Lube and Hydraulic Oil Purifiers with Integrated Oil Dehydrators: What They Are and Why You Need Them

Manage Many Contaminants with One Machine

Industrial oil purifiers with integrated oil dehydrators are essential for maintaining the quality and service life of industrial lube and hydraulic oils. They remove contaminants such as water, gases, dirt, metallic particles, and other solids. This helps improve the oil's performance while reducing wear and tear and the cost of equipment ownership.

What is an oil purifier?

An oil purifier is a device or process that removes unwanted contaminants from industrial lube and hydraulic oils.  It is widely recognized that these “oil purifiers” remove water, gases, and solid contaminants. Other common names for an oil purifier are “oil dehydration unit,” “oil purification and dehydration unit,” and “oil dehydrator.” 

How do they work?

These systems work by passing the oil through a dehydration and filtration process. The oil dehydration process usually consists of a heater and a vacuum chamber. Both heat and vacuum improve the efficiency but must be limited to avoid damaging the oil.  The vacuum dehydrator removes free and dissolved water and gasses exhausting them to the atmosphere through the vacuum pump. The filters remove particles, such as dirt, scale, and metal shavings.. 

These systems are typically connected to an oil reservoir in a kidney loop circuit.  The oil is recirculated through the oil purifier continuously until the desired water concentration and ISO cleanliness level (measure of particulate content) is reached.

Purchase PowerFlow XLP Series Oil Dehydrator / Purifiers HERE

Do I Need an Oil Purifier

Oil purifiers with integrated oil dehydrators are essential for improving industrial oils' quality and service life. Contaminants in oil can cause several problems.  Following are some examples:

• Reduced performance: Contaminants in lube oil can interfere with the oil's ability to lubricate. This can result in excessive friction and heat, reducing machine efficiency and productivity.
• Increased wear: Water contamination can cause corrosion and reduced hydrodynamic film thickness, leading to component wear and premature machine failure.
• Hydraulic control issues: Air bubbles increase the compressibility of hydraulic fluids.  This will eventually result in sluggish or unresponsive control within a hydraulic system.  Lack of control presents process and safety issues that can be very costly.

Benefits of Using an Oil Purifier

Following the issues mentioned above, there are several benefits to using an oil purifier with an integrated oil dehydrator, including:

• Improved equipment performance: Oil purifiers can help improve equipment performance by removing contaminants that can interfere with lubrication and protection.
• Improved machine reliability and productivity: Oil purifiers with dehydrators can help reduce machine failures and lengthen service intervals by removing contaminants that erode and corrode critical components.
• Reduce the cost of replacing oil: Oil purifiers can help extend the oil service life by removing contaminants that break it down.

Industries Using Oil Purifiers with Integrated Oil Dehydrators

• Power generation and distribution
• Petrochemical processing
• Metalworking
• Food processing
• Pulp & paper
• Mining

If you use industrial oils in your operation, you should consider using an oil purifier to protect equipment, processes, and profits.  Let Powerflow Fluid Systems help you choose an oil purifier that meets your needs.

Unlocking Efficient Dissolved Gas Control for Non-Aqueous Liquids with 3M Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic, SP Series, Membrane Contactors

 In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency is the key to success. Industries such as printing, inks, coatings, and semiconductors rely on cutting-edge technology to optimize their processes. One such technology is the Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors by 3M.  

Introducing Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic (SP Series) Membrane Contactors

Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors represent a breakthrough in gas transfer technology. These contactors, by 3M’s Purification and Separation Technologies Division, have found widespread application in processes that require precise dissolved gas control for liquids with low surface tensions.  Applications like ink debubbling require on-demand performance in a small OEM-friendly package.  This is precisely what 3M delivers with the SuperPhobic Series.

