The 12 Virgin Cut Open Filters Ranked by Element Area

[Big O Dave]

Thanks, Kenw! I agree, there is some imprecision in the method I used, but since this is a comparison, I felt that as long as the method was applied consistently across the board, it would provide a relevant, relative comparison.

Incidently, I checked the pleat depth in several places on each filter, in order to get the best measurement I could.

This isn't perfect, but it is consistent.

 

[Filter guy]

The Donaldson is probably using a "precured" cellulose blend.

Most media is cured by ovens on the production line by the filter company. The resins in the media "cure" to add strength to the media. When they are "cured" they turn brownish. That is why media is anywhere from a buff (tan) color to almost brown.

Media can also be cured at the paper suppliers facility. However they do it chemically. So the media will appear white or whiteish.

Straight synthetic media will have wire screen backing inside and outside of the media itself.

 

[Big O Dave]

According to Donaldson's website, the P169071 uses SYNTEQ filter media. This is what they have to say about it:

quote:

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When an application requires higher efficiency filtration than cellulose filter media can deliver, we use Synteq. Synteq captures more and smaller contaminant than cellulose.

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Here is a link to a pdf that discusses all of Donaldson's lube filter media:

Donaldson Lube Filter Media

I should also note that the Baldwin B2-HPG ("HPG" denoting "High-Performance Glass") uses what appears to be a synthetic/cellulose blend element. Here is what Baldwin has to say about lube filter media:

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Filter media today ranges from the long popular and proven cellulose to synthetic media made of fiberglass, polyester, "microglass and various blends of these materials. Each type of media has specific applications for which it is best suited. Cellulose filters are high in efficiency and capacity, yet low in cost. Typically, cellulose filters are rated 98% efficiency at 40 microns. Cellulose media is used in varied oil, air, fuel and some hydraulic applications.

Microglass filters generally have high efficiency, and media pore size can be controlled to catch small particles. This is especially beneficial for hydraulic oil filtration where 3 to 5 micron filtration is desirable, and hydraulic oil is not warmed by engine heat. The drawback to glass media filters is that the media cannot be "bent too sharply in forming the filter pleats or the glass fibers will be broken. This limits the surface area that can be built into a glass media filter. Also, glass media typically requires a wire screen lining to keep the glass fibers together. Newer filters for heavy-duty use are now being made with a combination of cellulose and synthetic media. This blend of fibers provides improved efficiency, along with increased dirt-holding capacity. Although cost for these filters is greater than regular cellulose filters, the cost can be lower than for microglass. These filters are ideally suited for severe service and extended service intervals.

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And, I know that Wix uses a synthetic/cellulose "Glass Enhanced" blend in all of its filters.

Perhaps comparing filter element size across differing media types isn't valid; in other words, the 264.14 sq.in. in the Donaldson P169071 may be more effective than the 528 sq.in. in the Motorcraft FL-299 in capturing contaminants and in the volume of crud it can hold. I just don't know...

Now, if the FL-299 used the exact same media as the P169071, then there'd be absolutely no doubt as to which is the better filter.

Somehow we've got to find a way to separate oil filters into groups of similar, equivalent filter media types. Then we can compare them more accurately.

Maybe as more filter manufacturers publish beta figures, this will make these filter surface area comparisons more meaningful.

 

[Filter guy]

Donaldson has had "Synteq" since the 80's. Primarily in their hydraulic filters. Their Duramax product line. Then they expanded a version of the media into some heavy duty lube elements. And now a few automotive filters

Synteq is a straight synthetic media. It is a wire screen reinforced media.


But all this "marketing" discussion of blended medias...most oil filter medias have less than 5% of synthetics. All you need to do is use .1% and you can claim it is a blended media..

The more synthetics, the higher the costs..

 

[Big O Dave]

Any insights, FG, you can give us on Wix and Baldwins?

Also, what do you think of the Donaldson Synteq?

 

[Winston]

quote:

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To much media pinches the pleats together. Which restricts the flow. And the media doesn't hold as much contaminant.

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quote:

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Synteq is a straight synthetic media. It is a wire screen reinforced media.

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FG, as noted in the first quote the "pinching" of the media restricts flow. I had thought about that and that is one reason I liked Fram's X2 filter. It seems like that screen backing will help prevent "pinching" allowing better flow through the media. Another problem with pinching is that the contaminants would tend to collect at the base of the pleat.

So, now I see that Donaldson has a pure synthetic media with a screen backing. Who else makes one? Also, do you think this pure synthetic media with screen backing is better than the cellulose or blended medias?

BTW, I love the thread title.

 

[Filter guy]

A few things..

All filter companies have full synthetic media filters.

Not all use that media in an automotive/car application though.

As with any media, there are various grades. We happen to sell spin-on hydraulic filters that are Beta 200 rated at 1-3-6-12-25 micron. These are straight synthetic medias.

So any filter company has access to this media. The problem is these medias are to 'tight" for an automtive application where the by-pass valve is 8psi. Most of these filters are used where 50PSID is the norm.

So one can have a 25 micron beta 200 element but tie that in together with an 8PSID and you will probably get a short(er) filter life before the relief valve opens.

Everything is relative when it comes to medias and their application.

I used to use the AC Duraguard Gold filter on my Taurus because it was a straight synthetic media with silicon check valve. However, AC in their infinite wisdom discontinued this filter for all but two GM applications.

As for straight synthetic v a blended media or a straight cellulose..you can get what you want performance wise with all three. So it's always hard to compare apples to apples when comparing different types of media.

