What are the lubricating oil filtration and purification systems?

The purification system for filtering lubricating oil is mainly used to remove pollutants (such as particles, water, oxidation products, etc.) in the oil to extend the lubricating oil's life and ensure the equipment's normal operation. The following are common types of oil purification systems and key points:

Common purification technologies

(1) Mechanical filtration

- Principle: intercept particulate pollutants through filter elements (cellulose, glass fiber, metal mesh, etc.).

- Applicable scenarios: remove solid particles (such as metal chips, dust).

- Accuracy range: 1~100 microns (high accuracy can reach less than 1 micron).

(2) Centrifugal separation

- Principle: use centrifugal force to separate particles and water with a density greater than oil.

- Advantages: no need to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the filter element, suitable for highly polluted oil.

- Limitations: limited effect on tiny particles (<5 microns) and dissolved water.

(3) Vacuum dehydration

- Principle: heat the oil in a vacuum to evaporate and remove water and light volatiles.

- Applicable scenarios: oil with severe water content (such as turbine oil and hydraulic oil).

(4) Adsorption purification

- Materials: silica gel, activated alumina, molecular sieve, etc.

- Function: remove moisture, acidic substances and oxidation products.

(5) Electrostatic filtration

- Principle: Use an electrostatic field to adsorb colloidal particles and tiny pollutants.

- Advantages: can handle submicron particles (0.01~1 micron).

(6) Coagulation separation

- Steps: first, coalesce small water droplets into large droplets, and then discharge them through the separator.

- Applicable scenarios: water-oil mixtures with severe emulsification (such as fuel oil, turbine oil).

System composition

- Pretreatment unit: coarse filtration (to protect subsequent equipment).

- Core purification unit: combine the above technologies according to needs (such as "centrifugal + vacuum").

- Monitoring system: online particle counter, humidity sensor, etc.

- Control system: automatic start and stop, alarm (such as excessive pressure difference or excessive water content).

Selection considerations

- Oil type: mineral oil, synthetic oil, or bio-based oil.

- Pollution degree: particle concentration, water content, acid value.

- Flow requirements: system processing volume (L/min) needs to match the oil consumption of the equipment.

- Environmental conditions: temperature, humidity, explosion-proof requirements (such as industrial sites).

Typical applications

- Industrial equipment: gearboxes, compressors, hydraulic systems.

- Energy industry: wind turbines, steam turbines.

- Transportation: ship engines, railway locomotives.

Maintenance points

- Regular replacement of filter elements: based on pressure difference or time cycle.

- Oil quality monitoring: regular testing of ISO cleanliness and moisture content.

- System cleaning: prevent secondary contamination.

Precautions

- Compatibility: Purification materials (such as adsorbents) must be chemically compatible with the oil.

- Temperature control: avoid high temperatures, which cause oil oxidation.

- Safety: Vacuum systems must be explosion-proof and high-temperature components must be isolated.

If more specific solutions are required (such as for specific equipment or oil types), detailed parameters can be provided for further optimization suggestions.