Safety Filter Function

Despite upstream filtration and oil conditioning, fine contaminants may remain threatening sensitive equipment. Safety filters provide last-line defense removing particles to 3-10 microns absolute protecting expensive machinery from abrasive wear and failure.

Filter Design

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with filtered oil inlet, high-efficiency cartridge elements, clean oil outlet to equipment, differential pressure monitoring, bypass protection preventing overpressure, drain connections.

Element Technology

Absolute-rated filter media guaranteed removal at specified micron level. Typical ratings 3, 5, or 10 microns absolute. Depth filtration or surface media depending on dirt-holding requirements. Multi-layer construction optimizes efficiency and capacity.

Operating Pressure

Design pressure matches oil system typically 50-300 psig for turbine lube oil, higher for hydraulic systems. Clean filter DP 5-10 psi. Replacement required at 25-35 psi differential preventing bypass.

Particle Removal

Removes wear metals from bearings, seal fragments, varnish particles, dirt ingress, and degradation products. Protects equipment meeting ISO cleanliness codes 16/14/11 or better for critical applications.

Material Construction

Carbon steel for petroleum oils. Stainless steel for synthetic oils, food grade, or corrosive applications. Filter housings materials compatible with oil chemistry and operating temperature.

Bypass Protection

Spring-loaded bypass valve opens if filter plugs completely preventing system damage from oil starvation. Set pressure 40-50 psi differential. Some critical applications eliminate bypass ensuring no contaminated oil reaches equipment.

Applications

Steam and gas turbine lube oil protection, reciprocating and centrifugal compressor oil filtration, hydraulic system safety filtration, gear oil purification, and any critical equipment requiring ultra-clean oil.

Element Replacement

Cartridge elements replaceable during maintenance outages. Quick-opening closures or bolted covers enable access. Elements disposable type for convenience. Spare elements stock items for rapid replacement.

Differential Pressure

DP transmitters continuously monitor filter condition. Increasing DP indicates element loading. High DP alarm warns operators. Some systems interlock with equipment shutdown preventing bypass operation.

System Integration

Positioned immediately upstream of critical equipment after oil coolers and conditioning. Short piping distance minimizes contamination pickup. Final protection before oil enters bearings and controls.

Oil Cleanliness

Maintains ISO 4406 cleanliness codes meeting equipment manufacturer requirements. Typical turbine lube oil 16/14/11 or cleaner. Servo hydraulic systems require 15/13/10. Safety filter ensures specification compliance.

Performance Benefits

Prevents catastrophic equipment failures from contamination. Extends equipment life by eliminating abrasive wear. Reduces maintenance costs through bearing and seal protection. Critical safety system for expensive machinery.

Construction Standards

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

ERGIL oil safety filters provide final contamination removal protecting critical turbines, compressors, and hydraulic equipment through high-efficiency filtration.