Beta VS Flow rate VS Nominal Micron

[Bill Kapaun]

The post about the FL-784 got me thinking-
Using the Wix equivalent 51742, I looked up the Beta#'s
2/20=24/44
Looking at other filters that had a Beta 2/20=xx/xx, typically had a Nominal Micron Size of 19.

I therefore ASSumed, subtracting 1 micron from the Beta 2/XX=..., would result in the Nominal Micron Size.

The Wix 51742, shows a NMS of 25.

The filter however, is rated to flow 28-30 GPM VS the typical 7-9 GPM or ABOUT 3.5 times as much.
It is a "good sized" filter, 5.7" long X 4.3" dia., but obviously not 3 times more media area than a "typical size" filter.

This observation raised the question--
Will a higher flow rate, through identical filters, increase the particle size that would "normally" pass through that filter?
It appears it does, but if so, by how much?

 

[Big O Dave]

Believe it or not, but one of the most comprehensible explanations of the beta ratio system (that I've read, anyway) is from FRAM. Tell me what you think!

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Well at least we know FRAM is aware of Beta!

I notice the "paper" is from May 2003.
Why haven't they started testing filters and publishing the results as they determine them, like Wix is doing?

Wix doesn't have all the results, but it appears they are posting them as they get them???
Of course, there's Champion with their many different brands

I'll agree that Beta on its own is only one test, and could be somewhat misleading as to actual filter capacity.

Why not make up a "standard" mixture of particles (say 5-10 different sizes) and also publish the amount the filter trapped before going into a certain "pressure differential" at some "standard" flow rate.
For the 7-9 GPM filters, 8 GPM sounds good to me.
PD to be determined by those who know more than me, but some type of industry standard.

As a side note, I noticed the "Giant Ford" filter (Wix 51773) was rated at 30 micron nominal and was still only flow rated at the piddly 7-9 GPM?
Maybe bigger isn't necessarily better??

 

[Winston]

quote:

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Wix doesn't have all the results, but it appears they are posting them as they get them???

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Where are they posting the results?

 

[Big O Dave]

quote:

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Originally posted by Winston:

quote:

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Wix doesn't have all the results, but it appears they are posting them as they get them???

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Where are they posting the results?

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The beta ratios (if available) are listed on the specific product pages of their online catalog. For example, here, just below "Anti-Drainback Valve."

 

[Gary Allan]

It was a smart move by WIX. I truly imagine that too many BITOG members were asking for beta numbers that the emailtechs didn't have on hand and had to look up/inquire to provide. This feature will probably reduce their service time to this type of inquiry.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary Allan:
It was a smart move by WIX. I truly imagine that too many BITOG members were asking for beta numbers that the emailtechs didn't have on hand and had to look up/inquire to provide. This feature will probably reduce their service time to this type of inquiry.

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OR-
customers may start calling the other manufacturers, asking them what they have to hide!

That may stimulate them to start posting #'s????

 

[Big O Dave]

Either way, it was a smart move by Wix.

 

[Filter guy]

As someone who answered the phones for techincal information, as long as I was at Champion we always told customers what the micron rating was. Others did not.

Times are a changing though. Which is why I listed the toll free numbers in the sticky thread and anyone can call and get information.

I do wonder how much the "beta" information is media supplier "specs" and how much is actual filter testing?

Not to throw water on the subject but to test a filter on a multipass test machine takes a lot of time to do. Typically one is lucky to get one filter per shift tested.

How many $500,000 machines do you think the labs have?

Then there is the retesting to validate.

Now look at how many part numbers are in their catalog....you do the math as to how long it would take to do them all.

btw..flow rate is not an "industry spec". So filter companies have the leeway to use whatever flow rate floats their boat. Lower flow rate, more efficiency...higher flow rate, less efficiency.

Now factor in that Engine Companies typically spec the testing proceedures, what does that say about true aftermarket filter companies that have no OEM business and run their tests to maximize their results.....food for thought..

And now you see why filter companies don't share engine filter test criteria. Let alone tell BITOG members...lol

So Filter Manufacturer X tests their filters to their specs and marketing massages the data to put their best foot forward...whereas the tests may not be , and probably aren't, done to how the OEM sets the test criteria..

Ask yourselves how many times you see something along the lines of:
"Filters tested to SAE spec XXXX or ISO spec XXXX"

Did it say Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, VW, etc?

Hope I didn't burst anyones bubble...

 

[XS650]

quote:

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Originally posted by Filter guy:


Hope I didn't burst anyones bubble...

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Few bubbles were burst, most of us already had low expectations of filter company's willingness to share meaningful information.

 

[Ugly3]

Filter Guy - So Filter Manufacturer X tests their filters to their specs and marketing massages the data to put their best foot forward...whereas the tests may not be , and probably aren't, done to how the OEM sets the test criteria..

Are you suggesting that aftermarket filters do not meet and exceed the auto makers requirements?

 

[Filter guy]

quote:

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Originally posted by Ugly3:
Filter Guy - So Filter Manufacturer X tests their filters to their specs and marketing massages the data to put their best foot forward...whereas the tests may not be , and probably aren't, done to how the OEM sets the test criteria..

Are you suggesting that aftermarket filters do not meet and exceed the auto makers requirements?

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No.....

Just that there are ways to make your filter look better...