Analysis of the current level of technology and engineering development of coolant filtration in automotive and tractor engines

Abstract

The article analyzes modern technologies and means of filtering (cleaning) the coolant of automobile and tractor engines. A critical and still unresolved problem of contamination of the coolant and engine cooling systems in general is considered. A general assessment of existing filtration technologies and devices is given. All filtration devices are divided into three groups and an analysis of their principal disadvantages and advantages is given for each of the groups. It is shown that foreign filter designs do not perform the filtration function so much as they serve as carriers of special chemical additives to improve the physical and chemical properties of coolant. In principle, these filters cannot be full-flow, because if they are completely clogged, the circulation of coolant will stop. In general, technologies for filtering of coolant through porous materials (microporous cardboard, chemical fibers) or metal grids cannot be considered promising. This is justified by the fact that in the process of cleaning the coolant, filter elements of this type quickly become clogged and significantly reduce the amount of coolant passed. In the extreme case, they stop passing coolant at all. Also, due to rapid contamination, such filters need to be replaced or cleaned. A new concept of a modified hydrocyclone coolant cleaning and a hydrocyclone filter-separator developed on its basis (protected by the RF patent for invention No. 2625891) are considered. The comparison of competitive indicators of the developed hydrocyclone filter-separator with foreign analogues is given. Hydrocyclone filter-separators have a lof of fundamental advantages: high productivity and continuous operation; extremely simple design; the absence of the filter element itself, etc. The conclusion is made about the prospects of this approach to solving the problem of cleaning the coolant of engines of cars, buses, tractors, road construction and forestry machines, agricultural and army equipment, etc.