What is a key difference between full-flow filtration and bypass filtration?

In the context of lubrication systems, full-flow filtration and bypass filtration serve different purposes regarding oil filtration.

Full-flow filtration processes all of the oil that circulates through the lubrication system. This means that every drop of oil goes through the filter before it reaches the lubricated components. This type of filtration is essential for maintaining the cleanliness of the oil, ensuring that contaminants are removed effectively and consistently.

Bypass filtration, on the other hand, operates differently. It only processes a portion of the total oil flow. In a bypass filtration system, some oil is diverted from the main flow to pass through a filter, while the remainder continues directly to the engine or machinery without filtration. This allows for the filtration of oil without significantly reducing the flow rate to critical components during operation.

Thus, the key distinction lies in the amount of oil processed: full-flow filtration handles the entire oil supply, while bypass filtration addresses only a fraction of it. This difference is crucial for understanding how various filtration strategies impact oil cleanliness and system performance.