Key Features of Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors

• High-Efficiency Gas Transfer: The advanced design offers gas transfer rates that minimize module size and facilitate simple, compact, inline dissolved gas control.  These features help increase the speed and productivity of operations.
• SuperPhobic Membrane: The SuperPhobic membrane is engineered to be highly resistant to wetting. This allows it to be used in many applications with solvents, inks and coatings.  The unique membrane design yields consistent and reliable performance with liquids that tend to wet out other membranes.
• Compact Design: These contactors are known for their compact and space-saving design. This makes them suitable for integration into existing systems without requiring extensive modifications.
• Wide Range of Applications: Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors find applications in many industries such as pharmaceuticals, inks, paints, coatings, semiconductors, and microelectronics manufacturing. They are used for tasks ranging from debubbling inks and degasifying low surface tension liquids used in electronics, medical and testing industries. 

Conclusion

The Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors by 3M have redefined gas transfer technology, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and versatility. Pwrfs.com stocks a broad range of these contactors, designs and builds integrated systems, and offers technical expertise for all 3M Liquicel products.

Whether printing, paints & coatings, medical, semiconductor or microelectronics industry, integrating Liqui-Cel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors into your operations can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, productivity and product quality. Embrace this innovative technology and stay ahead of the competition with 3M's cutting-edge membrane contactors.

For more information on Liquicel SuperPhobic Membrane Contactors and how they can benefit your industry, please visit pwrfs.com.

Revolutionizing Dissolved Gas Control with 3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series Membrane Contactor

In gas transfer technology, innovation is pivotal in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. 3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactors utilize technology that stands out as a game-changer. As we’ll discuss, the advantages achieved with this technology have redefined dissolved gas control in processes across various industries. 

Efficiency at Its Best:

3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactors have unique features that significantly improve the gas transfer efficiency with minimal energy consumption.  Guided by a radial baffle, the fluid to be processed passes over the membrane’s surfaces twice before exiting the contactor. This improves the contact between the processed fluid and gas transfer surface qualitatively and quantitively.  As a result, the gas transfer rate is increased and dissolved gas can be controlled more precisely.  This reduces gas control systems' size, complexity, energy consumption, and cost.  Now, on-demand gas control is a reality.  Achieving a targeted dissolved gas level is now as simple as turning on a faucet.  Many customers have been able to reduce dissolved gas targets from 1 ppm down to <20 ppb while simplifying their operations.

Compact and Space-Saving Design:

Space constraints can be a significant challenge in various industrial settings. The compact design of the 3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactor addresses this issue effectively. Its small footprint allows easy integration into existing systems, saving valuable floor space and simplifying installation.

Reliable and Low Maintenance:

Durability and reliability are paramount in industrial processes. The 3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactor is built to last, with minimal maintenance requirements. Furthermore, systems incorporating Liqui-Cel contactors require minimal equipment with moving parts and controls.  A system can be as simple as a single contactor but typically may have a vacuum generator and some valves. Simplicity ensures consistent performance while reducing operator attendance and maintenance needs.  One of our customers had a time-consuming process of filling tanks and sparging for hours to deoxygenate water.  This process was very laborious and inefficient.  Now, they feed deaerated water directly from their Liqui-Cel DAW system to their process on demand.  3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactors offer precise, on-demand dissolved gas control with a hassle-free design. 

Versatile Applications:

3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactors offer more versatility. They are adaptable to different processes and fluids because they are available in many sizes with material and configuration options.  Sizes range from ½ to 14 inches in diameter and 1 to 80 inches in length.  Available process connections include flanges, sanitary, pipe and tube fittings.  Housing materials offered include polypropylene, ABS, FRP and stainless steel.  

The options available in Liqui-Cel EXF series membrane contactors make them feasible for many use cases. Power generation plants use Liqui-Cel contactors for deoxygenating boiler feedwater and decarbonating RO feedwater.  Beverage plants use them to produce deaerated water for mixing, bottle rinsing, and flushing equipment.  Pharma companies incorporate deoxygenated water into products and intermediaries utilizing this technology.

The versatility of the 3M EXF Series membrane contactors is a key characteristic that differentiates them from other available options.

