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The water-absorbing filter, protecting your fuel
24.10.2023
Understanding water-absorbing filters
The dangers of contaminants for fuels
Water: a threat to engines
Mainly the result of infiltration and condensation, water is a formidable contaminant in a fuel tank. Its presence represents a real danger for engines, particularly modern engines because of their increased sensitivity to humidity. On these new-generation systems, for example, water could cause the injection rails to seize.
Installing a Watersorb filter is the safest way to prevent free water distribution in your equipment. By removing the water, the filter reduces fuel degradation, rust, corrosion and wear, preventing further potential damage.
Installing a Watersorb filter is the safest way to prevent free water distribution in your equipment. By removing the water, the filter reduces fuel degradation, rust, corrosion and wear, preventing further potential damage.
Particles: abrasive contaminants
These solid contaminants generally come from the manufacturing process, multiple transfer operations, the ambient environment, etc. These particles can be abrasive and cause considerable damage to the engine. That's why proper filtration is essential to protect your equipment.
As well as effectively removing water, a Watersorb filter retains these unwanted particles, providing double protection for the engine. This filter preserves fuel quality and extends engine life, avoiding costly repairs and unexpected downtime.
As well as effectively removing water, a Watersorb filter retains these unwanted particles, providing double protection for the engine. This filter preserves fuel quality and extends engine life, avoiding costly repairs and unexpected downtime.
Deciphering the two-layer Watersorb filter media
A Watersorb filter is divided into two distinct layers. Each is made up of a specific media, responsible for retaining a specific contaminant.
With a water absorption capacity of up to 540ml and a filtration fineness of up to 2µm, HIFI FILTER® water-absorbing filters provide complete, effective fuel filtration. Your equipment and its systems will be truly protected during refuelling.
- The first layer consists of a hydrophilic polymer powder, a material capable of attracting water particles. As the fuel passes through the filter element, the polymer captures and absorbs the unwanted water. Based on the same principle as a nappy, this absorbent media can absorb up to 25 times its weight in water until saturation.
- The second layer is made up of a pleated cellulose filter medium, which retains harmful particles.
With a water absorption capacity of up to 540ml and a filtration fineness of up to 2µm, HIFI FILTER® water-absorbing filters provide complete, effective fuel filtration. Your equipment and its systems will be truly protected during refuelling.
When should a water-absorbing filter be replaced?
To maintain the effectiveness of water-absorbing filters, it is essential to know when to replace them. As water is absorbed, the fuel flow rate gradually decreases. This means that the hydrophilic layer of the filter expands. When the media is completely expanded and fuel flow is significantly reduced, this is the sign that the filter cartridge needs replacing.
Strategic placement of water-absorbing filters
Water-absorbing filters are mainly installed on manual or electric pumps for mobile and fixed refuelling, particularly in the public works, agricultural and marine sectors.
To maximise their filtration efficiency, it is essential to position them judiciously on the supply chain, i.e. after the pump. In this position, a Watersorb filter can be installed alone or in conjunction with a particulate filter.
To maximise their filtration efficiency, it is essential to position them judiciously on the supply chain, i.e. after the pump. In this position, a Watersorb filter can be installed alone or in conjunction with a particulate filter.
- As the fuel passes through the Watersorb filter, it absorbs free water with its hydrophilic media and captures impurities with its cellulose media. The fuel is now clean and ready to dispense via a nozzle.
- If the Watersorb filter is combined with particle filtration, the fuel first passes through the particle filter, which is responsible for retaining the majority of impurities. Next, the fuel, freed of its harmful particles, reaches the water absorber. After this double filtration, the clean fuel can be dispensed using a nozzle.
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As the filter captures water, it freezes, gradually blocking the flow of fuel. When the maximum level of absorption is reached, the filter element is completely frozen, resulting in a net reduction in fuel flow. Installing the filter directly on a vehicle could lead to flow problems, affecting engine performance or even a breakdown.
The principle is the same for fuel distribution. If a water-absorbing filter is installed before the pump, the more it congeals, the greater the loss of pressure, and the flow rate will fall until the pump deteriorates.“
Why can't a water-absorbing filter be fitted to a vehicle?
As the filter captures water, it freezes, gradually blocking the flow of fuel. When the maximum level of absorption is reached, the filter element is completely frozen, resulting in a net reduction in fuel flow. Installing the filter directly on a vehicle could lead to flow problems, affecting engine performance or even a breakdown.
The principle is the same for fuel distribution. If a water-absorbing filter is installed before the pump, the more it congeals, the greater the loss of pressure, and the flow rate will fall until the pump deteriorates.“
Additional accessories for optimum use
In addition to water-absorbing filters, HIFI FILTER® offers a wide range of filtration solutions dedicated to fuel distribution. The treatment of storage tanks, the filtration of pumps and the installation of mobile refuelling solutions on site are all part of our product catalogue.