Aerospace Filters: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Whether you’re looking for aerospace filters or defense industry filters, this guide has everything you need.

It covers all aspects – from functions, specifications, application, filter efficiency to working principle, among other factors.

So if you want to be an expert or import aerospace filters, you got all your answers here:

What are the Aerospace Filters?

An Aerospace filter is a type of filter that is common in the aerospace industry.

Its use includes maintaining a specific level of cleanliness of the fluid necessary for the operation of the aerospace system and equipment.

Aerospace filter

What is the Function of Aerospace Filters?

The function of an aerospace filter is to remove unwanted contaminants from fluids.

This ensures the proper working condition of the fluid in different applications.

Besides, they also filter the air that flows in the airplane.

Air flowing in a plane

What are the Benefits of Aerospace Filters?

The following are the benefits of an aerospace filter:

1. Reliability

An aerospace filter offers a reliable filter option for your use regardless of the requirements.

Also, they have a large dirt holding capacity for your application, offering a continuous filtering process.

Furthermore, an aerospace filter does not easily breakdown, which ensures that there is less shutting off the process for maintenance.

2. Increases Filter Element Lifespan

An efficient aerospace filter reduces damage to your filter element.

This has the effect of increasing the lifespan of your filter element.

An increase in the lifespan of your filter element helps in reducing the overall operating cost of your application.

3. Fluid Cleanliness

The primary function of an aerospace filter is to remove contaminants from the fluid for efficient operation.

Through the use of an aerospace filter, you have a guarantee of a clean fluid for your application.

4. Consistent Performance

An efficient aerospace filter offers consistent performance for your filtration process.

This is through an efficient filtration process that ensures optimum operation.

5. Quality

An effective aerospace filter must meet all the set standards before commissioning for use.

You, therefore, have a guarantee that the quality of your aerospace filter for your use.

Can you Clean Aerospace Filtration Systems?

Yes.

You can clean an Aerospace Filtration System.

This is possible once the aerospace filter is clogged and you have to remove the contaminants.

The cleaning process involves:

Airplane engine filter system

• Wearing the necessary protective gear that you will require to protect yourself. This ensures that the fluid flowing from your application does not stain you.
• Switch off your application. This ensures that you don’t start cleaning the aerospace while it is still operating.

It helps in preventing the fluid within the aerospace filter from flowing off the system and gives you time to clean it.

• Carefully remove the aerospace filter from its position. This way, you can clean the aerospace filer independently and adequately.
• The next step is selecting the ideal cleaning agent for cleaning the aerospace filter. You should choose a detergent that does not react with both the fluid and the aerospace filter.
• Using the detergent and water, you need to clean each part of the aerospace filter. Do this by ensuring that you remove all the contaminants present in your aerospace filter.
• Once this is over, rinse with plenty of water and let it dry. After drying, you can now return it to its position.

What are the Typical Applications of Aerospace Filters?

The typical Applications of an aerospace filter include:

· Hydraulic Applications

Aerospace filters are ideal for use in the hydraulic system applications due to their characteristic.

They help remove contaminants from hydraulic fluids.

Hydraulic fluids play a vital role in ensuring the proper working of the hydraulic systems such as car brakes, steering wheels, and hydraulic pumps.

Aerospace filters remove all contaminants, thereby ensuring efficient use of the hydraulic fluid.

· Lube System

Lubricants are an essential component of various moving applications since they help reduce friction between two parts.

For this to happen, there is need of ensuring that the fluid present does not contain any contaminants

Aerospace filters help in ensuring proper removal of these contaminants from the fluid.

This ensures adequate working of the fluid in the lubrication system.

· Coolant

Coolant plays a vital role in the regulation of a system’s temperature.

A preferred coolant should have a low viscosity and a high thermal conductivity.

Contaminants have the effect of reducing the thermal conductivity while raising the viscosity of the fluid.

Aerospace filters help in removing the presence of the contaminant in coolants facilitating there functioning.

· Fuel

There is a need to ensure that the fuel you use is clean for efficient operation and general maintenance of your engine.

The use of clean fuel minimizes the maintenance cost of your engine as well as its efficiency.

