Overview of test benches

Dynamic multi-pass test bench up to 800l/min

Additional tests are required for media development, which are usually derived from customer requirements.

In addition to determining the filter performance data of a non-woven material or of a filter element using the multi-pass test procedure, this test bench can also be used for multi-pass tests with pulsating flow rate according to the withdrawn standard ISO 23369 or multi-pass tests with freely programmable, realistic pulse cycles.

The test bench has the following basic technical data:

  • 2-circuit system
  • 1st circuit with Qmax = 160 l/min, 2nd circuit with Qmax = 800 l/min
  • Pmax= 25 bar
  • Oil: 100l / Aeroshell 41
  • Viscosity range: 14cSt at 40 2°C
  • Measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter element using the PAMAS particle measuring system
  • Input of 8 data channels each, automatic menu navigation by specific program

Dynamic multi-pass test bench up to 800l/min

Flow rate test bench up to 1500l/min

The test bench is generally used to determine the pressure loss according to the flow rate (∆p-Q performance curve) according to ISO 3968-81. It is also for determining the collapse or burst pressure characteristics of a filter element according to ISO 2941-74.

By the installation of a pneumatic pulsation unit, additional service life tests relating to the flow fatigue properties of a filter element according to ISO 3724 can be carried out.

The test bench is equipped with additional attachments for special customer requests that allow measurements to be carried out on a 3rd test circuit with a flow rate up to 1000 l/min and additional tanks:

As oil of higher viscosity is primarily used at the test benches to verify the cold start characteristics, the corresponding test instructions define deviations from the standard.

The tests are based on the following basic technical data:

  • Qmax = 1500 l/min
  • Pmax= 15 bar
  • Tank volume: 1000l
  • Oil: 1500l ESSO NUTO 460
  • Viscosity range: 3000 cSt – 40 cSt
  • Pneumatically controlled pulsation max. 0.5Hz (at 500 l/min)

Flow rate test bench up to 1500l/min
 

Additional attachments

 

 

Multi-pass test bench up to 200l/min as per ISO 16889

The multi-pass test bench according to ISO 16889 is used to determine the filter performance data of a non-woven material or of a filter element.

A flat sheet measuring device is additionally installed in the test bench for measurements on filter media in circular form.

The test bench has the following basic technical data:

  • Qmax = 200 l/min
  • Pmax= 16 bar
  • Oil: 100l / Aeroshell 41
  • Viscosity range: 14cSt at 40 2°C
  • Measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter element using the PAMAS particle measuring system
  • Input of 8 data channels each, automatic menu navigation by specific program

Multi-pass test bench up to 200l/min

Multifunctional high pressure multi-pass test bench

All multi-pass test benches presented so far can be used for developing elements up to a maximum differential pressure of 15bar.

In 2010, RT Filtertechnik GmbH in Friedrichshafen forced the procurement of a multi-pass test bench for medium flow rates but in the high-pressure range. In addition to determining the filter performance data up to a differential pressure of 130bar, this test bench can also be used for flow rate endurance strength tests according to ISO 3724 or collapse / burst pressure strength tests according to ISO 2941.

The test bench has the following basic technical data:

  • 1-circuit system with Qmax = 160 l/min,
  • Pmax= 130 bar
  • Oil: 100l / Aeroshell 41
  • Viscosity range: 14cSt at 40 2°C
  • Measuring the particle counts upstream and downstream of the filter element using the PAMAS particle measuring system
  • Input of 8 data channels each, automatic menu navigation by specific program

 

 

     Multifunctional high pressure multi-pass test bench

 

 

Bubble point test bench for the Development department

The production quality of the element is generally checked each time before the filter performance data is tested. The test standard ISO 2942 applies.

