TF
TECHNOLOGY

Due to the importance placed on engine efficiency, modern automotive engines are designed with extremely close tolerances, increasing the friction load, and thus; increasing the sensitivity of the engine to micron-sized abrasive particles. The result? Increased importance on the durability and reliability of the oil filtration system to ensure a long, stable engine life. The filter plays a non-visible role in the engine, and therefore the consumer can be misled on the importance of filter quality. Automotive filters play a crucial role in the longevity and reliable operation of engines, and hence, manufacturing technologies, equipment and quality control are of significant importance.
Since the invention and implementation of automotive filters at the beginning of the 20thcentury, the design has not seen significant change. Major technology advances over the past 100+ years have resulted in changes to functionality of the applied materials, and the assembling technologies of specific filter components.

TF-Technology (Targeted Filtration Technology) is Totachi’s filter technology that conforms to the specifications and requirements of OEMs, resulting in automotive filters that meet or even exceed the quality of original OEM parts.

One of the key factors of TF-Technology is the selection of a specific type; and structure, of filtering paper, allowing Totachi to regulate the porous structure of the filter element to obtain the required physical and mechanical properties of the filtration material.

Quality of
Oil Filters

The quality of an oil filter is determined by three key parameters:

  • Fineness of filtration
  • Completeness of filtration
  • Dust capacity

Fineness of filtration:

The fineness of filtration of an oil filter measures the ability of a filter to remove particles at the micron size. Some filter companies advertise capacity of 5 microns, however, filtering particles under 20 microns can cause significant hydraulic resistance to filtration, as these particles will clog the filter extremely quickly. The most dangerous contaminants in oil are particles that are sized over 30-45 microns, leading to significant abrasive wear if left unfiltered. With this in mind, the most effective filter should have a capacity to remove contaminants from 25-30 microns and above. A lower fineness will lead to filter clogging, whilst a higher fineness will result in damaging contaminants being unfiltered.

 

Completeness of filtration:

Completeness of filtration is correlated with the filtration capacity, and gives an indication of the percentage of dust particles that can be captured by the filter.

 

Dust capacity:

Dust capacity is determined by the amount of dust / contaminants that the filter is able to hold, while maintaining moderate hydraulic resistance. The dust capacity defines the lifespan of the filter, and the replacement interval. The accumulation of contaminants in the filter element will result in gradual clogging, and an increase in the hydraulic resistance of the filter. As the hydraulic resistance begins to increase, the filter loses its ability to filter the oil, the oil pressure in the filter rises and the bypass valve opens to relieve the pressure.

The dust capacity of a filter is highly dependent on the weight and surface area of the filter medium. A higher specific gravity of filter material and a greater surface area results in a greater dust capacity value, and therefore a longer service life. Leading filter manufacturers use folding technologies to effectively achieve larger surface areas of the filtration paper.

 

Quality of
Air Filters

The significance of a quality air filter:

There is a common misconception among mechanics and consumers alike that the quality of an oil filter is significantly more important than the quality of an air filter. Unfiltered air, even in the slightest doses, increases the abrasion speed in the cylinder-piston group by almost 10 times. Therefore, selection of a proper air filter is of significant importance to the longevity of the engine, and cost saving with a low quality air filter is not advised.

Air composition and quality widely vary across the world, and depend on environmental conditions – soil, dust, road conditions, traffic, construction – the list goes on. The abrasive properties of dust depend on the mineralogical composition, as well as the percentage of quartz and corundum in dust. These elements are extremely hard, and are capable of significant damage / wear to engine parts. Quartz is prevalent across the world, and is considerable harder than most metals that are used in the manufacturing of automotive engines, therefore the air filter plays a crucial role in filtering quartz particles from the air intake. The air filter needs to effectively protect the engine against direct intake of abrasive particles and road dust.

The quality of an air filter is defined by its dust pass coefficient. From a technical standpoint, the average dust pass coefficient of an air filter in an automotive vehicle should not exceed 1%. However, the global standard sees many manufacturers of air filters base their standards on 3%, which for Totachi, is an unacceptable rating.

WHY TOTACHI
FILTERS

TF-Technology (Targeted Filtration Technology) is Totachi’s filter technology that conforms to the specifications and requirements of OEMs, resulting in automotive filters that meet or even exceed the quality of original OEM parts.

One of the key factors of TF-Technology is the selection of a specific type; and structure, of filtering paper, allowing Totachi to regulate the porous structure of the filter element to obtain the required physical and mechanical properties of the filtration material.

Totachi’s TF-Technology impregnates the filtration medium with additional synthetic fibers, which aids to improve the quality of filtration, and guarantees the set performance characteristics that are adapted for each vehicle type.

As a result, Totachi filters possess high key parameters:

  • Fineness of filtration;
  • Completeness of filtration;
  • Increased dust capacity;
  • Low resistance to flow;
  • Long life, which supersedes OEM requirements to service intervals.

 

The use of Totachi filters can extend the service interval of your vehicle, improve engine oil effectiveness, and provide enhanced protection of the engine against harmful contamination in the air and fuel lines.

Given that the advancements in filter technology are not superficial, it is extremely difficult to differentiate a quality filter from a mediocre filter by appearance alone. Hence, when selecting a filter, it is critical to consider manufacturing technologies and brand reputation. Totachi automotive filters regularly undergo certification in independent automotive research institutes, and exceed OEM specifications and requirements. Totachi automotive filters are available through our authorized distributor networks.