Oil filters trap oil contaminants in two ways. Some particles adhere to the filter media as the oil flows through the filter. These particles attach themselves to the media surface without plugging the media pores. Other particles are trapped in the filter media by the pressure of the oil as it flows through the filter.
Purolator Heavy Duty Oil Filters are designed to remove harmful contaminants from the oil before they generate wear on engine component surfaces. The spin-on style filter houses the filtration element inside a metal can.