Factors That Influence The Effectiveness of Oil Filtration

June 9, 2022

We have emphasized the importance of oil filtration for industrial machinery and plants time and again in our informative blogs. Oil contamination is the biggest enemy of proper machine functionality. Surely, the first thing that comes to many people’s minds when they hear the word contamination is dirt and debris. However, even a seemingly harmless droplet of water is considered a contaminant. In fact, water is relatively more dangerous to a machines’ well-being than other contaminants.

As a result, professional oil filtration system suppliers work hard day and night to innovate filtration systems that maximize the effectiveness of decontamination efforts. However, the latter is easier said than done. Freeing the hydraulic oil of the smallest water particles is not as simple as sieving tea leaves from tea. The success of this challenging operation is dependent upon many factors. The latter is what many industrialists fail to comprehend.

From time to time, we meet many manufacturing facility owners who complain of the ineffectiveness of their oil filtration efforts despite investing in high-quality oil filtration systems and filter carts. While quality is one of the factors that impact oil filtration success, it is not the sole determinant of the latter. Thus, industrialists and factory owners must devote equal attention to other factors as well.

In order to help you achieve the best decontamination results, this blog post will discuss the factors that affect the efficiency of oil filtration.

The Performance And Quality Of Oil Filtration Systems And Filter Carts

To be honest, we can’t accurately pinpoint the ineffectiveness of oil filtration to a single variable because it is practically difficult to hold other variables in one position and test a single factor. However, recommendations based on a rough examination are possible. In this regard, the first crucial and most obvious factor that affects oil filtration efficiency is the performance of the oil filtration systems and filter carts themselves.

Undoubtedly, the performance and quality of these devices will primarily depend upon the supplier’s reliability and your decisions. Some industrialists make the mistake of simply considering the price and neglecting quality when purchasing a portable filtration system or filer cart. This decision might seem lucrative in terms of short term savings but proves quite expensive when the need for frequent repairs and unplanned replacements arise.

If you are not cautious enough, these filters may even damage your machinery and reduce their lifespans. This happens when a poor quality filtration system fails to clean the oil, which ultimately finds its way into the machine and hinders its operations.

Therefore, you must always concentrate on the quality rather than the price when purchasing oil filtration systems. Similarly, consider the following when purchasing an oil filter:

Capture efficiency
Dirt retaining capacity
Flow rate
Filter media

Temperature, Viscosity, And Flow Rate

Now let us delve deeper into technical filtration terms. The effects of temperature and flow rate on filtration have been tested numerous times. When we speak of filtration, the idea is to force the oil through a barrier to trap contaminants. The amount of oil that passes through a filter at a specific time is known as the flow rate. Now, oil viscosity and temperature are interdependent and directly impact the flow rate.

When the temperature increases, the oil’s viscosity (thickness or resistance to filtration) increases. In turn, less viscous oil has a higher flow rate and can be easily filtered. However, extremely high temperatures result in the severe thinning of oil which causes it to lose its lubricity.

Thus, it is essential to find an optimal balance between temperature, flow rate, and oil viscosity.

Bypass Valve Cracking Pressure

This factor is also commonly known as pressure drop. The latter is the air pressure reduction yielded by a filter. The bypass valve setting of a filter determines this pressure.

Accordingly, filters with a higher pressure drop are more effective than those with a lower valve cracking pressure. Hence, pressure drop has a great impact on oil filtration efficiency.

Soot

Soot diminishes the quality of anti-wear additives in oil. Many experts argue that Standard 40-micron, surface-type, full-flow filters are ineffective in removing soot particles from the oil. When this soot concentration exceeds 3.5%, the whole aim of preventing machine wear through oil filtration is lost.

FAQs:

What are the key factors affecting oil filtration effectiveness?
Several factors impact oil filtration, including the type of filter media, the viscosity of the oil, system pressure, flow rate, and the particle size of contaminants. Selecting the right combination ensures optimal filtration performance.
How does oil viscosity impact filtration efficiency?
High-viscosity oils can reduce the flow rate through the filter, leading to inefficient contaminant removal, while low-viscosity oils flow more easily, enhancing filtration. It’s essential to use filters designed for the specific viscosity of the oil being used.
Does system pressure influence filtration performance?
Yes, system pressure directly affects the flow rate of oil through the filter. High pressure filter systems may require robust filter housings and high-performance media to handle the stress and maintain filtration efficiency.
Why is filter media selection critical for effective oil filtration?
The filter media determines the ability to capture and retain contaminants. Options like cellulose, synthetic, and wire mesh media offer varying levels of filtration efficiency and durability. Choosing the correct media ensures the removal of particles while maintaining proper oil flow.

About Harvard Filtration Systems

We have a wide variety of oil filtration systems to fulfill your industrial filtration requirements. Harvard Filtration solutions successfully remove water and other pollutants from oil components and equipment, extending their service life and efficiency. Learn more about Harvard Filtration systems and our elite offerings.