Oil purifier operation procedure

Operating an oil purifier, such as a centrifugal or vacuum oil purifier, requires a careful procedure to effectively remove contaminants like water, gases, and particulates from the oil. Here’s a general guide for operating an oil purifier system safely and efficiently:

 1. Preparation and Inspection

   - Check Oil Quality: Before beginning, assess the condition of the oil to determine the level of contamination.

   - Inspect Equipment: Ensure the purifier is in good working order. Check for any signs of wear or leakage, and verify that all hoses, filters, and connections are secure.

   - Prepare the Reservoir and Supply Lines: Ensure that the oil reservoir and supply lines are clean and free of any obstructions.

 2. Start-Up Procedure

   - Power On the System: Turn on the purifier system and allow it to reach operating conditions. Ensure the system is set to the correct parameters, such as temperature and pressure.

   - Prime the System: Open the valves to allow oil to flow into the purifier system and to remove any trapped air in the lines. This step helps prevent cavitation during operation.

   - Set Temperature Controls: If the purifier has heating capabilities, set the temperature to the recommended level, usually around 60–80°C, to reduce oil viscosity and help release contaminants.

 3. Operation

   - Begin Purification: Allow the purifier to start processing the oil. For centrifugal oil purifiers, contaminants will be separated by centrifugal force, and in vacuum purifiers, contaminants are removed by vaporization under reduced pressure.

   - Monitor Flow Rate and Pressure: Keep an eye on the flow rate and pressure readings to ensure the system is operating within safe limits. Sudden drops in pressure or flow could indicate filter clogging or other issues.

   - Filter Contaminants Continuously: High-efficiency filters in the purifier capture particulates, while the main unit removes water and gas contamination. Change or clean filters as needed, especially in systems processing heavily contaminated oil.

 4. Sampling and Monitoring

   - Check Oil Cleanliness Regularly: Use in-line or portable particle counters to measure the cleanliness level of the oil periodically during operation.

   - Adjust Settings as Needed: Based on the contamination level, you may need to adjust the purifier’s speed, temperature, or flow rate to optimize the removal process.

 5. Shutdown Procedure

   - Turn Off the System: Once the oil meets cleanliness specifications, stop the purifier and close all valves. Allow the system to cool down if it has been heated.

   - Drain Residual Oil and Clean Components: Empty any residual oil from the purifier, particularly if switching to a different type of oil or if contaminants are present in the drainage.

   - Inspect and Clean the System: Check the purifier for any residue or wear and clean the components, especially filters and centrifuge bowls.

 6. Post-Operation

   - Document Results: Record the oil cleanliness results and any adjustments made during the operation. Documentation can help monitor trends and optimize future purification cycles.

   - Maintenance Checks: Inspect seals, filters, and moving parts for wear and schedule replacements or repairs as needed.

Following these steps helps ensure that the oil purifier operates effectively, maintains the integrity of the lubricating or hydraulic system, and extends the service life of the oil. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines for the best results.