Air Filter Restriction

Restriction Measurement Tools for

Light, Medium & Heavy-Duty Engines

The When & Where of

Effective Measurement

The Effect of Elbows and

Piping Length & Diameters

Maximum Recommended Limits

Service Gauge
used on site
(see page 8)

Safety Signal®
(See page 7) Donaldson Filter Service Indicators

The Mini Informer® indicator mounted on a

Donaldson Air Cleaner (with RadialSeal®
Airlock™ Gasket Technology) on a Pick-Up Truck
(see page 6)
 For Maximum Filter Utilization, Base
Replacement on Restriction Readings
Replacing filters based on
restriction readings can reduce
your maintenance costs
significantly. Visual inspection
of air filters is not adequate and
should not dictate service life.
Filters that appear very dirty
may still contain a great amount
of service life.
ç Air Cleaner
Inlet
ë (see illustration on page 3). If the
Over-servicing and excessive
handling of the filter can result in
serious consequences: filter
damage, improper installation,
intake contamination from
ambient dust, and/or increased
service cost, time and material.
In contrast, filter service based on
restriction readings can enable you
to obtain the þ longest life
possible from the filter, and
þ the best engine protection.
Restriction Readings,
Where & When
Restriction readings are normally
taken at the air cleaner on the
clean side of the air filter element
Maximum Restriction
Limits for Engines
Maximum allowable restriction
limits are set by the engine
manufacturers. If your maximum
limit is unknown, contact your
engine manufacturer for the
maximum limits. Maximum levels
are measured at high idle with no
load for naturally aspirated and
supercharged diesel engines.
Turbo-charged diesel, gasoline
and carbureted engines are
measured at full load with a wide
open throttle.
Engine Manufacturers'
Recommended Restriction Limits

Air Cleaner Shown in Inches of Water & kiloPascals

Outlet
air cleaner does not have a restric- Diesel, Diesel, Compres-
tion tap, readings can be taken Engine Maker Naturally
Aspirated
Turbo-
charged
sed Natural
Gas
Restriction indicators are effective when mounted
in various locations: on the outlet tube of the air anywhere in the system between Detroit 25" 20" 20"
Diesel 6.2 kPa 5 kPa 5 kPa
cleaner, as The Informer® shown above, or the air cleaner and the engine.
conveniently on the instrument panel, like the visual 20" 25" 15"
indicator shown below. Either way, the operator To measure restriction of a Cummins
5 kPa 6.2 kPa 3.7 kPa
has constant & accurate visibility of filter life. naturally aspirated diesel engine, Caterpillar
30" 30"
n/a
Features about these indicators and ordering 7.5 kPa 7.5 kPa
information begin on page 6. the reading is taken at full- E7: 20"/
governed RPM with no load. Mack n/a
5 kPa
E9: 25"/
n/a
6.2 kPa

Two methods are used to measure Navistar n/a

30"
7.5 kPa
n/a

the restriction of turbo-charged 30"

engines. The first method is to
take the reading with the truck on
a dynamometer under full load.
This result is actual restriction.
A locking step gauge is the other
method. (See various step gauges,
pages 6-8.) This popular method
will give actual, on-the-road peak
readings.
2
Volvo n/a n/a
7.5 kPa
Please note that these figures are general
guidelines. Restriction limits on specific
engine models may vary. Consult your
engine manufacturer for definite figures.
Service Tip:
In high humidity situations, the gauge
may lock out at a high reading due to
moisture in the filter element. When the
element dries out, restriction levels drop
back to normal.
Restriction Taps: Location #2: in the air cleaner
Three Possible Restriction Tap
What's Right? Locations & Their Relative
outlet tube. This is the most
common location for a restriction
What's Wrong? Accuracy tap, and a good one.

