GECOLSA-CALENTURITAS
DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA
            MONITORING CONDITION REPORT
            ENGINE FILTER CUTTING- INSPECTION PROCEDURE
            Background: Sometimes it is difficult to quantify the filter inspection. One way to include the
            filter cut into your own fluid analysis program is giving numbers that helps to quantify the state
            of the cut filter element. In order to have the same criteria for all cut filters, we have
            developed an easy and fast way to quantify the visual inspection. This number could be
            ranked and added in your own component monitoring hot sheet.
            A qualitative inspection is given by a quantitative value.
            Procedure:
                1. Use an adequate cut bench in order to cut and inspect the filter element. Refers
                    to CAT Best Practices Series Oil Filter Cutting Bench[1].
            Cortador de filtro P/N 175-7546
                                                                                Banco prensa
                                Tijeras                                         Mesa de corte
                              Magneto
                                                                                Housing cutter
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                                                             GECOLSA-CALENTURITAS
                                                                         DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA
                2. Once you have a dry filter element extend the filter element and observe the condition
                      of the filter.
                3. Define the particle size according to human eyes perception. Normally, human eyes
                      detect particles greater that 40 micron.
            From[2]                          From[3]
                4. Once the particle size is detected , add one value according to table 1. ( reference pics)
                                                                 Particles 1000 µm Catastrophic failure
                                                                 Particles 100 µm Advance failure mode
                                                                 Particles 10 µm Begin wear
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                                                            GECOLSA-CALENTURITAS
                                                                      DEPARTAMENTO DE INGENIERIA
            Table1. Monitoring table with ranking values, these values define the condition of the filter.
            Compare the visual inspection with the table below.
                                PARTICLE SIZE
             MONITORING                                                      COMPONENT
                               Quantitative value    FEATURE PARTICLES
             LIGHT VALUE                                                       STATE
                                   ( 10 µm)                                                         COMMENTS
                                                                                  the
                                                                             component          Components in the
                                                    No evidences of visible has desirable       middle useful age in
            OK                        10              particles or debris.       wear            good conditions.
                                                     Small and shiny dots
                                                       among the filter     Initial critical
                                                     element. Only it can   wear, action       These particles can be
                                                      be taken with one        must be         notice in the initial or
            MONITORING                100                  magneto.             taken.            final useful life.
                                                                                               These particles can be
                                                                                                noticed in the final
                                                    Visible and touchable                      age of the component
                                                    particles are easy to     Engine close          or when the
                                                    see and easy to take      to imminent         component has
            ACTION                   1000              with the fingers.          failure         abnormal wear.
            Conclusion
            This is a simple and low cost method helps to prevent damages in the components by
            classifying the real condition of the filter element. This method helps to quantify visual
            inspection.
            Good inspection at the right time of filter will help to take action even before the SOS lab
            results.
            These values can be easily tabulated and quantify in the spread sheet ( hot sheet)
            ______
            IVAN GOMEZ
            Ingeniero de Servicio
            Gecolsa-Calenturitas.
            References:
                1. CAT Best Practices Series Oil Filter Cutting Bench.
                2. Blau PJ, editor. Friction, Lubrication and Wear Technology.ASM handbook, 18. 1992.
                3. Contamination Control Fundamentals SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES LLC
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