In theory if oil can be kept 100% clean then it should never degrade or require changing, machine parts could be used indefinitely and the risk of breakdown and production stops would be drastically reduced.

Previously it was thought that small particles were not dangerous for machines, but research has shown that these micro-particles bind together to contaminate and accelerate oxidation forming resins & deposits that cause valves & other moving parts to jam & seize up.

Newer machinery is built with far tighter tolerances than ever before. This makes newer machinery much more sensitive to the smaller sized contaminant particles.

Research has also shown that 70% of particles in oil, by weight, are less than 1 micron. So the normal oil filters that 99% of systems use do not remove the bulk of the particles that are the cause of many of the ongoing lubrication system problems.

Basil V. R. Greatrex is the exclusive distributor for Europafilter in Australia.