Activated Alumina for Oil Filtration Process:

How do I know if I am using the right filters for my system?This is a common and very valid question. The first part of the answer lies in determiningthe level of cleanliness and the conditions required by the system. If the lube -oil iscommon to all components in the system, the cleanliness level should be set inaccordance with the most contamination -sensitive component. Thecomponent manufacturer should have that information, but don't count on it. Yourowner's manual may also have the information. If not, your oil analysis lab retainsextensive records about contamination levels for all major components (valves, bearings,gear boxes, etc.).

Can the Total Acid Number (TAN) be reduced in an existing lube-oil system?The answer is a qualified yes. Hard -working lube-oils and hydraulic fluids change theircharacteristics with time. Acid is one by -product of aging. Other factors aretemperature,water, levels, wear -particles and additive depletion. Individual lubricating brands containdifferent additive packages. Blenders attempt to have their products satisfy theapplication. Acid is the by -product of complex chemical reactions within the system.Unchecked acid "feeds" on itself, thereby raising TA N numbers. Highly oxidized fluidsreveal high acid numbers.

Virtually all lube -oils, mineral-based and synthetic, will respond to "conditioning"techniques which are applied off -loop to the main reservoir utilizing Fuller's Earth,activated alumina, enhanced activated alumina or ion -exchange. Filter systemsshould operate at low flow rates that increase the contact time between acidic fluidsand the conditioning media.

We will recommend suitable products based on your lube -oil system. If a system displaysearly acid warnings, off -loop conditioning should be considered. We suggest trackingTAN numbers for 2 -3 sample periods. Conditioning techniques should also beaccompanied with RBVOT analysis that will monitor additive packages.In general, it is not practical to reduce acid levels to "zero". However, acid can be keptwithin acceptable limits through timely and continuous conditioning, verified by regularoil analysis TAN monitoring.

Why are there three water phases within a given lube -oil system?

There are several reasons. Much of the explanation is tied to the chemistry of lubricatingoil - both mineral and synthetic. From an operational standpoint, it originates with oil'sinherent attraction to water. Lube -oils dissolve water. However, oil has a water -saturation point beyond which excess water becomes either entrained (emulsified) ortotally free. Therefore, we have to deal with dissolved, emulsified and free -water.Temperature has a huge influence on water solubility in oil. At higher temperatures, oil dissolves greater amounts of water. Emulsified water displays variable characteristics.Additives and blender formulations affect performance. Free -water is visible in mostmineral oils.

Karl Fischer (ppm) oil analysis readings report the total water con tent of thesample which may consist of free, emulsified and dissolved water. The breakdownof free, emulsified and dissolved water is not reported on these tests.

What are realistic and attainable "dryness" levels (low water PPM)

The primary tools for water removal are: water -absorbingcartridges and bags, centrifuges, vacuum distillation, coalescing anddehumidification. Each has a distinct water-removal concept. It isimportant to identify water's source and to quantify it, if possible. Insteam turbines, water invasion may be continuous. Heat exchangerleaks are typically progressive. Unprotected reservoirs open the doorto airborne moisture contamination. New oil may not be water-free.Fundamental to remedial efforts is the "dryness" target that isappropriate for a lube -oil system. Equipment makers, blenders and oilanalysis labs have recommendations. Once the targets areestablished, water removal techniques can be selected and put intoaction.

Why isn't new oil clean and ready for use?

This is a question that must be answered by your lube -oil supplier. Contamination canbe controlled by the blender, but at a cost. Filtration is the best protection from thetanker to on-site storage. Some oil merchants will certify a cleanliness level at the time ofdelivery. However, after on -site arrival of new lube -oils, operators should exertdisciplined care to prevent further contamination.

What are the solutions to sticky servo-valves?

One cause of sticky servo -valves is the oil's condition. Problem oils are usually highlyoxidized that are caused by high temperatures, additive depletion, water andother contaminants that aid the oxidation process. Increasing total acid numbers (TAN)are certain indicators of pending problems.

Highly oxidized oils display visible contaminants that appear as gummy and gel -likedeposits on internal valve surfaces and spool -valve filters. Some operators call it"varnishing". Corrective action, other than dumping the entire oil batch, is off -loopfiltration and conditioning. The objective is to curtail TAN increases. In some cases TANnumbers can be partially reversed, thereby increasing the oil's productive life.Depending on the oil, TAN reduction is achieved via one or more of the following media:Activated Alumina 3-5mm- [Sorbead India Manufacturer]. The best and the mostlasting results will be found in continuously re -circulating the reservoir system with aproperly sized off-loop conditioning filter system.

Why are off-loop filters recommended when I already have filters on my system?

Reservoir systems that support rotating machinery operate with relatively smallreservoirs. Reservoirs are getting smaller a d smaller which results in higher velocities.Most off-loop filtration systems function best at low flow rate. Particle removal andconditioning works best in non -turbulent conditions. Off -loop filters, therefore, aredesigned for low flow rates: 2-15 gpm, depending on the system.

Off-loop filters do not require system shutdown for element change. Alarm settingsare not affected. Longer life can be expected from the high -flow filter operatingelsewhere on the package. Operators can choose from a wide media range of filterelements that will remove dirt, water and control acid.

Why Do Lube-Oils Get Sick?

On close examination, it's quite amazing that lube -oils behave in much the same way ashuman beings, especially in the face of airborne viruses, germs, smoke, dust andparticles capable of inflicting great harm.

For example, take the common cold. Woe unto unwary people who ignore the dangersigns. When most of us realize that a cold has set in, it's too late. In spite ofeveryone's best intentions, colds incapacitate millions of people every year. The sameapplies to common lube-oil. Hard-working, reservoir-supported machinery andequipment suffer slow-down and failure. Driven equipment ignores oil degradation androlls on, in spite of the oil's sickly condition.

Human beings are capable of helping themselves through the common cold ordeal, but,in far too many cases within American industry, operators are not vigilant over sufferinglube-oils. So, WhyDo Lube-Oils Get Sick?

The simple answer: lube -oils are taken for granted. Oil deterioration acceleratesmechanical problems.

Other culprits include: seals by-pass, heat exchanger leaks, unprotected reservoirs, andexcessive wear particle generation. Serious problems are hidden from view andprogress slowly in early stages. Unrecognized lube-oil p roblems, however, increaserapidly leading to component and system failure.

Man and machines are similar in many respects. Common words define conditions:sluggish, hot, vitamin and additive shortage, physical conditioning and even "acidcramps". Lube-oil systems are as vulnerable as are human beings.

Healthy lube-oils are characterized by four conditions: ... low ISO counts ... low water(PPM) counts ... low TAN numbers ... controlled viscosity. All of these conditions areattainable.

Manufacturer for ActivatedAlumina

SORBEAD INDIA306-307 Prayosha Complex,Opp Channi NakaVadododar Guajart India 390002.www.sorbeadindia.comTel +91-265-2761041/ 42ISO:9001: 2000 Certified Company