Why replace lube oil filtration with centrifugation?

If you have been dissatisfied with your lube oil filter cleaning system or if it’s time to upgrade, a centrifugal separator is a great option to consider. It’s got substantial advantages over a filter, in ways which greatly impact more efficient productivity and overall lower total cost of ownership. One primary performance benefit of centrifugation over filtration is its ability to clean both solids and water contaminants. Replace lube oil filter with centrifugation and you’ll see benefits from the moment you plug it in and start operations.

 Replace lube oil filtration with centrifugation

Replace lube oil filtration with centrifugation for less waste

If you are currently using a filter system to clean your oil, then you are familiar with the cycle of fluctuating oil cleaning quality, filter elements replacement, oil and filter elements disposal as well as buying and storing new filter elements. The filter system works based on capturing particles that are bigger than the filter mesh. There is a peak of optimal cleaning effectiveness- when the filter begins to reach its capacity, its cleaning efficiency decreases - captured particles will be released when the filter is exposed to pressure shocks at start and stop. When a filter is full and no longer functioning, filter elements must be disposed and replaced with new ones.

A centrifugal separator handles solids and water

One big advantage with replacing a lube oil filter with a centrifugal separator is that it separates solids and water. Water can have a devastating effect on equipment, causing it to corrode and require more repairs and early parts replacement. Because it is a liquid, like oil, it can be hard to visually recognize in time. When it can be identified, with the lube oil becoming noticeably creamier, there is already a lot of water contamination, and damage has most likely already occurred. With the exception of some filter types with a limited water holding capacity, a filter, based on its inherent design cannot filter a liquid, but is restricted to capturing solid particles only.

Simple to use and low operating costs for best total cost of ownership

Compared with a filter, cleaning oil with a centrifugal separator provides a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Their installation is generally simple - plug it in and it begins to work efficiently and without stop. The initial investment is usually more than a filter option, but on average, a centrifugal separator typically pays for itself within a two-year time, offering lowest TCO. The greatest cost savings is offered in the lifetime extension of plant equipment, with the potential to increase their lifetime significantly. The cleaning quality performed by a centrifuge, which includes both solids and small water particle removal, means that the oil is more gentle with the machinery. Replace lube oil filtration with centrifugation and this in itself can greatly extend the lifetime of large investment equipment.


Moisture level effect on machine life

 

Current level
of moisture,
ppm
Machine life extension by factor
2345678910
50000 12500 6500 4500 3125 2500 2000 1500 1000 782
25000 6250 3250 2250 1563 1250 1000 750 500 391
10000 2500 1300 900 625 500 400 300 200  
5000 1250 650 450 313 250 200      
2500 625 325 225            
1000 250                

This chart is an estimate of prolonged machinery lifetime as an effect of clean oil. Image and information copy right and courtesy of Noria Corporation.

Whitepaper: The importance of lube oil cleaning

Eager to understand more about lube oil cleaning? Our whitepaper gives you a comprehensive overview of the technologies available and acts as a guide to choosing the best one for your application.

yellow oil with bubble