Plate and Frame Oil Filter Filtration Accuracy: Range & Selection

The filtration accuracy of a plate and frame oil filter is adjustable rather than fixed. It depends on the filter medium type and precision (filter paper or filter cloth) installed between the plates, allowing flexible control of oil cleanliness for different industrial applications.

Typical Filtration Accuracy

Nominal range: 1–30 microns (μm)

Common industrial use: 5–20 microns

These ranges are widely applied in the filtration of lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, and insulating oil.

Factors Affecting Filtration Accuracy

1. Filter Medium Type

Filter Paper

Most widely used

Single-use

Accuracy determined by porosity, thickness, and material

Available in multiple precision grades

Filter Cloth

Reusable and wear-resistant

Lower precision and dirt-holding capacity than filter paper

Suitable for larger particles or repeated filtration cycles

2. Filter Paper Precision

20–30 μm: Coarse filtration for large particles and limited moisture removal

5–10 μm: Fine filtration for higher oil cleanliness

1–3 μm: High-precision filtration with higher resistance and lower flow rate

3. Oil Condition

Oil viscosity, contamination level, and water content influence filtration performance.

For heavily contaminated oil, coarse filtration helps prevent rapid clogging initially.

Filtration Precision Comparison

Oil Filter Type Typical Precision (μm) Key Features

Plate and Frame Oil Filter 1–30 Flexible precision, cost-effective

Vacuum Oil Filter 0.5–5 High-efficiency dehydration

Precision Oil Filter Cart 1–10 Automated, online filtration

Centrifugal Oil Filter Not rated Limited fine-particle removal

Important Notes

Filtration accuracy (e.g., 10 μm) usually refers to nominal or absolute rating, not total particle retention. The β value provides a more accurate performance indicator.

Filtration precision should match cleanliness standards such as ISO 4406 or NAS 1638. Continuous filtration with 10 μm filter paper can typically reach ISO 18/16/13 or better.

Moisture removal using absorbent filter paper is limited. Oils with high water content are better treated with vacuum oil filters.

Summary & Selection Tips

Plate and frame oil filter accuracy: 1–30 μm, depending on filter media

Ideal for flexible, economical particle filtration

Selection guidance:

Particle removal → ｓｅｌｅｃｔ proper filter paper precision

High water content → vacuum oil filter

High automation and precision → precision oil filter cart

Best practice:

Apply staged filtration—coarse (e.g., 20 μm) followed by fine (e.g., 5 μm)—to improve efficiency and extend filter paper life.