Second Generation Fully Plastic Oil Filter Module Debuts in BMW Six-Cylinder Diesel Engine
2009-03-10 - Five years after start of production of the first fully
plastic oil filter module, Mann+Hummel is launching the second
generation into the market. The first series production of this module
has now started, for installation in the new BMW six-cylinder in-line
diesel engine. It is characterised by a high degree of functional
integration and offers substantial weight and cost benefits, compared
with conventional oil filter modules containing die-cast aluminium
housings.
The oil filter module contains a metal-free filter element with an
anti-drain valve on the lower end disc, a centre tube with integrated
filter by-pass valve as well as an oil-water heat exchanger integrated
into the housing which can be by-passed under extreme operating
conditions through activation of an in-built valve. Integrating the oil
cooler by-pass valve in the heat exchanger offers an advantage,
compared with conventional designs: there is only one sealing surface
between the housing and the heat exchanger. To seal the flange, the
German supplier has for the first time used metal-elastomer bonded
frame sealing.
The Ludwigsburg-based company has specifically developed a filter
element for the new plastic oil module with an integrated silicone
anti-drain valve which has an opening pressure of well under 0.1 bar. A
patent has been filed for this component, which substantially reduces
pressure loss in the oil module and prevents the oil from leaving the
feed line when the engine is switched off, ensuring pressure is quickly
restored on re-start. A consistent supply of oil is maintained to all
engine components requiring lubrication and cooling.
The supplier applied the latest computer-aided engineering-based
development methods to design the plastic housing, utilising experience
gained over many years in the production of plastic oil filter
housings. A consistently low differential pressure in the oil module is
ensured by optimum channel arrangement and improved inflow to the
filter element. Another key feature is uniform wall thickness, making
it possible to reduce weight.
The design engineers selected for the housing high-temperature
resistant polyamide 6.6 with 35 percent glass fibre content. The team
of experts from the development and production departments used
computer-aided simulation to confirm that the required strength and low
deformation values, particularly in the seal areas, were achieved. On
this basis, the type of plastic was selected and the tooling concept
established for the injection moulding process.
Mann+Hummel relies on its development experience accumulated over many
years, and also on its specific production technology for plastic oil
modules which are already in series production. The development partner
and original equipment supplier to the international automotive
industry is now applying this knowledge to produce the first fully
plastic oil filter module to be supplied to BMW. The company is
extending its concepts regarding functional integration to offer
flexible solutions within tight packaging constraints.
[ http://www.atzonline.com/index.php;do=show/site=a4e/sid=13488819049b82ba96d405964599225/alloc=1/id=9337 - source ]
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