RETAINER 5S4464 - Caterpillar

Fluid filter media can be of multiple layers of microscopic fibers. The media has to be continuous in order to prevent particles and contaminants from passing through. At the same time, the media has "holes" that allow the fluid to pass through. The size and shape of the holes in the media vary significantly. Additionally, the flow rate of the fluids passing through the filter media vary significantly depending on the loads and speeds of the machine or engine, and on the temperature at the start of the machine and engine. As the flow rate through the media changes, the holes in the media change shape, and the path through the media changes and may be compressed to become shorter.Media quality, thickness, and fluid flow rate determine the size and number of particles trapped in the filter and number of particles that may be released into the fluid. The ratio of number of particles captured in the filter media to number of particles that pass through the media determines the efficiency of the filter.
Table 1
Filter Efficiency % =     Number of Particles Captured     x 100    
Number of Particles Entering Note: Early plugging of a filter does not indicate a "bad quality" filter. Early plugging can indicate higher than usual debris in the fluid. Early plugging indicates that the filter is performing as designed and capturing contaminants. Early plugging may occur in early hours of operation. If early plugging occurs inspect the system for potential causes.
When installing a new fluid filter, never add the used fluid into the new filter to help the engine or the machine compartment start. The dirty fluid is added at the clean side of the filter and will contaminate the engine or machine compartment with dirty fluid. Follow all the instructions for filter installation that are printed on the filter can or as described in your Operation and Maintenance Manual.