In disk-type oil filters, what determines the size of foreign matter allowed through the screens?

In disk-type oil filters, what determines the size of foreign matter allowed through the screens?

• A. Screen mesh
• B. Spacers
• C. Flow rate
• D. Oil color

Answer: (A)

The openings in the screening media set the cutoff for particle size. In disk-type oil filters, the screens act like a sieve: any foreign matter larger than the hole size is blocked, while smaller particles can pass through. So, the mesh size directly controls how big a contaminant can slip through. A finer mesh traps smaller particles but can restrict flow, while a coarser mesh allows larger particles to pass but provides less filtration. Spacers affect spacing and flow paths, not the size threshold; flow rate influences how much oil passes and pressure drop, not the size of contaminants that can get through; oil color isn’t a measure of filtration performance.

The openings in the screening media set the cutoff for particle size. In disk-type oil filters, the screens act like a sieve: any foreign matter larger than the hole size is blocked, while smaller particles can pass through. So, the mesh size directly controls how big a contaminant can slip through. A finer mesh traps smaller particles but can restrict flow, while a coarser mesh allows larger particles to pass but provides less filtration. Spacers affect spacing and flow paths, not the size threshold; flow rate influences how much oil passes and pressure drop, not the size of contaminants that can get through; oil color isn’t a measure of filtration performance.