LubeTrak Newsletter

Off-Line and By-pass Filtration Reasoning

By Brett Winberg

Basic maintenance includes filtration as part of a proactive approach to new maintenance practices. However, how can off-line and by-pass filtration bring measurable differences to your organizations bottom line?

Oil drain intervals are costing companies more and more money each year. Since 2002, new EGR (exhaust gas re-circulation) engines, fleets and other large diesel operators are struggling to keep maintenance budgets within means. Oil drains are becoming shorter and oil is becoming more contaminated during this shorter time period.

With quality full flow filters only filtering down to 15 microns, the ability to keep engines running healthier and longer becomes even more important and an off-line filter may even become part of the offering on OEM standard equipment.

Here’s a quick piece from our friends at Noria to explain the importance of By-Pass filtration.

“Seven Reasons for Off-line/By-pass Filtration”

Off-line filtration is an auxiliary form of filtration that is typically separate from other filters on a hydraulic or lubrication system. When properly engineered, some benefits of an off-line filtration system are:

It can be used to filter the first full tank of fluid to the desired cleanliness levels before the main system pump is started.
The off-line (by-pass) system is not only capable of achieving a low level of contamination, but by using this system for topping-up, it can eliminate the dangers inherent to the normal methods of adding fluid.
Because changing the element doesn’t involve touching the main system, a lower service skill for this function is acceptable.
Filter maintenance can be carried out at anytime without stopping or introducing air into the main system.
By optimizing flow through the element, maximum dirt holding capacity of the particular element can be fully utilized.
If the system is left running continuously, it provides a complete tank of super clean fluid ready for every start up.
The system will continue to clean up the fluid when variable delivery pumps are running at minimum displacement, and could be used to supply cool, clean oil to their casing under this condition.

Having been involved with many Fleets, Construction Companies, Mining Companies and more, I would highly recommend the use of Off-Line/By-Pass filtration on diesel engines, hydraulic systems and more. There are many quality filter companies on the market today, so choose a company that can give great technical support and long term customer service when picking your brand of filters.

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