The Donaldson Field Service

Incoming On turbo-charged
Department is often asked about (Dirty) Air engines, readings
taken at Full RPM/
where to place restriction æ No-Load may have a
indicator fittings (taps) in air 'fudge factor'
applied, to compen-
cleaners and clean air piping. sate for the turbo-
charger not providing
boost pressure under
While there is no 'right' or 'wrong' these conditions, and
the engine not
place to measure air intake drawing its maximum
capacity airflow.
restriction, there is a 'best'
Location #1: in the
location. (See illustration) The air cleaner housing.
key is to understand the Although taking a
restriction reading at
differences among the various this location is not
Location #3: in a straight piece of pipe
ahead of the engine inlet. Measuring
locations, then adjust the readings wrong, it is too far directly ahead of the engine air inlet yields a
away from the point
and your maintenance practices where the air enters
number that is closest to what the engine
actually sees, and, therefore, is the 'best'
accordingly. All measurements the engine to be very
location of the three shown.
accurate.
must be adjusted back to the only
number that has any true meaning:
the restriction value to which the Sometimes a model is
engine actually reacts. built without any fittings
and the OEM may then
Although restriction is ideally provide a fitting in the
measured in a straight length of clean air piping between
pipe, three pipe diameters ahead the air cleaner and the
of the engine air inlet (manifold or engine, although not
turbo-charger) under 'full RPM' always.
and 'full load' conditions, it’s a
rare piece of equipment that has Occasionally, an instal-
an 18”/458mm-long piece of lation will require that
straight pipe ahead of the air inlet! the fitting be installed in
an elbow between the air
Therefore, manufacturers like cleaner and the engine.
Donaldson build air cleaners with If this is the case, call
a 1/8” NPT fitting someplace on your authorized
the clean air side of the filter. It Donaldson distribution AirLink™ Filtration Technology -- which
may be in the clean air outlet tube, outlet for specific help. encompasses the entire engine air system from
intake to exhaust -- uses molded plastic
in the side of the housing, or on components to reduce the number of joints and
bends to keep restriction at a minimum. The
the end or access cover to the restriction indicator (circled) is The Mini
filter. Exactly where depends on Informer®, detailed on page 6.
the specific piece of equipment
for which it was designed.

3
 The Effect of Elbows & Entrance Diameters
on Air Cleaner System Restriction
Air cleaner system design should incorporate the
best protection at the lowest initial restriction 1 2
possible. Because each component contributes to
the total restriction of the system, try to keep the
air cleaner as close to the engine as possible while
eliminating as many elbows and long runs of duct
work as possible.

Donaldson's Airlink™ FiltrationTechnology,

which uses molded plastic air cleaners and
ducting, enables more flexibility in underhood air
cleaner design. The air cleaner housing can be set
at various angles
without inhibiting
engine protection, and 3 4
the ducting has fewer
bends and joints.

All components of an air filtration system cause

restriction. This is because each component
contributes some resistance to the intake air flow.
The accumulated total of all components in the
air filtration system make up the total initial
restriction of the system.

Changing the direction of the intake air movement

causes restriction, which causes the engine to 5 6
work harder. While this is something we like to
avoid, the reality is that it cannot be avoided
totally......but just how much is too much, and
what can be done about it?

First off, let's define restriction. Restriction

across the air cleaner is the difference in static
pressure between the atmosphere and the outlet
side of the system being measured. Analogy:
trying to pull liquid through a straw that is kinked
vs. one that is not. Obviously, the greater the
kink, the harder it is to move liquid through.
7 8
Air in an intake pipe acts much the same way.
Any time the direction of the air is changed, there
is a resulting pressure that increases the restriction
of the system.

So...it follows that we shouldn't add any bends to

the intake plumbing, right? A good theory, but as
anyone who has applied air cleaners to machinery
knows, this is rarely possible.
4
The solution is two-fold: A
A)) 4"4"
D IAM ETER PIPES
Diameter Piping B) 5"DIAM
B ) 5" Diameter Piping
ETER PIPE S
(1) Minimize the number of bends, and 4 .5 3 .5
8
(2) Use the types of bends that cause 4 .0 8
3 .0

the least amount of restriction to the

R E S TR IC T IO N (IN C H E S H O )
3 .5

R E S T R IC T IO N (IN C H E S H O )
7

2
2 .5

2
7
intake system. 3 .0
5
2 .0
2 .5
5
6
2 .0
Graphs A, B, C, D and E show the 6
1 .5

1 .5 4
amount of restriction of different piping 4
1 .0
1 .0 3
diameters, with various types of bends 3
2 0 .5
2
0 .5 1 1
(illustrations 1 - 8 as shown on page 4), at
0 .0 0 .0
various airflow levels. You will notice 0 1 00 2 00 3 00 4 00 5 00 0 1 00 2 00 3 00 4 00 5 00 6 00 7 00 8 00

A IR F L O W C F M A IR F L O W IN C F M
that the smoother the direction change,
such as radiused tubes versus mitered
bends, the lower the restriction. The 30° C) 3 .56" Diameter Piping D)
C ) 6" D IA M E TE R P IPE S D ) 7"7"
&&8" 8" Diameter
DIAM Piping
ETER PIPES
5 .0
bend shown in illustration 1 adds the least 8 4 .5 4
3 .0
amount of restriction, while the 90° bend 4 .0
R E S T R IC T IO N (IN C H E S H O )

R E S T R IC T IO N (IN C H E S H O )
7
shown in illustration 7 adds significantly
2

