This is called restriction. This photo from our scanning electron microscope shows actual dirt particles building up in the media pores. Excessive dirt in the media can cause dirt migration or even filter failure. Dirt migration occurs when the restriction is so great that the differential pressure pushes dirt deeper into the Filter failure occurs when the restriction becomes so high that the filter cartridge collapses (outside-in flow) or bursts (inside-out flow) to relieve the upstream pressure. To avoid such catastrophe, use of a filter service indicator is recommended. It measures the pressure drop across the filter, then signals when the filter is ‘full’ and needs to be changed. media and, eventually, through the media and back into the system.
Hydraulic Filtration Pressure Drop The difference between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure is called pressure drop or differential pressure. It’s symbolized by ' P. ' P is an irrecoverable loss of total pressure caused by the filter, and is mostly due to frictional drag on the fibers in the media. Differential drop drop may increase as the particulate rating or efficiency of the filter (as expressed by its beta ratio) gets better. ' P also increases as the filter is being loaded with contaminant. Four Major Factors Contribute to Pressure Drop 1. Filter Media Media is, of course, the main factor influencing pressure drop; indeed, it
causes pressure drop. That’s why
having a low- friction, high-
flowing media is so important. The natural cellulose or paper fibers (shown at left) typically used in filtration are large,
Natural Fiber Cellulose media, as seen under the scanning electron microscope.
rough, and as irregular as nature made them.
Donaldson developed a synthetic media with smooth, rounded fibers, consistently shaped so that we can control the fiber size and distribution pattern throughout the media mat, and still allow the smoothest, least inhibited fluid flow. Our synthetic media is named Synteq™.
Donaldson’s synthetic Synteq filter media — photo from scanning electron microscope — magnified hundreds of times.
24 • Hydraulic Filters & Accessories
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