Nov 6 2008
Engineers from Cummins Filtration, the leader in filtration, exhaust, coolant and chemical technology for all engine-powered systems, recently received the prestigious Diploma of Recognition from the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA) for their research paper on the company's innovative Direct Flow engine air filter with nanofiber filter media.
The diploma was presented at the 34th International Congress on Powertrain and Transport Means KONES 2008 in Stare Jablonki, Poland earlier this fall. Engine emission, biofuels, combustion processes, engine air intake systems, and nanotechnology were the major subjects presented and discussed at the Congress. FISITA is a global federation of major engineering societies in 38 countries that work together to exchange technical knowledge on all aspects of vehicle design and manufacture.
The research paper, titled Development of High Dust Capacity, High Efficiency Engine Air Filter with Nanofibers, was authored by Tadeusz (Tad) Jaroszczyk, Ph.D., P.E. and Cummins Filtration Research Fellow; Stephen L. Fallon, Product Line Engineer, Air Filtration at Cummins Filtration; and Scott W. Schwartz, Sr. Project Engineer - Manager at Cummins Filtration. A complete text of the paper is available at www.cumminsfiltration.com/pdfs/product_lit/ americas_brochures/LT36117.pdf (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.). Cummins Filtration currently owns several global patents for its Fleetguard® Direct Flow Filters, including a filter with nanofiber media.
The Diploma of Recognition, signed by the FISITA Vice President, Brigadier ret. Prof. Günter Hohl of Austria, was received by Jaroszczyk, who explained the advanced design of Fleetguard® Direct Flow Filters at the conference. The filters use both standard and nanofiber media technology, and Jaroszczyk highlighted the differences between competitors’ Donaldson PowerCore and Mann + Hummel’s PicoFlex fluted design and the Cummins Filtration pleated design.
The role of fine, more efficient engine filtration has increased due to new engine exhaust particulate and evaporative emission regulations, as well as the introduction of new international test standards that focus on the sizes of dust particulate that penetrate the filter. Tighter tolerances and the use of on-board engine controls have dictated higher efficiency to decrease the probability of engine failure due to frictional wear and abnormal mass flow sensor operation caused by contaminate. Engine lifetime, fuel consumption and engine emissions greatly depend on the design of all engine filtration systems that are functionally connected. To meet these expectations, filter development lately has focused on reduced volume filters and ultrafine, nanofiber filter media.
“We have worked for many years on our Direct Flow filter design and patent development, so this recognition is a great honor,” said Kevin Westerson, Executive Director – Engineering and Technology. “As we continue our research on Direct Flow filter optimization for targeted applications, including liquid filtration and production technology, Cummins Filtration is in a unique position to provide a competitive advantage in producing low restriction reduced volume filters. Further development of the technology may extend designs for gas turbine filtration, industrial filtration and cabin filtration. The future of Direct Flow filters and nanofiber technology is very bright and will continue to impact the industry in a very positive way.”