Conclusion:

3M™Liqui-Cel™EXF Series membrane contactors are a revolutionary technology transforming dissolved gas control across industries. Its efficiency, versatility, unmatched performance, compact, simple design, and reliability make it the preferred choice for businesses looking to speed up, simplify and improve the precision of degasification and gasification operations. By choosing a 3M™Liqui-Cel™ EXF Series gas control system, companies can elevate productivity and reduce operational costs while improving the quality of products and the reliability of their processes. Embrace the future of gas transfer with 3M's innovative membrane contactor technology.

Revolutionizing Gas Transfer: Introducing 3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS

Dissolved gas control is a crucial aspect of various industrial processes. For instance, reducing the oxygen levels in boiler feedwater can help mitigate corrosion and tube failures. Similarly, lowering the carbon dioxide levels between RO stages can improve RO systems' performance without using chemicals. In breweries and beverage canning facilities, deaerated water is used for various applications, and beverage carbonation and nitrogenation are common. However, most gas control processes are slow, inefficient, and labor-intensive. Fortunately, 3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS provide precise control and produce water on demand in minutes.  They are also simple to operate and maintain.

The Innovation Behind LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS

3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS result from extensive research and development and decades of expertise in gas transfer processes. These compact and highly efficient devices are designed to facilitate the exchange of gases into or out of liquids, offering a superior alternative to conventional processes.

Key Benefits:

Compact Design: One of the standout features of LIQUI-CEL™ CONTACTORS is their small footprint. They are ideal for applications with limited space, allowing you to maximize your facility's potential without sacrificing performance and productivity.

High Efficiency: At the core of these contactors, microporous hollow fiber membranes are utilized to provide a substantial surface area for gas exchange. This design ensures maximum gas transfer efficiency, vital for achieving desired results in critical processes.

Versatile Applications: From pharmaceutical manufacturing to power generation, LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS find utility in many industries. The compact design, operational simplicity, materials of construction and performance characteristics make them the technology of choice for applications ranging from industrial to clean room.

Reliability: 3M Liqui-Cel contactors have a straightforward design without moving parts and require minimum operator interaction.  Combined with 3M's renowned reputation for quality and durability, users can trust the reliability of LIQUI-CEL™ CONTACTORS even in demanding industrial environments.

How Do They Work?

The underlying principle of these contactors lies in their microporous hollow fiber membranes. These membranes allow for the efficient exchange of gases between a liquid phase and a gas phase without mixing or contact. The technology ensures precise control and high transfer rates, whether the target is oxygen, carbon dioxide, or other gases. This enables you to achieve specific gas content targets in a single pass through the system.  

Where to Find Them

For detailed specifications and information on how 3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS can enhance your gas transfer processes, visit pwrfs.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS represent a significant advancement in gas transfer technology. These contactors offer a winning combination of compact design, high efficiency, versatility, and reliability, making them the go-to choice for industries where gas control is mission-critical. By adopting LIQUI-CEL™ CONTACTORS, you can bid farewell to outdated vacuum towers, forced draft systems and sparging processes.  Embrace a future of streamlined, efficient, and precise dissolved gas control in your manufacturing and production processes.

Whether in pharmaceuticals, power generation, beverage packaging or any other industry where precise dissolved gas control is critical, these contactors enable you to elevate operations to a higher tier of performance and productivity. Embrace the technological advantages offered by 3M™ LIQUI-CEL™ MEMBRANE CONTACTORS and supercharge dissolved gas control.

Improve the Performance of Lube and Hydraulic Systems with Hydac AM Water Absorbing Filter Elements

Lube and hydraulic systems need protection from water contamination. Water ingression leads to corrosion, performance and safety issues, whether from environmental moisture, cooler leaks or other means. Hydac, a respected brand in fluid technology, offers a unique solution. Their AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements are designed to separate free water from mineral oils utilizing an advanced water-absorbing filter media. Installed in standard Hydac return line filter housings, these elements offer a simple way to address light water ingression and prevent many common maintenance, performance and safety issues. Here are four benefits to expect from this innovative solution.

