Safety Filter Purpose

New oil contains manufacturing debris, rust from storage drums, water contamination, and particulates. Used oil returning from equipment carries wear metals and degradation products. Inlet filtration prevents these contaminants entering critical equipment causing damage.

Filter Configuration

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with oil inlet, cartridge filter elements or bag filters removing solids, water separation section if required, filtered oil outlet to storage or equipment, drain for accumulated water and solids.

Filter Media

Cartridge filters rated 3-25 microns depending on equipment protection requirements. Depth media captures particles throughout thickness providing dirt-holding capacity. Pleated designs maximize surface area in compact space.

Operating Pressure

Typical 50-150 psig matching oil transfer pump pressure. Design per ASME Section VIII for operating pressure with safety margin. Pressure drop through clean filter 5-10 psi.

Particle Removal

Removes rust, scale, manufacturing debris, dirt, and wear particles protecting downstream equipment. Filtration prevents abrasive damage to bearings, seals, control valves, and precision components.

Water Separation

Coalescing elements optional for removing water from contaminated oil. Free water settles in vessel bottom for drainage. Critical for turbine lube oil and hydraulic systems where water causes corrosion and performance issues.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for petroleum oils. Stainless steel for synthetic oils or corrosive applications. Filter housings in materials compatible with oil chemistry. Design prevents contamination from vessel materials.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring indicates filter loading. Clean DP 5-10 psi increasing as elements capture contaminants. High DP alarm signals element replacement typically at 25-35 psi. Prevents bypass damaging equipment.

Applications

Turbine lube oil systems protection, compressor oil filtration, hydraulic system inlet filtering, gear oil purification, transformer oil treatment, and any application requiring clean oil for equipment protection.

Element Replacement

Cartridge elements replaceable during maintenance without system shutdown. Quick-opening closures enable access. Elements disposable or cleanable depending on design. Spare elements maintained for rapid replacement.

Bypass Protection

Bypass valves prevent overpressure if filter plugs completely. Set pressure above normal DP but protecting equipment. Some designs eliminate bypass ensuring contaminated oil cannot reach equipment.

System Integration

Positioned in oil delivery line from storage to equipment. Protects expensive machinery from contamination damage. Multiple filters in parallel for continuous operation during element changes.

Oil Compatibility

Filter materials compatible with petroleum, synthetic, and specialty oils. Temperature rating accommodates hot oil applications to 150C. Seals and gaskets resist oil chemistry and additives.

Performance Benefits

Protects equipment from contamination damage extending life. Prevents unscheduled shutdowns from oil quality failures. Simple filtration technology with proven reliability. Cost-effective equipment protection.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Filter elements per manufacturer specifications. Materials for oil service. Complete documentation with filtration efficiency data.

ERGIL inlet oil safety filters provide equipment protection through contamination removal in turbine, compressor, and hydraulic oil systems.