Different Types of Oil Filter Designs
Oil filters have come a long way over the years. Engines were originally designed without an oil filter, but filters were needed when pressure lubrication was developed for the engine. On its surface, the design of an oil filter looks simple, but the development of manmade materials such as glass and synthetic fiber have made oil filter designs more efficient. The design of the oil filter is determined by the type of engine, the size of the engine and the automobile manufacturer.
Mechanical Oil Filter Design
The mechanical oil filter uses fiber material that is pleated in design. This design traps the contaminants in the oil, preventing the particles from continuing to move into the engine. Over a period of time, the buildup of contaminants causes the oil to stop flowing into the engine so the movable parts can be lubricated. Before this buildup of dirt particles stops the flow of oil into the engine, the oil filter needs to be replaced.
Magnetic Oil Filter Design
The magnetic oil filter design uses small electromagnets to catch the particles as the oil flows through the oil filter. The best part of this type of design is that the oil filter does not have to be replaced. The oil filter does have to be removed periodically and cleaned. The worst part of this design is that it allows dirt to get through the filter and travel with the oil into the engine.
Centrifugal Oil Filter Design
The centrifugal oil filter design spins as the oil flows through the filter inducing centrifugal force and containing the contaminants. As the oil flows through the spinning oil filter the dirt or iron particles are trapped in the walls of the filter preventing them from flowing with the oil. This is a two-part oil filter, which has a housing chamber and a fiber material inserted into the housing that does all the spinning. The fiber material used in the oil filter needs to be replaced as contaminants build up, which can cause the filter to quite spinning and clog the flow of oil. The housing chamber does not need to be replaced.
