Typically, to achieve higher dirt holding capacity (DHC) for a given efficiency, a filter media is designed to be dual phase with a gradient density in Z direction. Hollingsworth and Vose’s (H&V) newest development called ProLine(R) Filter media not only provides gradience in density but also provides gradience in fiber orientation. This makes it the best filter media in the market for a number of applications spanning both air and liquid filtration.

This new patented platform of media has significant improvement in DHC (up to 100%) and air permeability (up to 40%) for a given efficiency. Substantial rearrangement of fibers generates higher surface area and new channels for air and liquid contamination capture. As a result, filter elements produced with these media can offer a significant improvement in service life, reduced pressure drop or a combination thereof. ProLine allows to modify media basis weight and get similar performance, which could be translated into less media consumption into the filter. Initial development of these novel media is focused on applications in hydraulic, fuel and engine air filtration.

This paper present the media’s surface morphology is characterized by using 3D surface analyzer and X-ray Micro CT Tomography. Quantitative characterization of media disruption caused by Proline(R) treatment involved assessing variations in out-of-plane orientation, specifically the orientation of fibers relative to the thickness axis of the web, across the media thickness.

In addition, a model was developed, quantifying the total cost of ownership (TCO) and optimal filter replacement time for the hydraulic filtration system. The TCO includes costs of the filter element, its installation and disposal and the costs of the energy needed to operate the pump. The model combines the results of the element characterization via the ISO16899 Multi-Pass test with realistic assumptions on the hydraulic system operating conditions. Presented TCO comparisons quantify the value proposition of the elements with the ProLine media for the end-user.