A lube oil purifier (also known as a lubricating oil purifier) is designed to remove contaminants such as water, dirt, sludge, and metal particles from used lubricating oil, making it suitable for reuse in machinery, engines, or industrial systems. The purifier typically works using a centrifugal separation process, similar to a centrifugal purifier, to clean the oil and extend its useful life.
Working Principle of a Lube Oil Purifier:
The working principle of a lube oil purifier is based on centrifugation and the density differences between contaminants (like water, sludge, and metal particles) and the oil.
Here’s how it works step-by-step:
1. Inlet of Contaminated Lube Oil
- The contaminated lube oil (used oil from an engine, machinery, or industrial equipment) is introduced into the purifier’s rotating bowl or chamber. This oil often contains impurities such as water, dirt, metal particles, carbon, and other combustion by-products.
2. Centrifugal Force Generation
- The rotating bowl or drum inside the purifier spins at a high speed (typically several thousand RPM). The centrifugal force generated by the rotation acts on the mixture of oil and contaminants.
- This force causes substances with higher density (such as water, solid particles, and sludge) to be pushed outward toward the walls of the bowl, while the lighter oil remains near the center of the rotating chamber.
3. Separation of Water and Contaminants
- Water Separation: Water, being denser than oil, is forced to the outer edge of the rotating bowl. The water often collects at the bottom of the chamber due to its higher density. In some systems, the water may accumulate at a certain level and be automatically discharged.
- Sludge and Solid Particles: Any dirt, carbon, metal particles, or other solid contaminants are also pushed to the outer walls of the chamber. These contaminants form a sludge layer that collects in the outer section of the bowl.
- Purified Oil: The cleaner, purified oil, being the least dense component, remains in the center of the rotating bowl. This purified oil flows to an outlet, ready to be reused or recirculated into the engine or machinery.
4. Discharge of Contaminants
- After the separation process, the contaminants—comprising mainly water and sludge—accumulate at the outer rim of the rotating chamber. These impurities are periodically removed through automatic or manual discharge mechanisms.
- In some systems, the discharge is controlled by a centrifugal ejector or scraper that helps to remove the sludge and contaminants, ensuring continuous operation without the need for frequent stops.
5. Clarification of Oil
- The purified oil, now free from water, solids, and other impurities, is clarified and can be returned to the system for reuse. This helps maintain the lubrication efficiency and performance of the machinery or engine.
6. Repeat Process
- The process is continuous. As the contaminated oil is fed into the purifier, the oil is gradually purified while contaminants are removed and discharged at regular intervals. The system can be set up to run automatically, requiring minimal human intervention.
Key Components of a Lube Oil Purifier:
- Rotating Bowl or Drum: The central part where the separation occurs.
- Inlet for Contaminated Oil: Where the dirty oil enters the system.
- Outlet for Purified Oil: Where the cleaned oil exits the purifier.
- Water Discharge Outlet: For expelling separated water from the oil.
- Sludge Discharge Outlet: For removing solid contaminants from the process.
- Ejector or Scraper Mechanism: To help remove sludge and contaminants from the walls of the rotating bowl.
Applications of Lube Oil Purifiers:
- Marine Engines: Used to purify lubricating oil in ships, where large quantities of oil need to be cleaned and reused due to the high cost of oil.
- Industrial Machinery: Used to maintain lubricating oil in large machines, turbines, or gearboxes by removing contaminants that could damage the machinery.
- Automotive Industry: In some cases, to purify and reuse engine oil in heavy-duty vehicles.
- Power Plants: Used to maintain oil in turbines or other critical equipment.
- Mining and Construction: Heavy machinery often benefits from the use of oil purifiers to reduce maintenance costs and prolong the life of equipment.
Advantages of Lube Oil Purifiers:
- Cost-Efficiency: Reduces the need for purchasing fresh lubricating oil, which can be expensive, and helps in maintaining oil levels without frequent oil changes.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces waste oil disposal, which can have harmful environmental impacts. Recycling the oil also helps conserve resources.
- Improved Equipment Longevity: By maintaining clean and efficient oil, it extends the life of engines and industrial machinery by preventing wear and tear caused by contaminated oil.
- Better Performance: Clean oil ensures smooth operation of machinery and improves performance by maintaining optimal lubrication.
Conclusion:
A lube oil purifier uses centrifugal force to separate contaminants from lubricating oil, improving the oil's quality for continued use. It removes water, sludge, and solid particles, helping to maintain the performance and longevity of engines and machinery while offering economic and environmental benefits. The purification process is continuous, efficient, and highly effective in cleaning used oil.