Reliability knowledge base

01 / Selection

The application comes before the filter

Record the machine and lubricant specification, reservoir or sump capacity, operating hours, temperature range and contamination history. Identify whether the task is continuous on-machine protection or a separately pumped offline cleaning circuit.

• Fluid: identify oil, diesel or water-based fluid. Do not assume the same media, seals or pump suit all three.
• Installation: confirm available pressure, return conditions, access, electrical supply and allowable flow.
• Objective: agree the required cleanliness and monitoring method with the equipment and lubricant requirements.

02 / Specifications

A micron number is not the whole specification

A particle-size figure alone does not establish removal efficiency, test conditions or whether a rating is nominal or absolute. For critical selection, confirm the test basis and required cleanliness outcome. Do not interpret a single micron figure as a guarantee that every particle above that size will be removed.

Water-holding capacity describes how much an element can retain; it is not a removal-rate guarantee. Actual performance depends on contamination, fluid, temperature and operating conditions. A stated maximum flow is not a promise of flow in every installation.

For hose and fittings, match thread standard, size, sealing method, material and assembly pressure rating. A part that appears to fit can still be incompatible. Missing ratings require confirmation before selection.

03 / Condition monitoring

Trend the oil—not just its appearance

Establish a baseline before changing the maintenance strategy. Agree a representative sampling point and method with the laboratory, then use them consistently. Record machine hours, oil hours, top-ups, cartridge changes and unusual operating events alongside each sample.

Choose the analysis programme for the application. Relevant checks may include particle contamination, water, viscosity, wear indicators and lubricant condition. Filtration does not reverse every form of lubricant degradation or replenish exhausted additives.

Agree action limits with the laboratory, lubricant supplier and equipment requirements. A cleaner-looking sample is not sufficient evidence for extending a drain interval.

04 / Installation review

Commission a system you can measure

A competent installer should review the intended circuit, fluid compatibility, pressure and temperature limits, routing, guarding and service access against the exact system manual. Retain the OEM full-flow filtration arrangement.

Before opening or servicing a system, follow the equipment’s isolation, depressurisation and cool-down procedure. This guide is not a substitute for an installation manual, risk assessment or specified tightening values.

The commissioning record should identify the fitted unit and cartridge, circuit arrangement, initial fluid condition, observed operation and leakage checks. Establish the inspection and sampling schedule and make the record available to the maintenance team.

05 / Maintenance

Control the source of contamination

Investigate recurring water or particle contamination rather than relying on repeated cartridge replacement alone. Ingress, storage and handling practices, equipment condition and the service environment all belong in the review.

Set the cartridge service plan for the particular system and duty. Do not apply one change interval to every application. Keep the cartridge reference, installation date, operating hours and inspection findings in the asset record.

Unexpected flow, leakage or rapid element loading requires investigation under the equipment’s safe maintenance procedure. Used elements contain the fluid and contaminants they have captured; manage them through the appropriate waste-handling process.

06 / Commercial evidence

Make savings measurable

Start with your current oil, labour, disposal and downtime costs. Compare an evidence-supported maintenance scenario, then include filtration equipment, installation, cartridges, analysis, energy and ongoing service. Keep the calculation currency consistent.

The calculator models a gross reduction in entered maintenance costs. It is not a net return-on-investment forecast or permission to extend service intervals. Document assumptions and compare the model with actual operating results.