Oil Filters: How Does It Work

Oil filters are an essential component in internal combustion engines since they are responsible for the quality of the lubricating oil. They are supposed to filter out dirt particles from engine oil so that the oil can adequately lubricate and cool the parts of the engine. Oil can accumulate impurities like dirt, metal particles, and carbon deposits, which can lead to significant engine damage if not removed.

Oil filters are specifically designed to eradicate these contaminants so that only clean oil circulates through the engine. Read this article as the working principle of oil filters, the importance of such filters, and the process of their service will be discussed here.

Importance of Oil Filters: 

1. Lubrication

The use of engine oil is mainly for lubrication although it also has other uses as well. The engine contains many components that move at high speeds and under high pressure. If the components is not lubricated, the moving parts made of metal will rub against each other and cause a lot of friction. This friction produces heat and puts wear and tear on the engine components. This, in the long run, leads to problems such as engine damage, reduced efficiency and a shorter engine life.

2. Cooling

Engines produce a lot of heat when in use due to the combustion process. The combustion process as well as rubbing of the moving parts are the main causes of high temperatures in the engine. In cooling, the engine oil has the significant duty of absorbing this heat as well as dispersing it. During circulation, the oil is in a position to remove heat from the hot parts take it to the cooler regions. This assists in keeping the operating temperature constant to avoid the engine overheating.

3. Cleaning

Over a period of time, due to combustion, various contaminants like dirt, metal particles, soot and combustion by products seep into the engine oil. These deposits can build up over time and cause sludge or deposits in the bottom of the engine. If not removed they can block oil ways, decrease oil circulation and have a damaging effect on vital engine parts.

4. Protection

This is because engine oil coats the various parts of the engine, which helps in preventing direct contact between them, thus preventing corrosion and wear. During the period when the engine is not in operation, water and other corrosive agents get on the metal parts and cause rusting. Corrosion results in the deterioration of the strength of the engine parts, loss of efficiency, and early failure.

How does it Work? 

Oil filters are designed to eliminate and hold contaminants while allowing clean oil to flow through to the engine. Let’s have a look at how the oil filters work,

1. Oil Circulation

As the engine runs, the oil pump draws oil from the oil pan and circulates it through the engine. This circulation is vital as it ensures that all moving parts are lubricated, reducing friction and wear. Before the oil reaches critical engine components, it must pass through the oil filter. This is an essential step to ensure that the oil is free of contaminants that could cause damage. The oil enters the filter through a series of small holes around the filter's base plate. These holes allow the oil to flow into the filter canister, where it can begin the filtration process.

2. Contaminant Capture

Once inside the filter canister, the oil flows through the filtering media. This media is the core component of the oil filter and is typically made of pleated paper, synthetic fibers, or a combination of materials. The choice of media material is crucial as it determines the filter’s efficiency and lifespan.

• Pleated Paper: This is the most common type of filter media. It is made of specially treated paper that can trap small particles while allowing oil to flow through. The pleats increase the surface area, which enhances the filter’s capacity to hold contaminants.
• Synthetic Fibers: These are used in higher-end filters. Synthetic media can trap smaller particles more effectively than paper and generally have a longer lifespan.
• Combination Media: Some filters use a blend of paper and synthetic fibers to balance cost and performance.

As the oil flows through the media, contaminants such as dirt, metal particles, carbon deposits, and other impurities are trapped. The pleated design of the media ensures that a large amount of oil can pass through without a significant pressure drop while still efficiently capturing contaminants.

3. Clean Oil Flow

After passing through the filtering media, the now clean oil collects in the central tube of the filter. This tube is perforated to allow oil to flow freely through it. The clean oil then exits the filter through the outlet port, from where it is routed to lubricate and cool the engine components. This clean oil flow is critical for the smooth operation of the engine. Clean oil ensures the engine parts are properly lubricated, reducing friction and wear. It also helps to dissipate heat generated by the engine, preventing overheating and potential damage.

Conclusion

Oil filters are important tools in the preservation of the internal combustion engines. Oil filters prevent contaminants from entering the engine and allow only clean oil to pass through it; this reduces wear and damage thus increasing the life of the engine. Oil filters should be replaced as often as possible and it requires proper maintenance of the vehicle or any machinery. GS Caltex India offers high-quality oil filters capable of providing the optimum performance and protection required by today’s engines. As an innovative and excellent company, we offer the best solution for all your lubrication requirements.