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Since many years now, environmental regulations got stricter and stricter, leading modern engines (both Gasoline and Diesel) to integrate more depollution devices, to fit new emissions limits. Moreover, the CO2 emissions regulations led also major powertrain improvements in various fields like friction reduction, weight saving, but also engine specific power implying often higher turbocharging rate, with higher temperatures and higher flow rates. As a direct consequence, modern engines have increased the core value of the exhaust line with more complexes and fragile after treatment devices, while working conditions have ran tougher. Therefore to guaranty long term reliability for exhaust line and even making it smaller and lighter is a new objective. This is confirmed by Environmental Regulations which now requires durability threshold for depollution devices.

Stringent emission regulations are forcing combustion efficiency improvement. Therefore Diesel fuel injection pressures have regularly increased in the recent years to meet emission levels. This has made the Fuel Injection Equipments (FIE) more sensitive to fuel contaminants. The control and maintaining of the Diesel fuel cleanliness is therefore a key parameter of its performance and durability. Previously, FIE protection was specified only by the filter efficiency, as defined by the ISO 19438 lab test method. But new specifications have been developed and recommended by, defining only fuel cleanliness level at FIE entrance, no matter the operating conditions or any other considerations. It was therefore needed to investigate fuel contamination sources and dynamic phenomena like vibration and viscosity impact on fuel cleanliness, and link it to acceptable filter efficiency.