Size Matters
The value of superior filtration is often underestimated. Removal of contaminants ranging in size from 2 to 22 microns is key to ensuring maximum filtration protection. The level of damage particles cause to an engine is directly related to the size of the particles. The oil stream within the engine flows between wear sensitive surfaces that usually have clearances between 2 to 22 microns. It is contaminants in this size range that pose the greatest threat as they can slip between moving components, causing a great deal of wear.
To appreciate how small these particles are, one must first understand the measurements involved in their classification. A micron, or micrometer, is a very small unit of linear measurement. One micron is equal to one millionth of a meter, and 25 microns is equal to 0.001 inch. Consider that the diameter of a human hair is 50 – 70 microns.
Today, a new filter has come along that has synthetic nanofiber technology. It’s AMSOIL Ea Oil filters, and it will remove particles measuring 15 microns, where others only filter down to 30 – 40 microns, and that is the key to controlling engine wear.