2 .5

2
3 .5

more. 2 .0 5 3 .0

2 .5
3
1 .5
6
2 .0
You may think it odd that straight pipe, 4 2
1 .0 1 .5
shown in illustration 8, causes the highest 3 1 .0
2 1
amount of restriction! This is because of 0 .5
1 0 .5

the blunt end. Compare the restriction 0 .0

0 200 400 600 800 1000 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200
curve to illustration 6, which shows a A IR F L O W IN C F M A IR F L O W IN C F M

flared end. The slight flare makes a

major difference in air turbulence, and E) STRAIGHT PIPES
E) Straight Piping of Various Diameters
consequently, in restriction.
CFM 10 100 1000 10000
1 1
Not only bends, but length of pipe is also 70
00
60 f
t/m
a factor, as shown in graph E. Find the 52
00
ft/
mn
n
80
line that represents your pipe diameter at ft/
8"

mn
PRESSURE DROP - INCHES H O

50
00
1.3

the airflow level you're running to give

Restriction in Inches H20 2

ft/
mn
you a restriction figure for each foot of 40
0"

00
1.5

f t/m
pipe length; then simply multiply by the
0

n
2.0

2.5 "
5

30
2.2

0"

00
length (in feet) of your plumbing and you f t/m
n
0"

have the amount of restriction added by

3.0

0"
3.5

0.1 0.1
0"

that length of pipe. (See example below 20

4.0

00
"

f
4.5

t/m
0"

graph.) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
n
5.0

6.0 0"
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○5○
.5
0"
0"
7.0

0"

Example
8.0

"
.00

These curves should allow you to do a

10

quick calculation on the plumbing you

are planning for your system. Add this
figure to the restriction of your air cleaner
(and precleaner when used) to know if 0.01 0.01
10 100 1000 10000
your system is too restrictive for the
engine. Many engine manufacturers Example (Assuming a 600 cfm system with 5" piping)
specify restriction limits for new, 'clean'
engine air intake systems. 1. At 600 cfm on horizontal axis, draw a line up to the 5" diameter line.
2. Draw a line from that intersection point over to the vertical axis to
find the restriction point, in this case .06 H20.
3. Calulate: .06 x 10 feet of piping = .6" H20. This means that the
10 feet of 5" diameter piping add .6" H20 of restriction to the
engine air intake system.
5
 Choose the Restriction Measurement Tools
That Best Fit Your Applications
Donaldson offers a wide variety of
restriction measuring devices that help
you get maximum filter utilization. All
measure restriction in inches of water
vacuum. All are resistant to vibration,
breakage, weather, corrosion, dust and
dirt to assure reliable filter restriction
readings.
For continuous reading devices that
show how much life is left in the filter:
þ The Informer®
þ Service Gauge for Instrument Panel
For go/no-go restriction readings on
heavy-duty vehicles:
þ ServiSignal®
þ Visual Restriction Indicator
þ Electrical Indicator
þ SafetySignal® for Safety Elements
For go/no-go restriction readings on
light and medium-duty vehicles:
þ The Mini Informer®
For in-field restriction measuring:
þ In-Field Service Gauge Kit
þ Water Manometer Kit
Descriptions and part numbers start here
and continue on page 8. Dimensions are
shown in inches (millimeters).

The lnformer® The Mini lnformer® for ServiSignal®

for Graduated, Light & Medium Trucks Mini Indicator
Continuous Readings The Mini Informer® is Small enough to fit just about anywhere
The Informer , ® Donaldson's newest (only 1.66" high), the Donaldson
when mounted on restriction gauge ServiSignal® shows a highly visible,
the air cleaner on designed especially for bright red flag in the full-view window
the dashboard, passenger cars, light when restriction limit is reached.
provides a contin- trucks, and sport utility Resets manually via top button after air
uous reading vehicles. It's an cleaner service.
whether the engine accurate, durable, easy-
is running or is to-read 'go/no go' style Kit includes 1/8-inch NPT threaded
shut down. Reset indicator, smaller than brass fitting for
button is on top. the original Informer®. mounting on the air
Kit includes full Through the clear window, a green flag cleaner. For remote
installation shows when air filter restriction is below mount, also order
instructions and a the service point. When the restriction P105168 flange.
Pl00089 safety reaches its limits, an orange flag Hoses not included.
filter fitting. For imprinted with 'change filter' pops up.
remote mounting,
order a P105168 flange and a P105622 The Mini Informer® mounts in the air
90° elbow. cleaner ducting, in a rubber grommet that
is included with the gauge. Choose the
model with the pre-set restriction limit INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS
that matches your engine manufacturer's Restriction Gauge Kit (gauge
Limit Only + fitting)
recommended restriction maximum.
15" H20/ 3.7 kPa X002250 X002350
INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS 20" H20/ 5 kPa X002251 X002351
Restriction Gauge Gauge + 25" H20/ 6.2 kPa X002252 X002352
Limit Only Grommet
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X002254 X002354
20" H20/ 5 kPa X007334 X007275
25" H20/ 6.2 kPa X007335 X007276
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X007336 X007277

INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS

Restriction Gauge Kit (gauge
Limit Only + fitting)
20" H20/ 5 kPa X002278 X002103 grommet
25" H20/ 6.2 kPa X002277 X002102
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X002275 X002101
Dimensions are shown in inches (millimeters)
6
Visual Restriction Electrical Indicator SafetySignal®
Indicator Connects to Light, Wingnut Indicator
The Donaldson standard restriction Buzzer, or Computer for Safety Element
indicator can be mounted directly on the Our electrical indicator is designed for a
air cleaner or variety of on- and off-highway applica-
remotely on the tions within operating temperatures of
instrument panel or -40°F to -212°F (-40°C to - 100°C).
firewall. When When restriction level reaches the
restriction limit is maximum recommended limit, an
reached and filter electrical signal activates a light, a
service is needed, buzzer, or a computer, as you choose.
easily-visible, The indicator automatically resets itself
bright red shows after the filter is serviced. 12-24 Volts.
through the full- Maximum load: 6 watts (light or buzzer). The Donaldson SafetySignal® service
view window. Contacts have no polarity. Quick indicator replaces the wingnut on the
After the filter is connectors and light, buzzer, or safety filter element and constantly
serviced, reset via computer must be purchased separately. monitors restriction of the safety
rubber button on element. Locks red when service is
top. For remote mount, also order a required. Durable and lightweight, it
flange, P105168. Hoses not included. requires no special fittings or adapters;
it simply replaces the wingnut on
INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS
Restriction Gauge Kit (gauge traditional safety elements. Donaldson
Limit Only + fitting) safety elements are designed to last a
15" H20/ 3.7 kPa X002215 X002315 long time, and SafetySignal® helps save
20" H20/ 5 kPa X002220 X002320 time and money by preventing over-
25" H20/ 6.2 kPa X002225 X002325 servicing.
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X002230 X002330
INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS

SafetySignal® Part No.: X004814

For Air Cleaners: FTG15 & other 12"-16" AC's
Fits Bolt: 7/16" - 20 UNF
Washer included: P111551

SafetySignal® Part No.: X004815

For Air Cleaners: FTG11
Fits Bolt: 7/16" - 20 UNF
Washer included: P101872

SafetySignal® Part No: X004816

For Air Cleaners: FVG14-16", STG12-16"
& All SRG models
Fits Bolt: 1/2" - 13 UNF
Washer included: P105740

INDICATOR ORDER NUMBERS

Restriction Electrical
Limit Indicator
15" H20/ 3.7 kPa X770037
20" H20/ 5.0 kPa X770050
25" H20/ 6.2 kPa X770062
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X770075

7
Service Gauge for
Instrument Panel
Continuously reads restriction in inches
of water vacuum when engine is in
operation and installs conveniently on
instrument panel or wherever operator
can easily see the dial. Fits 2-5/8"
diameter hole. Kit includes full
installation instructions, a P112257
safety filter fitting, clamp and nuts for
dash mounting. Hoses not included.
Restriction Limit Gauge Only
30" H20/ 7.5 kPa X002730
60" H20/ 15 kPa X002700
Bulletin No. F113004 (rev. 4/96) Replaces 1300-89
For More Information Contact:
Printed in the U.S.A.
Donaldson Company, Inc. reserves the right to change or discontinue any model or specification at any time and without notice.
ln-Field Service Restriction Tap Sleeve
Gauge Kit Install this sleeve in your intake system
Equipped with three feet of vacuum hose to convert from scheduled maintenance
to test the air cleaner restriction in the to more economical restriction
field. Sturdy, compact plastic case, maintenance practices.
measuring only 6" x 7.25" x 2.25", stores
easily. Gauge reads in inches of water
vacuum, up to 25" H20/ 6.2 kPa. Full
instructions included. Order kit #
X003903.
Fits Pipe OD Order No.
4"/ 102mm .......... P521638
5"/ 127mm .......... P521639
5.5"/ 140mm ....... P521640
6"/ 152mm .......... P521641
7"/ 178mm .......... P521642
8"/ 203mm .......... P521651
Water Manometer Kit Restriction Tap Fittings
The Donaldson water manometer kit
includes the manometer (flexible
tubing), green dye, and full instruc-
tions. Magnets conveniently hold top
and bottom ends of manometer to side
of equipment or vehicle. Special shut-
off valve eliminates the need to empty
water after use. Order kit # P134534.
P100089 P122067
Safety Filter Fitting
1/8" Pipe Thread
P. O. Box 1299 Interleuvenlaan, 1
Minneapolis, MN 55440-1299 USA B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
Tel: 800-374-1374 Tel.: (32)-(16)-383811
FAX: (612) 887-3716 Telefax: (32)-(16)-400077
Telex: 23205 Beldo B
Copyright 1996 An Equal Opportunity Employer