Air Filter Integrity and Serviceability Testing

This proposal will extend the service life of air filters and engines. Filters will be tested for leakage (structural integrity) and air-flow restriction when vehicles are serviced. Good-condition filters will be kept in service, saving money and landfill space. At any time (including brand new), filters may start leaking dust and dirt, causing excessive engine wear. Those filers will be detected early. Our machine will test each filter up to its maximum rated air flow. We will feed calibrated test dust upstream and count leaked particles downstream with a laser particle counter. A manometer will measure pressure drop. Sensors will transmit data to a computer where filter efficiencies (dust leakage) and pressure drops (restriction) are calculated to reveal defective filters. Filters cleaned for reuse will benefit greatly. Accumulated data will answer questions like "how many times can a filter be cleaned" and "how many hours of pulse-jet cleaning can an M1 Vee Pac filter really take before media separation begins?" This testing can be easily and inexpensively performed in a shop. Testing requires no vehicle modifications or manufacturer participation. Acquired data will aid filter management and allow comparison of brands.