Industrial Centrifugal Oil Purifier: Working Principle and Key Advantages

Types of Industrial Centrifugal Oil Purifiers and How to Choose the Right Equipment

Industrial centrifugal oil purifiers are among the most effective systems for removing free water and solid contaminants from oil. This guide introduces the main types of centrifugal oil purifiers and provides a practical four-step selection method to help you choose the right equipment for your production operations.

Part 1: Types of Industrial Centrifugal Oil Purifiers

Centrifugal oil purifiers are mainly classified according to their sludge discharge method and structural design, which determine the degree of automation, processing capacity, and maintenance requirements.

1. Classification by Sludge Discharge Method (Most Important)

Manual Sludge Discharge (Intermittent)

Working Principle: Oil sludge and water accumulate along the solid drum wall.

Operation: Manual cleaning is required after shutdown.

Advantages: Simple structure, low cost, durable.

Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, downtime exists.

Best Use: Intermittent or small-batch oil purification operations.

Self-cleaning/Automatic Discharge

Working Principle: During operation, a hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism briefly opens the discharge port (e.g., every 10 minutes).

Advantages: Highly automated, continuous operation, extremely short downtime.

Disadvantages: Higher price, more complex maintenance.

Optimal Use: Large, continuously operating systems, such as power plants and ship engine rooms.

2. Classification by Structural Design

Disc Centrifuge (Most Common Type)

Features: A series of conical discs significantly increases the separation surface area.

Advantages: High throughput, excellent oil-water-solid separation.

Applications: Transformer oil, turbine oil, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil.

Tube Centrifuge

Features: Tall and narrow drum, extremely high rotational speed.

Advantages: Maximum centrifugal force, ultra-fine separation accuracy.

Limitations: Small capacity, requires manual cleaning.

Applications: Small batches of high-value or low-viscosity oils (e.g., precision lubricants, coolants).

Part 2: How to Choose the Right Centrifugal Oil Purifier

Follow these 4 steps to find the most suitable machine, not just the most expensive.

Step 1: Analyze Your Oil

Contaminant Type:

For free water and large particulate solids → a centrifuge is ideal.

For dissolved water or trace impurities → a vacuum oil purifier or fine filter can be used.

Viscosity:

Viscous oils may require preheating (40–60°C) to improve flowability.

Solids Content:

More than 0.1% → choose automatic discharge.

Less than 0.1% → manual discharge is sufficient.

Step 2: Determine Operating Requirements

Operating Mode:

Continuous operation → self-cleaning disc type.

Intermittent use → manual sludge removal type for better cost-effectiveness.

Required Flow Rate:

For example: A 10,000-liter tank needs to be cleaned within 24 hours → requires at least 420 liters/hour.

Choose a model with 20% higher flow rate than your calculated flow rate (approximately 500 liters/hour).

Step 3: Evaluate Key Specifications

Material: Stainless steel is crucial for corrosive or synthetic oils.

Brand and Support: Choose a reliable manufacturer with a strong local service network (e.g., Alfa Laval, GEA, Tongrui, NSH).

Step 4: Matching Type and Application

Final Recommendation

Before purchasing, please submit oil samples for testing or request an on-site demonstration. Actual performance data is the most reliable way to ensure the centrifuge meets your oil type, contamination level, and operational needs. If you have such needs, I will be your most suitable partner.