Superior Filtration Performance:

Hydac AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements are specifically engineered to separate water effectively but also filter particulate efficiently. Equipped with high-performance filter media, these elements capture and retain solid particles to micrometer sizes, preventing their circulation in the system. AM Series filter elements help maintain optimum fluid cleanliness levels, safeguarding your equipment from the harmful effects of solid particles.

Efficient Water Removal:

Water contamination is a common challenge in hydraulic and lubrication systems, leading to component wear, decreased efficiency, and potential system failures. Hydac AM Series elements separate free water from mineral oils with advanced water-absorbing media. The specialized media retains water up to 2.4 quarts per element, quickly reducing the overall water content. This protects critical system components and keeps your system running at peak performance.

Less Maintenance and Downtime:

Hydac AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements can significantly prolong the life of hydraulic and lubrication systems. By removing water and particulates, these filter elements reduce the risk of component wear and tear, minimizing the need for costly repairs and replacements. The result is increased equipment reliability, reduced downtime, and improved operational efficiency.

Easy Installation and Maintenance:

Hydac ensures that the installation and maintenance of their AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements are hassle-free. Designed as drop-in replacements for existing filter elements, they can easily be used in various Hydac return line filter housings. Furthermore, these elements are built to withstand pressure up to 145 psi with a broad range of flow capacities. This makes them suitable for various industrial applications. Simply switching from standard filter elements to AM Series filter elements will ensure the uninterrupted operation of your systems.

Conclusion:

For industries that rely on clean, dry hydraulic and lubrication systems, Hydac AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements offer an exceptional solution. With their superior filtration performance, efficient water separation capability, and easy installation and maintenance, these filter elements are a reliable choice. Investing in the Hydac AM Series ensures optimal fluid cleanliness, reduces downtime, and maximizes the performance of your industrial equipment. Embrace the power of advanced filtration technology and experience enhanced productivity with Hydac AM Series Water Absorbing Filter Elements. 

Improving Machine Performance and Service Life with Oil Dehydrators/Purifiers and Conditioners

Regular maintenance of industrial machinery is crucial to maximizing performance and service life. One essential aspect of an effective maintenance program is effectively purifying and conditioning lube and hydraulic oils used in the machinery. This blog post will explore the significance of oil dehydrators/purifiers and conditioners and how they improve machine performance and prolong equipment life.

Understanding Oil Dehydrators/Purifiers and Conditioners

Oil dehydrators/purifiers and conditioners are specialized systems designed to remove contaminants and maintain the quality of various oils used in industrial applications. These oils play a vital role in powering and lubricating machinery.  They also reduce friction and dissipate heat, preventing wear and tear. However, over time, contaminants such as particulate, moisture, air and other gases accumulate in the oil.  This leads to costly issues affecting machinery productivity, reliability, and service life.

The Role of an Oil Purifier

An oil purifier is a system with an oil dehydrator and particulate filter.  Dehydration removes free, entrained, and dissolved water and unwanted gases.  The particulate filter removes solid particles such as dust, soot, metallic corrosion products and carbon.  These purifiers often utilize a low-watt density heater to raise the temperature of the oil to facilitate efficient dehydration.  By employing a combination of heat, vacuum dehydration and particulate filtration, an oil purifier maintains clean, dry oil and keeps lubricated and hydraulic-powered equipment productive and reliable.

Benefits of Using an Oil Dehydrator/Purifier

• Improved Lubrication: Clean oil ensures better lubrication, reducing friction and wear between machine parts. This results in improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
• Enhanced Equipment Performance: By maintaining the oil’s recommended cleanliness level, oil purifiers help machinery operate at peak performance levels, maximizing productivity and reliability.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Continuous online oil purification minimizes the risk of mechanical breakdowns and extends the lifespan of expensive industrial equipment.
• Cost Savings: Investing in an oil purifier can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing the need for frequent oil changes and preventing expensive repairs.
• Maintaining clean, dry oil in hydraulic systems prevents safety issues related to sluggish responses and equipment failures.

