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Technical
Service Bulletin 97-5
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Filter Cross Referencing and Interchangeability
There
are numerous ways to determine which filter is correct for an application.
Most of these are accurate and helpful. Some however, are inaccurate and
outdated. The use of the incorrect filter could prove extremely detrimental
to the performance and overall life of the system it is installed on.
The following will be helpful in assuring the correct filter is placed
in service on the system it is designed for.
The
first source of accurate, up-to-date filter information is the application
section of the filter manufacturer's current catalog. This publication
is normally updated and published annually. Some filter manufacturers
offer market specific of specialty catalogs that provide application and
interchange information targeted at a particular market segment. Some
examples of these are the marine and agricultural industries. Catalogs
not only provide application information but also technical product information
and competitive part number information. Because catalogs contain such
a volume of information, always be sure you are using the most current
catalog available. Never use an old, outdated catalog as performance and
application requirements and interchange information is constantly being
reviewed and updated.
Another
popular method for determining what filter goes on a particular application
or system is interchanging filter manufacturer's part numbers. While this
practice is quite common and virtually all filter manufacturers provide
competitive part number information, the practice of simply interchanging
a part number and not checking the exact application is based on a crucial
assumption. This assumption is: the filter currently in service on an
application is the correct one. As this is not always the case, the consequences
on interchanging an incorrectly applied filter can be catastrophic contributing
to or resulting in poor system performance, system damage and/or complete
system failure. Interchanging filter part numbers is strictly for reference
purposes only. The filter manufacturer's current application catalog should
always be consulted to insure the correct filter is used for the application
involved and corresponds to the original equipment manufacturer's part
number.
Other
sources for determining filter application information include manufacturers
technical lines, fleet surveys, matching physical dimensions, thread sizes,
gasket dimensions, unsubstantiated personal knowledge, etc. Of all these,
filter manufacturer's technical service lines and current fleet surveys
completed by a filtration expert would be considered the most accurate
and helpful. Due to today's precise design, construction and component
performance requirements, the use of the other sources mentioned to determine
a filter application will probably result in filter failure, performance
complaints and/or system failure and down time.
Today,
filtration product manufacturers supply a vast array of filters specifically
designed for an application. The complete protection of systems by filtration
is more critical than ever. Consequently, the selection of the correct
filter for a specific application is essential. If there is ever any doubt
as to which filter to use, don't guess! ASK! Contact the filter manufacturer,
their field representative or their authorized distributor for the help
needed.
For additional information, contact:
Filter Manufacturers
Council
P.O. Box 13966
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3966
Phone: 919/406-8817 Fax: 919/406-1306
www.filtercouncil.org
Administered by Motor & Equipment
Manufacturers Association
Created June 1997
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