Air Intake Media Technology

There are so many considerations to take into account when deciding on media: Single or two-stage? On-road or off-road? Harsh or mild conditions? Average temperature. Humidity. These details matter when choosing a media that will offer optimal performance and ultimate protection. Fortunately, Donaldson offers a vast array of media to meet your very specific needs.

Mastering the Media

The most important part of any filter is the media. This is the part of the filter that is actually going to carry out the filter’s job, and it’s why we put so much emphasis on mastering the science of filtration media. If you’re going to lead the industry in innovation, you start with filtration media.

Due to ever-evolving technologies and emissions standards, today’s engines are built to more stringent specifications and finer tolerances than ever before. Engine components require cleaner air to achieve better combustion and lower emissions. We take our media seriously – and offer a number of innovative technologies.

Ultra-Web filter media is composed of cellulose or a cellulose / synthetic substrate with fine fibers applied to one side. This innovative Donaldson invented media provides a durable filtration solution in the high temperature and humid environments experienced by many diesel, turbine, hybrid, and other powered engines. Ultra-Web offers a higher initial efficiency vs. standard cellulose, has very high efficiency throughout a filter’s life, and provides excellent engine protection from sub-micron particulate (e.g. exhaust soot). It also offers a very high dust-holding capacity for extended filter life.

Ultra-Web HD has been developed for use in extreme fine dust environments. We designed  Ultra-Web HD media with fine fiber technology to create consistent inter-fiber spacing at a microscopic level. Because these fibers are so small and strong, we can add more of them to the critical ultra-fine fiber layer without creating additional restrictions. The result is a filter media that delivers everything required to combat dust ingression, providing ultra-long life and ultra-high efficiency.

Regenerating Media

Ultra-Web HD media is built with an ultra fine-fiber layer on the exterior, which promotes dust loading on the surface of the media rather than dust embedding deep within the media. This surface-loading feature works to your advantage because this “dust cake” will shed under equipment vibration and be discharged through the air cleaner’s Vacuator™ Valves or scavenge system. This results in less dust and weight becoming lodged deep within the media, and because the regeneration action created through surface loading and vibration, promotes longer filter life.

Cellulose-based media materials are used extensively in air filtration. Some applications are suitable for cellulose-only solutions, or cellulose media can be used as a base layer and combined with Ultra-Web fine fiber options. It is used primarily in single- or two-stage engine intake systems. Applications include off-road, on-highway trucks, buses, and underground mines.

Our flame retardant filter media is a cellulose base material specially treated for use on vehicles operating in applications where sparks or flames from backfiring through the intake system create a fire hazard.