Filters
Filtration media –
Filtering is best done in stages, starting with a course filter(inexpensive and catches the large particles) and ending with a water blocking fine filter(with an absolute rating and water block to catch the really fine particles)
Initial Filtering
Literally anything porous can be used as a filter: House screen, blue jeans, old sheets, etc. You can get screens that fit nicely over the top of barrels. Also, bag filters can be used which are hung like bags and oil is dumped or pumped through. Many folks also use house water filter housing and cartridges for initial filtering. Their filter media is not good for final filtering as they don’t have an absolute rating. Most filters do not block water either. They need to say something like “waterblock”. Water blocking filters have a poly coated membrane which swells and absorbs water.
Final Filtering –
“Spin on” or cartridge filters. Many people use these for initial and final filtering. Diesel truck filters are often used with a micron rating of 10 absolute, with waterbock!
Bag Filters – These are fabric bags that hang(or sometimes work in housings)and oil is poured or pumped through
Tech tip
Absolute vs. Nominal Micron Rating
Most filters have an Absolute or a Nominal Micron rating. Absolute means absolutely no particles bigger than the stated rating will pass through the filter. Nominal means it only stop some, not all of the particles of the specified size
So, you can use a 20 micron nominal filter for intitial filtering, but do not rely on it for final filtering. House water filters are only nominal.
Read more at http://www.lenntech.com/library/fine/absolute/absolute-nominal-filters.htm
Remember 10 micron Absolute
