GECOLSA-CALENTURITAS

DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA

MONITORING CONDITION REPORT

ENGINE FILTER CUTTING- INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Background: Sometimes it is difficult to quantify the filter inspection. One way to include the

filter cut into your own fluid analysis program is giving numbers that helps to quantify the state

of the cut filter element. In order to have the same criteria for all cut filters, we have

developed an easy and fast way to quantify the visual inspection. This number could be

ranked and added in your own component monitoring hot sheet.

A qualitative inspection is given by a quantitative value.

Procedure:

1. Use an adequate cut bench in order to cut and inspect the filter element. Refers

to CAT Best Practices Series Oil Filter Cutting Bench[1].

Cortador de filtro P/N 175-7546

Banco prensa

Tijeras Mesa de corte

Magneto
Housing cutter

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DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA

2. Once you have a dry filter element extend the filter element and observe the condition

of the filter.

3. Define the particle size according to human eyes perception. Normally, human eyes

detect particles greater that 40 micron.

From[2] From[3]

4. Once the particle size is detected , add one value according to table 1. ( reference pics)

Particles 1000 µm Catastrophic failure

Particles 100 µm Advance failure mode

Particles 10 µm Begin wear

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DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA

Table1. Monitoring table with ranking values, these values define the condition of the filter.

Compare the visual inspection with the table below.

PARTICLE SIZE
MONITORING COMPONENT
Quantitative value FEATURE PARTICLES
LIGHT VALUE STATE
( 10 µm) COMMENTS
the
component Components in the
No evidences of visible has desirable middle useful age in
OK 10 particles or debris. wear good conditions.
Small and shiny dots
among the filter Initial critical
element. Only it can wear, action These particles can be
be taken with one must be notice in the initial or
MONITORING 100 magneto. taken. final useful life.
These particles can be
noticed in the final
Visible and touchable age of the component
particles are easy to Engine close or when the
see and easy to take to imminent component has
ACTION 1000 with the fingers. failure abnormal wear.

Conclusion

This is a simple and low cost method helps to prevent damages in the components by
classifying the real condition of the filter element. This method helps to quantify visual
inspection.

Good inspection at the right time of filter will help to take action even before the SOS lab
results.

These values can be easily tabulated and quantify in the spread sheet ( hot sheet)

______
IVAN GOMEZ
Ingeniero de Servicio
Gecolsa-Calenturitas.

References:
1. CAT Best Practices Series Oil Filter Cutting Bench.
2. Blau PJ, editor. Friction, Lubrication and Wear Technology.ASM handbook, 18. 1992.
3. Contamination Control Fundamentals SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES LLC

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