Oil Filters present the second barrier of protection. These are usually rated at 10 to 20 microns. Filter material is also paper or synthetic, and can be surface loading or depth loading. (contaminants enter the filter media and are trapped within the depth of the media, rather than only on the surface.)
Canister (Cartridge) Oil Filter Element - This consists of an element inside a metal canister. The canister must be opened, and the new filter installed inside the cavity. This element may be a variety of materials (metal mesh, synthetic, paper, or cloth) and will be manufactured with micron ratings compatible to the OEM specifications.
Spin-On Oil Filter Element - Simple removal by spinning off and replacing the element. Manufactured of synthetic, paper, metal mesh or cloth, with a micron rating which varies based on manufacturer specifications.
