Lube oil purifier parts and functions

A lube oil purifier is a machine used to filter and clean used lubricating oil by removing impurities such as water, sludge, solid particles, acids, and metallic wear debris. It helps extend the life of lubricating oil and machinery, improving performance, preventing damage, and reducing operational costs. Here are the main parts of a lube oil purifier and their functions:

1. Inlet Pump

• Function: The inlet pump is responsible for drawing the contaminated lubricating oil from the system or the oil reservoir and pumping it into the purifier unit. It ensures a steady flow of oil into the purifier at the required pressure and flow rate.
• Types: It can be either a centrifugal pump or a gear pump, depending on the design of the purifier.

2. Centrifugal Separator (Purifier Bowl)

• Function: The heart of the lube oil purifier, the centrifugal separator, uses high-speed rotation (centrifugal force) to separate contaminants based on their density. Heavier impurities, such as water, sludge, and solid particles, are forced outward to the walls of the bowl, while the clean oil remains in the center.
• Parts:
  • Rotor/Impeller: Generates centrifugal force to separate contaminants.
  • Purifier Bowl: A rotating bowl where separation takes place, typically made of stainless steel to withstand high speeds.
  • Discharge Ports: Separate clean oil from contaminants. The clean oil is sent to the system, while the sludge or water is collected in different discharge chambers.

3. Discharge Chambers

• Function: These chambers collect the contaminants that have been separated from the oil during the centrifugal separation process. The waste typically includes water, sludge, and solid particles, which are then drained out of the purifier.
• Types of Discharge:
  • Water Discharge: Collects water separated from the oil.
  • Sludge Discharge: Collects solid contaminants, such as sludge and metal particles.

4. Oil Outlet

• Function: The purified, clean lubricating oil is discharged from the purifier through the oil outlet. The oil is sent back to the engine or machinery for reuse after it has been cleaned and any contaminants have been removed.
• Functionality: The purified oil should be free of water, sludge, and solid particles, ensuring it is ready to be used again in the system.

5. Skimmer (for Water Separation)

• Function: The skimmer is an important part of the separator, specifically designed to remove water from the oil. Since water is denser than oil, it separates and collects at the bottom of the purifier bowl. The skimmer ensures that water is continuously removed during the operation to prevent water from contaminating the clean oil.
• Working: It typically uses a rotating device or a suction mechanism to remove the accumulated water without disturbing the clean oil layer.

6. Purifier Motor

• Function: The motor drives the rotation of the purifier bowl at a high speed, creating the centrifugal force required for separating contaminants from the oil. The motor must operate at a constant speed to maintain optimal performance.
• Power Supply: Purifier motors usually operate on AC or DC electrical supply, depending on the system design.

7. Control Panel / Operation Panel

• Function: The control panel allows the operator to monitor and control various parameters such as flow rate, speed, temperature, and alarms. It is essential for setting up the purifier to operate at optimal conditions, ensuring the proper filtration of oil.
• Key Features:
  • Flow Rate Control: To adjust the speed at which the oil is processed.
  • Speed Control: For controlling the rotation speed of the purifier bowl.
  • Alarms/Indicators: Alerts the operator in case of a malfunction or if the oil needs to be replaced or cleaned.
  • Operational Indicators: Shows pressure levels, temperature, and flow rates.

8. Pressure Gauges

• Function: These gauges monitor the pressure in the inlet and outlet pipelines, as well as the separator bowl. Pressure gauges help detect any abnormal variations that could indicate a blockage, system malfunction, or inefficient separation process.
• Types:
  • Inlet Pressure Gauge: Monitors the pressure of the oil entering the purifier.
  • Outlet Pressure Gauge: Monitors the pressure of the purified oil being discharged.
  • Bowl Pressure Gauge: Monitors the pressure inside the centrifugal separator bowl.

9. Heating Element (Optional)

• Function: Some lube oil purifiers are equipped with a heating element or heat exchanger to raise the temperature of the oil. Heating the oil reduces its viscosity, allowing contaminants to be removed more easily. This is especially important when dealing with heavy oils or oils at low temperatures.
• Working: The heating element warms up the oil before it enters the purifier unit.

10. Oil Level Regulator

• Function: This component ensures that the oil level inside the purifier bowl remains constant. The oil level needs to be maintained properly to avoid damage to the purifier and to ensure optimal separation performance.
• Working: It automatically adjusts the oil intake, controlling the volume entering the bowl to prevent overfilling or underfilling.

11. Filter Unit (Pre-Filter/Secondary Filter)

• Function: In some systems, there is an additional pre-filter or secondary filter unit before the oil enters the purifier bowl. This filter removes larger particles and solid contaminants from the oil before the centrifugal separation process begins.
• Working: The pre-filter ensures that only fine particles and impurities are left to be removed by the centrifugal separator, reducing the load on the main purifier.

12. Sludge Tank or Waste Collection System

• Function: Once the oil has been cleaned, the separated contaminants (sludge and water) are collected in a sludge tank or waste collection system. These contaminants need to be properly disposed of according to environmental regulations.
• Types:
  • Water Waste Tank: For collected water.
  • Sludge Tank: For collected sludge and solid contaminants.

Summary of Functions:

Conclusion:

A lube oil purifier consists of several interconnected parts, each serving a crucial role in ensuring that lubricating oil is cleaned and restored for reuse. The key parts include the centrifugal separator (which does the main work of separation), the inlet pump, the discharge chambers, and the control panel. Proper maintenance of these parts ensures efficient oil purification, extending the life of both the oil and the machinery.