Top 5 Contaminants in Lubricating Oil and How to Remove Them?
Due to providing solutions and machines for filtering industrial lubricating oil, we tend to have clients who do not recognize the need to keep oil clean. Otherwise, the cleanest and high-grade lubricating oil loses its purity and its absence starts reflecting on the efficiency, serviceability, and durability of the machinery. Over the years, we have outlined the 5 most common categories of lube oil contamination to discuss the negative effects on machinery, as well as the practical application of sophisticated lube oil filtration technology for their removal.
What is Lube Oil Contamination and Why Does It Matter?
Lube oil contamination can happen when a contaminant is capable of violating the machinery’s ability to function optimally by damaging the lubricating oil. All the damaging pollutants can be solid residue, steam, electricity, or some combination of other chemicals, all of which drain the lubrication throttle.
Oil, which has lost its purity, is mostly blamed for persistent machinery failure, damaged components, and breakdowns. Parts of the machinery become excessively worn and torn, and even hydraulic systems start to malfunction. All of the above happen even in a scenario of extracting residue, which augments the machinery maintenance cost excessively.
Contamination becomes an easier problem to solve when effective lube oil filtration systems are in place, and we have seen the results. Mechanical failure is reduced, operational efficiency is increased, and lubrication is consistent. In other words, we control lube oil contamination, which is necessary for reliable equipment operation, in a cost-effective way.
Top 5 Contaminants in Lubricating Oil
For industrial machinery to work its best, it needs clean lubricating oil. Unfortunately, contamination of the lube oil eventually occurs. Each of the various sources of contamination presents different risks to the machinery. Identifying the different oil contaminants helps with oil maintenance.
Water Contamination
Water…even in small amounts… Accelerates the corrosion and oxidation of oil and will eventually reduce the lubricating qualities of the oil. Eventually, it will lead to unprotected and rusted components which will cost in downtime. Protect your machinery and remove the water using a lube oil filtration machine with dehydration capabilities.
Particulate Matter and Metal Debris
Dust or dirt can become particles that circulate within the oil. As they increase in number, they contribute to friction, unprotected deterioration, and the overall unreliability of the machinery. Protect the machinery from damage with modern and advanced lube oil filtration systems that capture contaminants.
Sludge and Carbon Deposits
The heat, oxidation, and decomposed additives all contribute to the development of sludge and carbon deposits. Sludge, the thick and sticky residue, obstructs the flow of lubricant oil, decreases the ease of heat dissipation, and worsens lubrication performances. Sludge can be easily filtered and removed from the oil by specialized lube oil filtration machines, thus restoring the oil’s performance and extending the oil and machine’s lifespan.
Chemical Contaminants
Lubricating oil is prone to the accumulation of corrosive byproducts of oxidation and broken-down additives, which can, over time, pose threats to the oil. Corrosive chemical contaminants can instigate the deterioration of oil quasi-states and increase the rate of corrosion. More elaborate oil filtration methods may, in some cases, be neutralization, the sophisticated lube oil filtration methods that retain the chemical means balance and protect delicate parts.
Air and Gas Contamination
Bubbles or even gas can easily enter liquids and oils during moments of aeration as well as via leaks and foam formations. This would surely hinder the overall lubricating capacity of the oils, and can even lead to cavitation in turbine or pump oils. Machines like the vacuum or centrifugal lube oil filters are best in removing the gas and air, and oil’s lubricating efficiency can be restored.
How to Romove the Contaminants in Lube Oil?
It is important to maintain clean lubricating oil to protect the machinery to guarantee operations. Untreated water, particles, heavy sludge, chemical by-products, and air are the most common impurities responsible for lubrication failure. There are numerous approaches to dealing with these impurities.
Physical approaches like settling tanks or centrifuges allow heavier particles and sludge to separate from the oil. Heating small amounts of water or employing compounds like neutralizing acids with chemical treatments can also prove effective. Additionally, vacuum degassing is a popular approach for the removal of dissolved gases and floating aeration-related issues.
Thus lube oil filtration machine makes the whole process a piece of cake. Modern composite machines vertically integrate the mechanical, centrifugal, and vacuum to completely filter solids, water, gases, sludge, and even some oil in a single cycle. By using the machine, the quality of the oil reached standards, which increases its moisture retention, decreases service and maintenance costs, along with improving the overall equipment functionality.
Best Practices to Maintain Your Lubricating Oil Clean
Keeping oil clean helps ensure machinery runs effectively and has longevity.
- From our experience, regularly checking oil and practicing routine filtration are the best methods.
- Regarding oil storage, always use sealed, clean containers, and store oil away from moisture and dust. When filling or topping off equipment, make sure hoses and tools are clean to help avoid the introduction of contaminants.
- Regular oil condition monitoring will help avoid issues from escalating and help preserve optimal performance. Basic assessments looking for water, solid contaminants, and changes in viscosity will help spot issues.
- Every maintenance schedule must include routine filtration. Even the best oil will gather contaminants over time. A filtration system effectively removes water, sludge, and solid particles.
- Train your operators. Those who understand the risks associated with contamination and who implement structured systems will greatly improve oil quality. Following all of the above will help clean lubricating oil and keep equipment in good condition, which will save on maintenance costs.
Lubricating oil contamination is one of the hidden threats that leads to inefficiency of machinery and the reduction of the life of the machinery, while increasing maintenance costs. Identifying the inherent contaminants and understanding their removal mechanisms, especially routine filtration, will benefit industrial enterprises. An effective lube oil filtration unit will prevent the oil from getting dirty, help the oil to last longer, and help protect your machinery. Proper oil maintenance is a way for you to have peace of mind and save money. For best results, please consider our filtration systems. Contact us for more information!
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