Ultipleat Liquid Filter Elements for Aerospace

A laid-over pleat geometry which offers improved performance and a reduction in filtration operating costs.

• Longer filter element service life
• Up to 50% smaller and lighter
• OEM approved

Why do Ultipleat elements have lower operating costs?

The unique, laid-over pleat geometry provides a greater filtration area than conventional ‘fan-pleat’ filter elements for the same envelope. This, coupled with a more uniform flow distribution results in a significant increase in dirt holding capacity when compared to a fan (radial) pleat construction in the same space envelope.
Side by side comparison testing has shown

Up to 50% more dirt capacity for Ultipleat compared to conventional fan pleat

Alternatively, the larger filtration area can be used to design an Ultipleat filter element with a finer micron rating and the same service life compared to a fan-pleat design in the same space envelope.

Ultipleat elements have a lower flow density, and consequently, a higher flow capacity. As a result, filter size can be reduced substantially. The smaller size combined with polymeric support meshes reduces weight by as much as 50%.
The higher dirt capacity(service life) for the same envelope can be traded off for a smaller envelope with the same dirt capacity as the conventional radial pleat filter element. In addition, the use of polymeric support meshes can also lead to a substantial reduction in filter element weight.

A low average pressure drop is important for keeping energy consumption to a minimum. This allows more flow through the filter during low temperature, high viscosity start-up conditions.

The pleats are supported both upstream and downstream which helps to maintain efficiency and performance during cyclic flow or cyclic pressure(pump ripple) conditions.

Why do Ultipleat elements have a uniform flow distribution?

Conventional pleated filter element construction, showing Non-uniform flow distribution (Outside to Inside flow direction). In a conventional filter element the pleats radiate outward from the core and the spacing between the pleats increases. This space represents wasted volume and unused filtration area. The fluid takes the path of least resistance and most of the flow passes through the filter medium at the roots of the pleats. This results in non-uniform flow density and contaminant loading of the filter element.		Ultipleat filter element construction showing uniform flow distribution (Outside to Inside flow direction). Amount of flow is depicted by size of arrow The laid-over pleats of Ultipleat filter elements are designed to support each other, and the flow resistance is much more uniform within the pleats. This creates a more uniform flow velocity through the filter element and, therefore, more uniform build-up of dirt within the filtration medium.

Why do some engines use a reverse-flow filter element?

In a reverse-flow Ultipleat design, the fluid flows from Inside to Outside and all the contaminants are retained inside the filter element. This concept offers several benefits:

• Weight saving - structural core can be integrated into the filter bowl
• Simpler maintenance - no need to clean filter bowl
• Less chance of cross-contamination during filter element change out