If you are thinking about changing your filtration system to use high-viscosity oils to keep your gearboxes running smoothly, there are few things you should consider first. Some industrial gearboxes require specific types of lubricant that will depend upon many factors, like environment and load speed. The following can help you decide if switching to an offline oil filtration system is right for your operations.
First, consider the optimal cleanliness target level for your gearbox. Review the manufacturing specifications for your equipment and ensure that you use adequate breathers. If you don’t do this, any attempts at cleaning your oil will not work. Selecting the right type of lubricant and filtration system will help keep your industrial gearbox clear of harmful dirt and debris.
Second, make sure that you use a dedicated filter for each type of lubricant in your gearboxes. You should avoid cross-contamination of fluids as much as possible. This will help keep your equipment clean and running efficiently.
Since your filters use power, you should ensure that they comply with all recommended safety requirements. The last thing you need is a safety incident related to one of your filters. For example, make sure you’re using pressure venting safety valves in the event the pump dead-heads.
Make sure your offline filtration cart uses a bypass loop to connect your filters. Also, make sure to incorporate a sampling connector for bottle sampling. The design of your filtration system depends on two issues: the viscosity grade of your lubricant, and the temperature at which it will operate. The higher your viscosity, the lower flow rate for the pump. Be sure that the system you choose is correct for your industrial gearbox and its oil.
Fourth, while you can use quick connectors to your cart, you should also be aware that viscosity is affected by temperature. So, if your gearbox is located outdoors or in a non-insulated room, assume that the colder temperatures have affected the viscosity. Your filtration system should be able to help you determine the oil’s viscosity.
You should always keep in mind the flow rate, total liters to filter, and total time available for filtering. You need to allow enough time to filter your entire lubrication system to avoid issues. A good rule is to allow your lubricant to circulate at least seven times through your industrial gearbox for good cleanup.
Keep in mind how clean you want your lubricant to be. For the most effective filtration, you want a ten-micron filter. If you don’t need anything that clean, consider a six-micron filter. The more efficient the filter, the slower your flow rate. You may want to consider using water absorbing materials to ensure that your gearbox is protected from emulsified water.
Finally, if your filtration system is located in an area that is at risk for fire or explosions, consider using a single or three-phase filtration unit. Doing this should help prevent accidents from hurting your equipment and employees. You should also keep in mind the location of your power sockets and electrical connections.
Using the right filtration system for your equipment is vital to its efficiency. If you need affordable, high-quality industrial gearbox inspection, repair, or maintenance, contact the experts at Amarillo Gear Service in Amarillo, Texas today. We offer an easy-to-use Portable and fixed Filtration System that can help you sample, filter, and change the oil in your industrial gearbox.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with our experienced technicians, or learn more about Oil Management Solutions, call us at (806) 622-1273 or Contact Us via email today. You can also learn more about our Amarillo Gear™ and Marley™ gearbox repair services, and the Regions We Service.
