Quick guide on how to select your Cim-Tek filter media

Cim-Tek is a known name in the fuel filtration world, they’ve been manufacturing solutions for fuels for over 50 years. The Cim-Tek filtration range includes 4 different fuel filter element types; Cellulose, Hydrosorb, Microglass and Hydroglass. Each of these Cim-Tek filter types are suited to different user requirements, but which is the one you need? Here’s our guide to working out which is the right one for your application.

Typically, filtration is considered to be the process of removing unwanted contaminants such as debris, rust and dirt. By removing said particles from your fuel, not only are you are protecting the life of your fuel pump (who’s vanes can get damaged), but also the vehicle or machinery that the fuel is entering.

However, with the increasing bio content in today’s diesel, the issue of water contamination is high on the agenda for many. If water is left in fuel and not removed, then a nasty sludge can form which can also result in damaged pumps, vehicles and machinery and costly downtime for the user.

Therefore, the first thing to consider when selecting which Cim-Tek fuel filter media you need us whether you want a particle only filter or a water and particle filter.

Cim-Tek filter medias are split into two main categories; Standard and Ultra Defence. Ultra-Defence filters contain at least one layer of Microglass media. Microglass consists of synthetic fibres that are smaller and more uniform in shape than the natural fibres of Cellulose media. This results in increased dirt holding capacity, lower clean filter differential pressure, and less resistance to fluid flow.

If you require a higher performing Cim-Tek fuel filter, then an Ultra-Defence is what you need. Thanks to its ability to hold more impurities than a standard filter, it also means that you will not have to replace the element as regularly thanks to the longer element life.

Whilst both standard (Cellulose and Hydrosorb) and Ultra Defence Cim Tek filters are suitable for diesel and petrol, fuels with higher bio content up to B100 should only use the Ultra Defence filters.

Biodiesel is more challenging than normal diesel; it has a detergent nature, which means it essentially cleans the walls of a tank resulting in any residual dirt ending up in the fuel itself, and it is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds onto more water. Finally, it has a higher viscosity and cloud point than normal diesel. Because of these characteristics, we always recommend Ultra Defence Cim-Tek fuel filters such as Hydroglass and Microglass elements.

Once you’ve determined which filter media is right for your application, you need to consider the flow rate requirements of your pumping system so that your Cim-Tek filter is compatible. If your pump is too fast for the maximum flow rate of the filter, the filter will keep blocking leaving you unable to dispense. This may also result in the pump running in partial bypass, causing premature wear on the pump vanes and windings. Therefore, if your pump is 70lpm, your filter must be able to cope with at least that.