For that to happen, there is a need to filter all contaminants present in the fuel before its use. An aerospace filter helps in achieving this.

You can use such fuel in motor engine operations.

· Air

The need for clean air is essential in several applications.

You can use aerospace filter to filter this air before its use.

Applications that require clean air include industrial use, hospitals, and aeroplanes.

The contaminants that you can remove from the air include dust, solid particles and humidity.

What are the Features of Aerospace Filter?

The features you will find in an aerospace filter include:

 Airplane filter system

· Filtration Efficiency

Aerospace filters offer high filtration efficiency for your filtration process.

You can rely on aerospace filters for quality filtration services.

· Pore Structure

Different Aerospace Filters have different pore structures depending on the filtration results you want.

The availability of the different pore structures offers the opportunity for you to select the best one for your application

· Dirt Holding Capacity

Aerospace filters have a high dirt holding capacity.

This ensures that there is a continuous filtration process for your fluid.

A high dirt holding capacity offers reliability to your aerospace filtration process.

· Operating Temperature and Pressure

Aerospace filters have a high operating temperature and pressure.

This allows for maximum use, even in applications that have a high operating temperature and pressure.

This feature allows for Accurate filtration without damage to your aerospace filter.

· Durability

An Aerospace filter is of quality materials that last for a longer time without the need to replace them.

This ensures that you get quality service for a long duration.

· Lightweight and Relatively Small

The materials of an aerospace filter are relatively light in weight.

This reduces the overall weight of the aerospace filter.

This allows for a wide range of users regardless of the weight and space for installation.

Is there a difference between Aerospace Filters and Defense Filters?

No.

There is no difference between an aerospace filter and a defense filter.

 Filter element

When should you Replace Aerospace Filters?

You should replace your Aerospace Filters during the following circumstances:

· A TatteredAerospace Filter Element

The filter element plays a critical role in the filtration process of your aerospace fluid.

They hold the contaminants, thus ensuring you have a clan fluid.

The tattered filter element allows contaminants to flow through the filtration process.

This results in an imperfect filtration process since contaminants are still present in the fluid.

You have to replace the aerospace filter when you notice the tattered filter element.

· Poor Filtration

Poor filtration implies that there is still a presence of contaminants in your fluid.

This harms the operation of your fluid system.

To avoid damage to your fluid system, you must replace your aerospace filter when you notice there is poor filtration of your fluid.

· Unusual Sounds

A proper filtration system should have an entirely normal sound.

However, when you notice a unique sound, the problem might be your aerospace filter.

You, therefore, need to check on it and replace it for efficient operation and quality filtration process.

· Dampness

A damp aerospace filter has the effect of inhibiting dirt, which affects the quality of your filtration process.

It is, therefore, vital to check on the condition of your aerospace filter for any dampness.

The presence of dampness is an indication that you need to replace your aerospace filter.

· Duration

If your aerospace filter has operated for a long time without a changeover.

If it overstays, it grows old, and the chances are that its parts will wear out.

The effect of this is poor filtration and damage to your filtration.

It is therefore advisable that you replace your aerospace filter after a while to ensure there is proper filtration for your fluid system

What is the Best Material for Aerospace Filters?

An aerospace filter has different components that utilize different materials.

These materials include:

 Filter material

· Glass Fibre Material

There are several advantages that you get from the use of a glass fibre material for your aerospace filter.

For instance, it offers flexibility, which allows for twisting and modeling into different shapes for different applications.

It also offers better strength against wear and tear and even breakage.

This allows for use in different applications that are prone to damages

Its great non-combustion feature allows for use in applications that utilize high temperatures.

However, glass fibre has a tendency to break into tiny pieces over time, which is an environmental hazard.

· Sintered Metal Fibre Material

The durability feature of a Sintered metal fibre material ensures that your aerospace filter functions for a long time.

It is easy to clean material which enhances the cleaning and maintenance procedure.

You also have a highly porous material when you use a sintered metal fibre material.

This facilitates the filtration process.

· Polymeric Material

Polymetric material is a common material in an Aerospace filter due to its durability and non-degradable characteristics.

It allows for use in different applications since it does not react with various fluids efficiently.

It is also a relatively cheaper material, which reduces the overall cost of your aerospace filter.

