Finding new air to filter

Diesel Progress North American Edition, August, 2008

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Wix Filtration Products has enhanced its extensive air filtration lineup with a new radial lip seal air filter for Mack Trucks applications. The new 42808 air filter was developed with an increased filter capacity, longer filter life and greater filtration efficiency.

According to Wix, the 42808 air filter is compatible with Mack trucks equipped with Mack's MP series engines or pre-'07 Mack ASET and E-Tech series engines. The air filter is also compatible with Mack trucks equipped with Cummins ISX or ISM diesel engines.

Wix designed the 42808 air filter with the company's exclusive media formulation, which it implemented in 2005. This design incorporates molded polyurethane radial seals and metal end caps on the closed end. The polyurethane radial seals, Wix said, increase the sealing capacity of the unit and enhance fit.

To strengthen the cross-section material, Wix added six new hot melt beads to the filter. The beads are a smooth, nonstringy, nonflacking, hot melt stabilization material engineered to add stability to the media.

During the manufacturing process, Wix applies the hot melt stabilizing beads without any mechanical contact. It uses another hot melt bead to adhere the six. Once the beads are attached, they are driven into the filter media and expanded metal using an air jet.

Wix has also removed the center cone in the end cap of the air filter. The end cap ID now fits within the housing lid draw and the lid holds the filter down on the top end cap surface. For easier maintenance, a handle has been integrated into the design.

"Wix continues to provide value to our customers by offering technically superior filtration products," said Bill Stamey, heavy-duty product engineering manager at the Gastonia, N.C.-headquartered Wix. "And while we consistently deliver on performance, we know the little things, like the handle on the end cap, make installation and removal of what can be a 20 lb. dirt-filled filter easier for technicians."

The 42808 filter element is constructed of pleated T-542 corrugated paper media, which has a 25% greater filter capacity and a 14% increase in wet capacity/filter life, said Wix. Dimensions of the 42808 air filter are 25.533 in. high with a 9.331 in. outer diameter and a 5.803 in. inner bottom diameter.

Other features of the 42808 air filter, and Wix's other radial model air filters, include a mesh screen on the inside wall diameter for strength and media protection from back-fire. A mesh screen has been inlayed on the outside diameter--also for strength. The 42808 filter is rated to 1100 cfm.

The Wix filtration family extends into the automotive, diesel, agriculture, industrial and specialty filter markets. Wix designs, manufactures and distributes oil, air, cabin interior, fuel, coolant, transmission and hydraulic filters.