Oil Filter Makers Prepare to Manage More Soot

il filter manufacturers, whose replacement products generate some of the highest brand loyalty among truck operators, said they are making dramatic changes to manage the additional soot expected to be produced by new diesel engines coming in 2007.

On tap are new filtration media and “smarter” filters designed to provide operational advantages that offset the added cost of the devices, manufacturers said. Fast-rising commodities such as steel and rubber have contributed to higher costs.

“There are going to be some dramatic changes in filtration,” said Chris Boesel, a senior product manager at Fram who deals with heavy-duty filters. “We are preparing for a more severe oil environment. We’re looking at several different solutions.”