This test bench is used when the following tests are prepared:

  • Determination of the pressure loss according to the flow rate (∆p-Q performance curve) of a non-woven material, a filter element or a complete filter according to ISO 3968-81,
  • Determination of the collapse or burst pressure characteristics of a filter element according to ISO 2941-74,
  • Determination of the flow fatigue properties of a filter element according to ISO 3724,
  • Determination of the filter performance data of a non-woven material or of a filter element using the multi-pass test procedure according to ISO 16889

The bubble point test bench is also used according to ISO 2942 for checking the production quality of filter elements on a random sample basis.

Bubble point test bench as per ISO 2942

Bubble point test bench for series production

For the near-series production testing of the production quality of the element, the bubble point test bench was developed by the Development department in 2013 and designed for series production. The test standard ISO 2942 applies. This test bench is primarily used to test the production quality of series production elements.

It should generally meet the following specifications that are listed in detail in the specifications document for the construction of the test bench:

  • Simple handling of the test bench according to the accident prevention regulations
  • Modular design of the test and storage / drip modules, to enable the individual set-up in a straight version or in an L shape
  • Individually adjustable dust extraction of the test, (preparation) and drip tanks
  • Stabile basic frame made of sectional aluminium
  • All surfaces that come into contact with the test medium (working surfaces, work and preparation pan, tank, pipes etc.) are to be made of stainless steel
  • All electrical assemblies are to be given an explosion-proof design
  • Certification by the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV)
  • Complete documentation, 3 copies, adapter drawings 1x electronic, printed out 1x

 

 

Flow rate test bench up to 200l/min

For media development, standardised filter elements of the same size are used to optimise the measurements.  The test bench is used to determine the pressure loss according to ISO 3968-81 up to 200 l/min.

The special design allows suction filter elements to be installed.

The tests are based on the following basic technical data:

  • Qmax = 200 l/min
  • Pmin= -1 bar
  • Pmax= 10 bar
  • Oil: 100l / different oil types, ESSO Spartan 121
  • Viscosity range: 5000 cSt – 40 cSt (possible by changing oil)

Flow rate test bench up to 200l/min

Suction filter connection at the flow rate test bench

Flow rate test bench up to 400l/min, bubble separator test bench

To create performance curves for passing on to third parties in data sheet collections, the corresponding characteristic pressure loss value is to be specified at a viscosity of 30mm²/s or 32mm²/s. Until the end of 2013, this was calculated from measurements by the existing flow rate test benches.

The former bubble separator test bench is preferably used to create the performance curves. Oil of normal viscosity of the ISO VG46 class is primarily used on this test bench to verify the actual basic values of a filter material, a filter element or a housing element performance curve at 30mm²/s.

The tests are based on the following basic technical data:

  • Qmax = 400 l/min
  • Pmin= -1 bar
  • Pmax= 10 bar
  • Oil: 400l / primarily Würth ISO VG46
  • Viscosity range: 200 cSt – 20 cSt (possible by cooling / heating) 

A bubble separator is normally dimensioned and designed as follows:

  • Install and connect the bubble separator
  • Put the Coriolis flow rate counter into operation
  • Set the flow rate to the nominal flow rate
  • Start measurement, manage results and apply different air contents during a measurement to check the data for manually controlling the application of air. 

A bubble separator is designed exclusively according to the customer's requirements and customer parameters. For this, the nominal litre capacity and / or the anticipated air content in the system and the customer's expectations for cleaning the system are to be documented. Therefore, there is no test instruction for dimensioning the bubble separator.

Water absorption of filter element

This test is for determining the water absorption of a filter element.

The procedure is not based on a standard, the test procedure was specified internally. A water ingress of 33.33ml every 20 minutes was simulated. Oil samples are taken before and directly after adding the water and determined coulometrically.

The test bench has the following basic technical data:

  • Qmax =7.5 l/min 3 different pumps
  • Pmax= 20 bar
  • Oil: 42l / ESSO Nuto 32 in hermetically sealed and welded pressure vessel
  • Temperature range: 20-120°C

The water content in the oil is measured according to the coulometric titration method (Karl Fischer method) for determining the water content by direct or indirect determination.

Test bench for determining the water absorption of elements

Determination of the water content using the Karl Fischer method