Kenworth Northeast Training Academy: Filtration for the Life of Your Engine

In this training, Donaldson representative, Gabe Blevins, will walk us through the mechanics of engine filtration to help us better understand how to choose the right filtration solution based on performance specs.

[@NicholasBrown]

Thank you for posting this informative training as beta ratings can be confusing. Worth considering, Other filter manufacturers have reported different conversions when going from absolute to beta ratings. Other filter manufactures report the absolute conversion to a beta of 200. It is important for the consumer to compare beta ratings between filter manufactures and not absolute or nominal as recommend by Gabe. An additional consideration is to compare statements on pre-conditioning of the filter before the efficiency was determined. Filter manufactures should only complete efficiencies on a filter elements after they are exposed to the following: 72 hour hot soaks at the max temperature, 72 hours cold soaks at the coldest temperature, 10 cold starts up to 150psid at -40C. These pre-conditioning steps ensure the media and element construction are robust enough to work in the field as intended as comparing a new filter only tested in its un-stressed state.

[@kenworthne]

Hi Nicholas, thanks for the comment. We agree that comparing the actual beta ratios of hydraulic filters is not ideal. In the video, at 22:30, Gabe actually discourages using absolute and nominal because those terms are confusing. I checked in with Gabe to understand more and he explained it like this: Absolute does equal a beta of 75 if testing to the industry standards for lube, hydraulic, and fuel. Other test standards use absolute differently so it does get confusing. It’s recommended when looking at published performance data, to look for the referenced ISO industry standard used to help avoid confusion and inconsistencies. Regarding pre-conditioning filters before efficiency testing, it’s important to note that pre-conditioning is not in compliance with the current industry standards so new test standards would have to be created.