However, it is not an ideal material for use if you want to use it in applications that require high temperatures.

When should you use the Pleated Filter Element in the Aerospace Industry?

The use of pleated filter element is of use under the following circumstance:

 Pleated filter element

· High Filtration Requirements

You can conveniently use a pleated aerospace filter in applications where the filtration requirements are relatively high.

This is because pleated aerospace filters have a wide filtration area, which ensures there is maximum filtration for your fluid.

· When there is High Fluid Pressure.

High fluid pressure implies the need for a filtration medium that will quickly filter the contaminants without affecting the fluid flow.

The use of a pleated aerospace filter ensures you have filtered your fluid expertly without affecting the fluid flow.

· Large Surface Area

The use of a pleated aerospace filter is ideal if the filtration surface is large.

These are due o the pleats available that tend to maximize the filtration of your fluid.

You, therefore, have a large filtration area with an efficient filtration process.

How does Aerospace Filters Work?

Working of hydraulic filter

The working principle of an Aerospace filter includes:

Understanding the inlet and outlet position for your aerospace filter and connecting it appropriately to your application.

This ensures maximum operation for the aerospace filter.

The operation of the aerospace filter is through the pressure of the fluid that flows from the application.

As the fluid is flowing through the aerospace filter, filtration takes place.

During this period, the filtered fluid flows through the aerospace filter and out via the outlet.

As this happens, the filter elements hold the contaminants.

This prevents them from flowing together with the filtered fluid.

The process continues until when clogging occurs within the aerospace filter.

Clogging has the effect of reducing the filtration efficiency of the filter.

As such, you need to remove and clean the filter.

Remember to switch off the equipment before you remove the aerospace filter.

This ensures that the fluid does not flow to your application without filtration occurring.

What is Beta Ration?

A Beta Ration refers to an efficiency level assigned to a given aerospace filter element based on its ability to remove contaminants of a given size.

To calculate beta ration, you use an ISO multi-pass test standard 16889:1999.

It involves the addition of particles of a given size to a test fluid until it is saturated.

Then, you use an aerospace filter to remove the particles in one flow via the filter element.

The importance of a beta ratio is it helps you in selecting the best aerospace filter for your application.

A beta ratio is also a vital element in ensuring there is proper functioning of your fluid system.

This reduces mechanical breakdown.

 Beta ratio

What is Absolute Filtration Rating for Aerospace Filters?

An Absolute filtration rating for aerospace filters refers to the diameter of the largest spherical contaminant that can pass through the filter.

This needs to happen under low-pressure differentials condition and when there in non-pulsating.

It implies that particles more significant than the absolute filtration rating cannot pass through a given aerospace filter.

The unit for measuring this diameter is the micrometre.

The absolute filtration rating corresponds to the pore size of the aerospace filter.

If your aerospace filter has a consistent pore size, it implies that it has an exact absolute filtration rating.

Absolute filtration rating helps in identifying the ideal aerospace filter to select for your application.

It also determines the filtration level that you want for your fluid.

Which Types of Aerospace Filtration Systems are there?

The following are the main types of Aerospace Filtration Systems available:

· Cartridge Aerospace Filtration System

Cartridge aerospace filter is ideal for an application that emits dust immediately during operation. Such applications include grinding and sanding.

They purify the air by collecting dust as the use produces it.

· Bag Airplane Filter

It is an ideal filtration option for the filtration of contaminants from the air.

You can conveniently use this filtration system in applications that involve fibreglass, plastic, welding, and other applications that are dust prone.

· Fuel Filters

This type of filter is ideal for filtration of contaminants from the fuel system.

It consists of a complete filtrations system that is available along the path of the fuel flow.

It ensures the fuel is clean for use on the engine system, which enhances the lifespan of your application.

• Water Filters

The use of water filters is common in the filtration of contaminants from water.

Water filtration helps in the use of water requirements for various purposes, such as industrial and home use.

Water filters are available in different sizes, materials and types depending on your usage.

A disc filter is a special type of water filter that is of primary use in the irrigation sector.

It has the same features as a screen filter only that its filter cartridge consists of numerous plastic discs.

How are Air Filter used in the Aerospace Industry?

