Lubricant Filtration

Keep industrial oil clean and dry

It is a known fact that filtering new and used oils, keeping them clean of particulates, and removing moisture will prolong the life of the oil and your equipment. Studies have shown that as much as 70 percent of all premature machine failures can be attributed to contamination. Here are a few necessary steps to take in order to mitigate oil contamination:

  • “Purify” new oil when it is received into your facility
  • Store it in a clean, dry area
  • Properly label all lubricants
  • Use lubricant analysis to determine the condition of the oil
  • Establish an ISO code cleanliness goal
  • Re-purify as required to maintain cleanliness and moisture levels.
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Never assume “new lubricants are clean lubricants,” because they usually aren’t.
More than likely, your new lubricant does not meet the desired OEM e=cleanliness specification right from the new lubricant’s container. There are many recommendations for cleanliness levels based on system criticality, pressures, and clearances. These are mostly based on the ISO cleanliness measurement standard ISO 4406:99. PBMSC can assist you in determining the appropriate ISO Cleanliness Level for your equipment.

ISO cleanliness measurement standard ISO 4406:99 is a two or three-numbered system measuring how many and what size particles are in an oil. The code is expressed in a format that reads like this: ISO 18/16/13. The first number refers to particles above 4 microns, the second above 6 microns, and the third number refers to particles above 14 microns. For light oils, typically ISO150 or lower, a particle counter is used to measure the particles. In heavy oil, typically higher than ISO 150, a patch test is used where the particles are counted under a microscope. The results are reported in PPM/ml of fluid. Most analysis reports provide the particle count. If yours does not, you will need to use an ISO 4406 particle count chart to determine the specific lubricant category listed on your report.

Lubricant filtration system
Lubricant filtration product
Lubricant filter product
In most industrial applications, the size range of particles that has been found to contribute most to equipment wear are sized between 2 and 25 microns. Lubricants have both soft and hard particles that are counted in the total particle count. However, it is the hard particles that do the most damage and should be removed. Most soft particles are harmless and are often part of the additive package. Water is a soft particle as well but is not desirable in most lubricants. Water levels above 250 ppm/ml can begin to cause lubricant degradation by weakening the lubricant film strength and ultimately damaging your equipment.

PBMSC provides a full line of filtering systems that can remove particulate, water, varnish, and gasses.

PBMSC offers these systems for rental, lease, or purchase. Our experienced staff can provide on-site services and training. We can even take care of the freight to and from your location.

Need help?

Schedule a consultation with our Lubrication Service Specialists today.
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