Lubricating oil purification devices are used to remove contaminants (such as water, solid particles, gases, and oxidation products) from lubricating oils used in machinery, engines, turbines, and industrial systems. These contaminants can degrade oil performance, increase wear and tear on mechanical components, and lead to costly repairs or replacements. The purification process helps extend the life of both the oil and the equipment, maintaining efficiency and reducing downtime.
The main types of lubricating oil purification devices commonly used in industrial and commercial applications:
1. Vacuum Dehydration and Degassing Systems
Best for: Removing water and dissolved gases from lubricating oils.
Key Features:
- Uses vacuum pressure to reduce the boiling point of water, allowing it to be evaporated from the oil.
- Removes dissolved gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen that can degrade oil quality and contribute to corrosion and oxidation.
- Often used in high-performance machinery, such as turbines, compressors, and large engines.
Advantages:
- Highly effective at removing both free and emulsified water.
- Restores the oil's dielectric strength, preventing equipment failures due to water contamination.
- Improves the oil’s longevity by removing gases that accelerate oxidation.
Examples:
- CMM (Oil Purifiers) and BMT High-Vacuum Oil Purifiers.
2. Centrifugal Oil Purification Systems
Best for: Separating solid contaminants (dirt, wear particles, carbon) and free water from lubricating oils.
Key Features:
- Centrifugal force separates contaminants based on their density. Water and solid particles are thrown against the walls of the centrifuge, while the purified oil is collected in the center.
- Used for continuous or batch purification, often in systems where large amounts of oil are circulating.
- Available in both mobile and stationary units.
Advantages:
- Fast processing and efficient removal of solid particles and free water.
- No consumables (e.g., no filters that need regular replacement), reducing long-term operating costs.
- Low maintenance compared to other systems.
Examples:
- Alfa Laval separators and Schneider Electric's centrifugal oil purification systems.
3. Filtration Systems
Best for: Removing solid contaminants such as dirt, metal particles, and carbon from lubricating oils.
Key Features:
- Filtration systems use various types of media, such as mesh filters, paper filters, or depth filters to trap solid particles.
- Commonly used in engines, compressors, and industrial machinery.
- Can be configured to treat fine or coarse particles depending on the application.
Advantages:
- Simple and cost-effective method for maintaining oil cleanliness.
- Can be designed to filter oils of different viscosities and contamination levels.
- Multiple filtration stages (e.g., coarse and fine filtration) can be used for enhanced purity.
Examples:
- Pall Corporation oil filters and Mann+Hummel filtration systems.
4. Electrostatic Oil Purifiers
Best for: Removing fine particles and moisture, especially in oils contaminated with emulsified water.
Key Features:
- Uses electrostatic fields to attract and remove fine particles and water droplets from the oil.
- Very effective at separating micron-level particles and removing emulsified water.
- Often used in systems where oil purity is crucial, such as in power plants, turbines, and generators.
Advantages:
- Capable of removing particles as small as 1 micron.
- Removes both free water and fine solid particles.
- No consumables, reducing maintenance costs over time.
Examples:
- CJC Electrostatic Oil Purifiers and Cleantech Electrostatic Oil Separators.
5. Resin-Based Oil Purification Systems
Best for: Removing oxidation products, varnish, and other degraded compounds in lubricating oils.
Key Features:
- Uses adsorption resins to capture varnish precursors, acids, and sludge that form in oils as they age.
- Often used in turbines, hydraulic systems, and compressors where varnish formation is a problem.
- Works in combination with filtration to clean the oil thoroughly.
Advantages:
- Prevents varnish buildup that can block oil passages and damage sensitive components.
- Extends oil life by removing harmful degradation products.
- Can be used to restore oil that has already been heavily oxidized.
Examples:
- FILTRESYSTEMS Resin Oil Treatment and CJC Fine Filters with Resin Adsorption.
6. Deionization or Ion Exchange Systems
Best for: Removing ionic contaminants (e.g., acids, salts, and other charged particles) from lubricating oils.
Key Features:
- Uses ion exchange resins to capture and remove dissolved ions that can cause corrosion, degradation, or performance loss in oils.
- Typically used for oil systems that are sensitive to contamination from acids or salts.
- Often used in high-precision industries such as electronics manufacturing.
Advantages:
- Highly effective at removing acidic compounds and other charged particles.
- Can improve oil quality and machine efficiency in systems that require extremely clean oil.
- Typically used in specialized industries with stringent oil purity standards.
Examples:
- Ion Exchange Resin-Based Oil Purifiers.
7. Offline Oil Filtration Systems
Best for: Routine maintenance and purification of oils in larger machinery, engines, and turbines.
Key Features:
- The oil is removed from the machine and passed through a filtration device offline (outside of the main system).
- Oil is circulated through filter cartridges or centrifugal units to remove solids, moisture, and other contaminants.
- Ideal for continuous use machines that cannot afford downtime for oil changes.
Advantages:
- Highly effective for large volumes of oil.
- Can be used to treat oils in multiple machines or systems using a single filtration unit.
- Suitable for applications where frequent oil changes are not practical.
Examples:
- Pall Off-Line Oil Filtration and CJC Offline Filtration Systems.
8. Heat Exchanger-Based Systems
Best for: Thermal management and purification in systems where oil degradation is due to heat and oxidation.
Key Features:
- Uses heat exchangers to maintain oil temperature and prevent oxidation.
- Often coupled with other filtration and purification technologies to maintain optimum oil condition.
Advantages:
- Prevents overheating and oxidation in the oil, improving overall system performance.
- Can extend the lifespan of both oil and machinery.
- Combines heat control and filtration for more efficient purification.
Examples:
- Used in hydraulic systems, compressors, and turbine oil cooling systems.
Conclusion:
Each type of lubricating oil purification device serves a unique purpose based on the contamination levels and the specific requirements of the machinery or system. Whether you're dealing with solid particles, water contamination, oxidation products, or ionic contaminants, there's a suitable purification device for every need. For general maintenance, centrifugal oil purifiers and vacuum systems are popular, while more specialized applications (such as varnish removal or precise ion cleaning) may require resin-based systems or ion exchange technology.
When choosing a lubricating oil purification system, factors such as the oil type, machine size, contamination level, and maintenance needs should be carefully considered to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