 Air circulation in airplane

The use of an air filter in the aerospace industry works y filtering unwanted particles air flowing into the aerospace application.

The air filter holds contaminant present such as dust particles and humidity while allowing clean air to circulate.

Once there is clogging within the air filter element, it affects the quality of air filtered.

It is, therefore, a necessity that you clean the air filter once clogging happens for its efficient operation.

Clean air is a necessity in various applications in the aerospace industry, such as in an aeroplane.

Are there Quality Standards for Aerospace Filters?

Yes. There are quality standards for aerospace filters. They include:

• Fluid compatibility standards
• Flow characteristic standards
• Filtration performance standards
• Burst resistance standards
• End load standards
• Flow fatigue characteristics.
• Bubble point standards

How do you Manufacture Aerospace Filters?

 Structure aerospace filters

The manufacturing process of an aerospace filter depends on the type of materials for the different parts.

These parts include the filter element and the aerospace filter housing.

Once you have these materials, the next step involves designing the Aerospace filters depending on the specifications.

The specifications need to adhere to the available standards.

After designing, you have to manufacture a prototype.

A prototype is an example of how the real aerospace filter will appear.

Any mistake available in your prototype needs rectification before actual manufacturing takes place.

Prototyping can cost a considerable amount, but it is better when you compare to manufacturing the actual aerospace filter then ending up with errors.

If your prototype is OK, you can proceed to manufacture the actual aerospace filter.

You have to test the actual aerospace filter to ensure it meets the set standards.

There are different tests for this, such as filter leaking tests and fractional efficiency tests.

Passing these tests means your aerospace filter is fit for use.

Packaging and securing your aerospace filter are essential before shipment and usage.

What is Aerospace Filters Specification?

Aerospace specifications refer to the necessary details that you have to check on your filter before you decide on purchasing it.

These details include the manufacture’s information, the applicational requirements, and the conditions for use.

They also include the warranty details and the material composition of the aerospace filter.

Specifications are essential in ensuring that you get the best filter for your application.

They are also vital in cases where there is a breakdown in its use, and you want to repair or maintain it.

What are the Quality Tests for Aerospace Filtration Systems?

The main quality tests for Aerospace Filtration System are:

· Bubble Point Test

The bubble point test determines the maximum pressure pit at which there is a continuous flow of bubbles.

For this to happen, there is an application of gas on the wet side of the filter.

The base of this test is the fact that capillary pores and surface tension hold the fluid inside the pores.

Also, the measure of a filter pore is the minimum pressure that one has to apply for fluid to flow from the pores.

· Dirt Holding Capacity Test

It is a test that measures how efficient a given aerospace filter is at holding dirt.

It involves allowing different contaminants flowing through your filter.

The maximum dirt holding capacity is the point at which the aerospace filter cannot hold dirt anymore without affecting the quality of filtration.

· Pressure Differential

The pressure differential refers to the effective rate of a given aerospace filter at different pressure levels.

It determines the efficiency levels of the aerospace filter when there is a variation in the pressure levels.

· Separation Efficiency

This is a test that determines how efficient a particular aerospace filter is at separating contaminants from fluids.

It helps in deciding which aerospace filter to select for your filtration process, depending on the outcome you want.

The pores of the aerospace filter determine its separation efficiency.

Can you get Aerospace Filter Replacement?

Yes.

Airplane filter replacement is available.

However, you need to inform your manufacturer of the specifications earlier before actual manufacturing begins.

These specifications include the manufacturer’s part number, the size, and type of your aerospace filter.

A reliable manufacturer should be able to view your aerospace filter and even send samples to you before actual production starts.

What is the Operating Temperature Range for Aerospace Filters?

The operating temperature for aerospace filter varies depending on its materials.

Generally, fibreglass materials tend to have a higher operating temperature range when you compare polymetric materials.

Also, the operating temperature range depends on the type of application for the aerospace filter.

In most aerospace filter, the operating temperature ranges between -65°F and +375°F.

As you can see, evaluating aerospace filter involves understanding the specifications, features, material, and efficiency among other aspects.

Clearly, this FAQ guide has covered everything you need to know.

Still, if you have any questions, contact FilSon now.