Filtration & Separation

Solid contaminants are removed from working fluids and coolants by filtration or separation. Separation uses the physical characteristics of the solids to remove them from the liquid. 

Removing solids from liquid by separation involves using the physical characteristics of the solids to move them through the liquid so that they can be removed. The two principal means of solids separation are gravity separation and magnetic separation.

Filtration involves passing the liquid through some material to remove the contaminants.

Filtration has two essential elements. A barrier material the liquid can pass through (filter media) and a difference in pressure between the two sides of the filter material to move the liquid. The type and format of filter media and the means of applying the differential pressure define the basic filter system. The filter media, the characteristics of the solid contaminants, the required coolant flow rates and the available differential pressure all influence filter sizing.