Filter Analysis

Oil filters exist to trap contamination in a lubrication system and prevent particles that might be damaging to mechanical integrity from entering the oil flow.  Empirical data will dictate a ‘normal’ operational oil filter change period. When a filter becomes blocked or overwhelmed outside of this period,  investigation of the contents is a sensible procedure as to why this occurred.  This residue is carefully removed from the filter (avoiding filter casing contamination during actual element removal) and placed in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) where the elemental components are determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This non destructive process allows further scientific analysis as required.  Should other debris, sludge or contamination - either metallic or non-metallic, become evident this too can be examined using a variety of scientific processes to identify the source that caused the issue.