However, the pieces of undissolved residue are very fine and can quickly clog the filter cloth.

If the filter paper has small pores, long chained non polar liquids such as oil may clog the filter paper.

It festers to form gelatinous lumps in fuel tanks which clog filters and destroy pipes and seals.

Cold weather can make the oil too viscous and any impurities can clog filters and pumps.

In the biggest eruptions it will wheedle its way into sensitive electronics, clog filters, bring down roofs and power-lines, contaminate water, damage crops and make livestock ill.