Oil Conditioners

Some machinery operates in wet environments or utilizes steam that may condense and leak into the lubrication system.  If a leak suddenly occurs, it may demand rapid removal of a large volume of water, exceeding what a standard oil dehydrator/purifier can handle. 

Oil conditioners are oil purification systems designed for applications requiring bulk water removal.  In addition to a common oil dehydrator/purifier, they incorporate a special coalescing filter to knock out large amounts of water rapidly.  The coalescing filter can be used intermittently when water ingression overwhelms the oil dehydrator or continuously.

Benefits of Using Oil Conditioners

• Removes a large volume of water from oil quickly.
• Minimizes equipment damage when lubrication or hydraulic power systems are subjected to sudden, unexpected episodes of water ingression from steam seal leaks, environmental or other conditions.
• Prevents or minimizes downtime that would otherwise result from water ingression.
• Reduces waste because wet oil is dehydrated instead of being changed.

Conclusion

Oil dehydrators/purifiers and conditioners play a vital role in ensuring industrial machinery’s efficient, reliable operation. These devices improve machine performance and extend equipment lifespan by effectively removing contaminants and stabilizing oil properties. Investing in oil purification optimizes machinery operations and leads to significant cost savings in the long run.

Consider incorporating oil dehydrators/purifiers or oil conditioners into your maintenance routine to improve your equipment’s performance and reduce maintenance costs. By doing so, you can experience the benefits of cleaner oil and reap the rewards of prolonged equipment life, reduced oil waste and increased productivity.

Remember, maintaining clean and well-conditioned oil is a proactive approach to safeguarding your valuable investments in industrial machinery. Start exploring the options available in the market to find the best oil dehydrators/purifiers and conditioners that suit your specific needs and requirements.

Improve Personnel Safety and Lubrication System Health with Hydac StatX® Filter Elements

If you depend on oil-lubricated equipment, you know the importance of a clean, healthy lubrication system. It ensures safe, efficient operation. It also improves the reliability and service life of your equipment. 

Hydac StatX Series Anti-Static Cartridge Filter Elements

Hydac designed StatX Anti-Static Filter Elements for superior filtration and mitigation of electrostatic discharge (ESD.) 

As the use of API group II & III base oils increases the risk of electrostatic discharge in lubrication systems grows. These highly refined oils offer improved lubrication and better oxidative stability than Group I oils. But the extra refinement lowers the oil's electrical conductivity. Less conductive oil often leads to the accumulation of electrical charges in lubrication systems. 

ESD in operating equipment can lead to serious problems. These include accelerated oil breakdown, additive depletion and reduced filter element service life. In severe cases, incidents of fire and reservoir explosions or deflagrations occur. Moreover, charge accumulation and arc discharge present a safety hazard to equipment operators.

Oil filters often accumulate and discharge static charge.  The arc damages the filter elements and oil. The elements often have high media flux rates and electrically insulated sealing mechanisms. When oil moisture content and conductivity are low, static charges build up on standard filter elements.  With no path for safe dissipation, the potential for arc discharge is high. Using anti-static filter elements is the most simple and effective solution. Hydac’s Stat-X technology mitigates charge accumulation and virtually eliminates the risk of ESD.

Using Hydac StatX Filter Elements offers the following benefits:

Charge mitigation in all applications (other products are electrically conductive, effective in limited applications)

• Reduction of oil degradation products (varnish)
• Increased oil service intervals
• Extended service life of bearings and prevention of bearing corrosion
• Safe operation in explosive atmospheres
• Reduced unplanned downtime
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Extended maintenance intervals
• Improved safety for employees and machines, due to proven reduction of electrostatic arcing

PowerFlow Fluid Systems is an authorized distributor of Hydac filtration products. For more information about Hydac’s innovative StatX technology go here https://www.pwrfs.com/product/hydac-statx-series-anti-static-cartridge-filter-elements/.

PowerFlow supports industrial sustainability with innovative and environmentally responsible solutions for optimizing the performance of all fluid systems throughout the plant.