Field testing of CCV filters in on- and off- highway applications

Abstract

Due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, aerosols produced in engine crankcases (blow - by gases, soot, wear particles, oil droplets) must be redirected into the air intake of the engine, where they are combusted, rather than vented to the atmosphere. Thus, it is important that solid and liquid particles are removed from the aerosol stream beforehand, so as to prevent soot deposition and damage to turbo chargers or other engine components and as much evaporated oil as possible is captured and returned to the crankcase to limit oil loss or oil thickening. A significant disconnect exists between laboratory and field experiments. It has therefore been found important to bridge this link, but conducting accurate real-world field testing of CCV filters with precise telemetry. Three field tests of CCV filters have been conducted. One using 15 light - duty diesel vehicles (< 200 kW), one using 5 light duty diesels vehicles (< 200 kW) fitted with real - time data loggers (Temperature, Differential Pressure, Flow Rate), and one using 5 C AT 2900 underground mine loaders, also fitted with real - time telemetry. At the conclusion of the test, the filters were tested under laboratory conditions and then thermogravimetrically analyzed using a novel large - scale to determine soot composition. The results obtained from the field test were then compared to the results from laboratory oil ageing and filtration testing. It is hoped that this work will serve to narrow the gap between laboratory experiments and "real world" crankcase-ventilation filtrat ion studies, as well as provide further insight into the filtration of "colloid" aerosols.