Since reusable filters are cleaned and then reused, they eliminate the used oil filter waste stream. The filter contains a three-part system of stainless steel cloth instead of paper. The mechanic opens the filter casing and cleans the steel cloth filter with any solvent or aqueous parts washer.

Unlike disposable filters, reusable filters are cleaned during normal vehicle oil changes. Shop mechanics can clean the filters in a parts washer sink after allowing the fluids to drain from the filter. Ultrasonic cleaning systems have proven to be the most effective in cleaning reusable filters. Reusable fuel and oil filters are installed in the same manner as conventional filters and do not require any additional equipment or fittings. Reusable filters can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, so the capital investment in the filter will not be lost if a vehicle is later taken out of service. The filters can be used in a wide range of vehicles including General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford manufactured passenger vehicles and construction equipment. Use of reusable filters reduces the quantity and cost of purchasing oil filters. Labor costs may be equivalent or slightly higher for the reusable filter. In comparison to paper filters, the reusable filters increase oil flow and improve engine protection.

With a reusable filter, the standard canister filter is replaced with an adapter that spins onto the filter header. The adapter directs oil into hoses, which take the oil to the permanent filter housing, where it is passed through a stainless steel screen-type filter element. Filter elements can remove particles down to various sizes with 5 to 10, 15, 28, 40, and 60 microns being typical. The 28 or 40 micron filter element is the typical size used for vehicle engines and is comparable to a conventional canister filter. After filtration, the oil is returned to the adapter and recirculated through the engine.

The RACOR Tattletale Filter is equipped with a by-pass when the wire cloth filter element restricts flow due to clogging. At this point, a signal light tells the operator that there is a need for service. To service the filter, the filter housing is disassembled, and the wire cloth screen is soft brushed in solvent or cleaned in a parts washer. The clean filter is then put back into service. A visual evaluation of dirt accumulated on the filter may be helpful in diagnosing engine wear problems.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

• There are no canister filters to be removed, drained, crushed, or disposed.
• An indicator light reveals when filter is ready for servicing.

• Labor is required for disassembly and cleaning of permanent filters.
• The use of permanent filters may require the implementation of an oil analysis program to determine the appropriate oil change intervals.

Assumptions:

• A light truck requires a new oil filter eight times per year (i.e., the filter is changed every 45 days).
• Cost of each conventional filter is $6.00.
• An additional five minutes of labor is required to clean the filter in the parts washer.
  Labor rate of $30 per hour.
• One drum of uncrushed oil filters contains 100 filters and is disposed of at a cost of $100.
• Minimal impact on the change rate of parts washer fluid.
• Typical costs of the equipment for an automobile/light truck are as follows (RACOR):
  
  

• Typical cost for a larger capacity filter suitable for large diesel engines are as follows (RACOR):
  
  

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Reusable Filters versus Conventional Filters

	Conventional Filters	Reusable Filters
Capital Cost:	$0	$200
Operational Costs:
Labor (filter cleaning):	N/A	$20
Filter Cost:	$48	$0
Filter Disposal:	$8	$0
Total Operational Costs:	$56	$20
Total Recoivered Income:	$0	$0
Net Annual Cost/Benefit:	-$56	-$20

Economic Analysis Summary

Annual Savings for Permanent Filter per Vehicle:  $36
Capital Cost for Diversion Equipment/Process:  $200
Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process:  5.5 years


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