 

[Big O Dave]

RE: the P169071

FG, I see the screen, now, between the inner pleat folds and the metal tube. It is not around the outer pleat folds. It can be seen through the holes in the tube.

Regarding the trade-offs between different types of filter media, isn't a good synthetic superior because it can trap more particles and flow more oil, at the same time?

Other than cost, what advantage does cellulose have over synthetic?

[ August 29, 2005, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Big O Dave ]

 

[Filter guy]

Big O Dave..

Have you cut the fitler open?

There should be wire screen on both sides of the element.

Synthetic medias can not be "pleated' in the usual manner. The totally synthetic media filters are "layers" of media. Usually 3-5 layers. On both the inside and outside of the filter there will probably be a cotton batting. This prevents the synthetic fibers from "migrating" downstream. ( Something Donaldson found out the hard way when they paid a number of warranty claims because the element media caused the damage).

Whereas you can see a ripped or torn pleat due to excessive pressure, the fibers in a synthetic media will just seperate. Something the naked eye can't see. You'll need a microscope to see the fibers seperate or bunch up. Which means "holes" in the media and the efficiency drops.

It was this pressure that lead to the media seperating and going downstream of the filter that gave Donaldson some problems. Since rectified.

Fleetguard, Baldwin, Champ, or any other filter company would use similar controls to keep the synthetic fibers from migrating downstream should pressure cause the fibers to seperate.

 

[Filter guy]

Now if you want a real shocker...

Synthetic elements are not a new idea.

They first appeared in Chrysler cars in the 80's as fuel filters. Made by Kuss Filter Company. Who is owned by Cummins Engine Company, who also owns Fleetguard, which is where Fleetguard came up with "microglass" as their marketing name for the straight synthetic media.

Kuss private labelled for the automotive brands you probably use...

 

[Big O Dave]

Thanks for the elaboration, FG.

The P169071 only has wire mesh on the inside of the element, not the outside.

The same is true of the Fram XG8A, which I just cut open. The XG8A seems to be on par with the P169071, in terms of design, construction and quality of materials.

I'll take a closer look at the Baldwin B2-HPG... I know it does not have a mesh on the outside, but I haven't looked to see if it has it on the inside.

One other comment: I cut open a SuperTech ST8A last night, and it was an E-Core, the first I'd personally seen. It's a pretty impressive piece, with lots of surface area. It has fiberboard endcaps, ala Fram, but a better bypass than the PH8A and what looks like a better ADBV. I like the idea of the plastic tube, as it looks like it would present almost no restriction to the flow of oil.

 

[Filter guy]

Well we've been down this road on the E-core endcaps before.

They are not fiberboard, or cardboard, or paper..

They are actually a synthetic blend of media which adds to the total dirt holding capacity and efficiency of the element.

It's new technology. As is the thermo-bonding for an oil filter element. THe endcaps aren't glued on because the endcaps aren't cardboard..

But people are hung up on the Fram type endcaps because it's all they know..

 

[Big O Dave]

FG, I wasn't criticizing the endcaps, I just didn't know how to describe them properly. Personally, I don't see the big deal about Fram's endcaps, and I would use a PH977A without hesitation.

I think it's cool that Champ thought outside of the box in developing the E-Core... I love elegant engineering, and in engineering, simpler is more elegant.

I would love it if Champ made a FL-299 equivalent in an E-Core; it would likely top the charts in filter element surface area for that size filter, especially if one includes the endcaps.

 

[tdi-rick]

Big O Dave, I think you'll find that the P169071 is made by Champ for Donaldson. It doesn't posses any of the characteristics of a Donaldson made filter, (except the media) with the three that I have bought/used.
eg, Donaldson manufactured filters use a base plate that is inverted, they use a perforated spiral center tube, etc. The ones I have don't have any of those charcteristics.
You will find that the P169071 has a three digit number on the base plate, which I believe is a Champ manufacturing #. FG could confirm or reject this, I think.

 

[Big O Dave]

Whether made by Champ or Donaldson, it's a pretty good filter, wouldn't you agree?

 

[Winston]

quote:

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As for straight synthetic v a blended media or a straight cellulose..you can get what you want performance wise with all three. So it's always hard to compare apples to apples when comparing different types of media.

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This is a strange comment. When I think performance I think filtering ability (beta ratios etc), as well as particulate holding capacity. There obviously are trade offs with each media type. You seem afraid to say that synthetic media by itself is better. Yet all of your descriptions seem to point to the fact that it is better.

quote:

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Fleetguard, Baldwin, Champ, or any other filter company would use similar controls to keep the synthetic fibers from migrating downstream should pressure cause the fibers to seperate.

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Does Champ make a wire mesh backed synthetic media filter?

 

[Filter guy]

Dave..

Apples and oranges.

Synthetic media provides the "capability" of better flow at the same "micron" level of filtration. It also provides more "efficiency" at the same micron rating versus straight cellulose. But it may not have the same contaminant capacity. So you may sacrafice filter life.

Champ does not make, or did not when I was there, their own synthetic media element. They purchase a "specified" media from their media supplier. Just like they do their cellulose and blended medias. ( As do the other filter companies, including Donaldson)

Media is developed based on specs. Oil filter media will not be nearly as efficient as some hydraulic medias. You need to keep in mind the filter by-pass opening setting. The "tighter" the media, the more often the chance of going into by-pass. So a 1 micron synthetic media sounds great..until you see the restiction in oil..and the price ( probably in the $60-80 range).