Product Review – Mann & Hummel ProVent

There has been an emerging trend in the last few years of 4×4 owners putting crankcase ventilation filters on their vehicles, but what are the benefits of doing this, and just how hard is it to install?

Why do I need a crankcase ventilation filter?

The service life of diesel engines used in commercial and industrial applications is longer than the service life of diesel engines used in motor cars. Therefore, components of diesel engines used in industrial applications are subject to higher requirements with regard to efficiency and lifetime. One of these components is the closed crankcase ventilation system, which is becoming increasingly important. This is exactly what the Mann & Hummel Provent system is designed to achieve.

For every piston stroke in a combustion engine, there are exhaust gases that flow between the piston rings and sleeves. These gases enter the crankcase. In turbocharged engine applications, air can also make its way into the crankcase through the oil return pipe of the turbocharger. These gases are generally called blow-by gases. The pressure they generate leads to an unacceptable pressure build-up, and crankcase ventilation becomes necessary.

In many countries, regulations governing car emissions stipulate that gases removed from the crankcase during the ventilation process must not enter the atmosphere. That is the reason why blow-by gases from car engines are redirected by so-called closed crankcase ventilation to the intake pipe assembly and burned. Commercial and industrial diesel engines are also subject to international emission regulations which in future can only be met through the application of reliable closed crankcase ventilation systems.

So, how does all this affect your engine?

Almost all modern diesel engines, especially common rail diesel engines, can be affected by blow-by gas particle buildup.  Crankcase ventilation solutions offer ideal protection for the crankcase and enable compliance with future environmental regulations. Contaminants can cause damaging, oily deposits in the engine intake, turbocharger and charge cooler. In addition, they compromise engine performance, increase fuel consumption and shorten engine life.

To avoid this, an oil separator removes oil from the blow-by gas. The separated engine oil is then returned to the oil sump without loss, where it can re-enter the oil circuit. After the blow-by gases are cleaned in the oil separator, they pass the pressure valve. This valve regulates the pressure inside the crankcase to within permissible limits.

The Key take away point

• Protects your turbocharger
• Keeps inter-cooler clean
• Keeps engine components clean
• Regulates crankcase pressure
• Built-in safety valve
• Reduces exhaust smoke and odours
• Returns separated, filtered oil back into your engine
• Highest separation efficiency
• Element life up to 40,000 km
• Easy to install and maintain
• Engineered in cooperation with major vehicle manufacturers in Germany
• Keeps money in your pocket

Need some visual stimulation? Watch the Video below