Filter technology needs to adapt

13 June 2014  

The adoption of new biofuel blends in the UK could mean a rethink of diesel filter technology, according to filter manufacturer Sogefi.

At a recent technology conference, the company discussed the challenges facing the filter market from all OEM innovations, with the move to Euro 6 regulations for diesel engines a particular area of interest. The move to a 30% biofuel mix, which some service stations are beginning to implement, could lead to filter casing corrosion which increases the possibilities of contaminants in the fuel. Sogefi has therefore suggested that filter casings will need to be made of plastic to stop this from happening, which will also improve the change interval up to 75,000 miles.

The company also highlighted the challenges from smaller engine vehicles, with the need for reduction in noise and increased durability as well as an increase in the need for materials that have a lesser environmental impact in their construction.

The need for regular cabin filter replacement was also emphasised, with the company highlighting that contrary to manufacturer recommendations, filters are only replaced on average once every four years. Sogefi has further developed its filters to include rubberised frames for easier fitting and replacement in the increasingly difficult locations in modern vehicle due to tight engine packaging and larger crash structures.