Filter Testing Services

Test filter performance or get insights into failure

Filter Testing

Are Your Filters Doing Their Job?

Filter Testing Services (FTS) from Noria can give you a deeper understanding of your filters, lubricants and machines. Noria can help you test used filters for the purposes of Root-Cause Analysis, Identifying Impending Machine Failure or to ensure new filter performance.

Used Filter Analysis

metallic wear debris damaged by electrostatic discharge arcs along with coked lubricant and silica crystals

Example image at 500X Sized 0.5-250 μm from a Filter Testing Services report showing a moderate amount of metallic wear debris damaged by electrostatic discharge arcs along with coked lubricant and silica crystals.

Used filters offer a compiled historical record of wear particles generated in various frictional services such as bearings, gears, pistons, pumps and cams.

Other particles are also examined and include manufacturing debris, environmental and airborne dust, corrosion particles and various close-proximity contaminants.

Understanding what is in a used filter provides a detailed account of the overall health and state of the lubricant and machine. Used filter tests include:

Example Examination for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage

Example Examination for Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Damage

  • Filter Debris Analysis (FDA) Using Manual or Automated Processes (ASTM D7919)
  • Particle extraction and resuspension
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for particle size and shape and for particle composition analysis (EDS)
  • Ferrographic Debris Analysis (ASTM D7690)
    particle distribution analysis

    Example Images from Particle Distribution Analysis Report

  • Particle Micropatch Imaging (ISO 16232 & ASTM D7670))
  • Gravimetric analysis (particle density in filter media)
  • Durban analysis (percent of total particles that are ferrous and non-ferrous)
  • Varnish and sludge analysis (as found on the filter media and hardware); related to oil oxidation, precipitated additives, thermal degradation, soot agglomeration and coolant contamination
  • Examination of the filter for overall condition, defects and mechanical damage (ruptures, fractures, media cracks/tears, etc.)
    scanning electron microscope analysis

    Example of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Analysis of Particle Matter

elemental ratios chart

Example Chart Describing Elemental Ratios Related to ESD Arc Damage

Taking the guesswork out of filter selection, by Jim Fitch

By now, organizations that have advanced reliability and maintenance programs understand the intrinsic value of lubricant cleanliness. Noria and many others have published extensively on this subject…

Read the full article »

New Filter Performance Testing

New filters should be tested periodically to confirm their performance meets applications requirements. Testing done by laboratory analysis independent of the filter manufacture ensures unbiased data and interpretation. Typical tests performed include:

  • Fabrication Integrity Testing (Bubble Point, etc.). Non-destructive (ISO 2942, etc.)
  • Multi-pass Testing (Beta). Capture Efficiency, Dirt-holding Capacity and Pressure vs. Flow (ISO 16889, ISO 4548-12, etc.)
  • Drawn Down Test
  • Flat-sheet and Media Integrity Testing

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