Like gasoline, oil is vital to the operation of your car’s engine. It ensures that the hydraulic system works efficiently. Additionally, it prevents friction from damaging the moving parts.
However, its effectiveness wanes over time due to the accumulation of dirt and other contaminants. When this happens, most motorists opt for an oil replacement. But is this the only solution?
You don’t always have to replace oil, as there are alternative methods of prolonging the usefulness of your engine. For instance, you can always opt for fracking fluid ends that are used in drilling operations to improve the quantity of hydrocarbons that can be extracted. Doing so can prevent corrosion as well. Similarly, there are many ways you can improve the warranty of the engine. In this article, we will discuss the process that involves the fitting of an oil centrifuge. It purifies the oil whenever the engine is running.
Oil centrifuges work by removing the contaminants that are denser than the oil. But they don’t remove the included additives. They are more effective than filters. This is because filters can’t remove impurities smaller than 30um (maximum pore size), causing wear and tear through friction. Also, centrifuges clean at a consistent rate throughout their operation. On the other hand, filters tend to be less efficient after extended use.
Types of Oil Centrifuges
The two types of oil centrifuges are powered centrifuges and self-powered centrifuges.
- Powered centrifuges: these use a direct mechanical couple or a combination of pump and motor. That drives the centrifuge when pressure is insufficient or entirely unavailable.
- Self-powered centrifuges: these use system pressure and need a regulator to maintain the pressure at a maximum of 100psi. This guarantees safe operation.
How Centrifuges Work
The standard components of an oil centrifuge are its housing, a level control base, a separation chamber, and a turbine. Here is how it works.
- The contaminated oil enters the separation chamber under high pressure (usually between 45 and 100psi). It then flows through the vertical spindle.
- This pressure is transformed into kinetic energy that rotates the centrifuge at high speeds of up to 8,000 rpm. As this happens, the oil filters through a pair of tangentially opposed nozzles.
- The force generated by the fluid separates the contaminants from the oil. Notably, this force is 3,000 times stronger than the earth’s gravitational pull.
- Particles denser than oil move outward and stick onto the inner walls, forming a hard cake-like substance.
5.The clean oil leaves the centrifuge, ready for reuse.
It is vital to ensure that the contaminated oil reaches the centrifuge in the best condition possible for the best results. This means that it must be hot and get supplied at high pressure to lower its viscosity and spin the turbine at the highest speeds.
Why You Need an Oil Centrifuge
Besides saving the money you would have otherwise used on oil replacement, here are other benefits of investing in an oil centrifuge:
- Reduced machine downtime: since you don’t have to replace oil often, your machine will operate for more hours. Thus, increasing your productivity.
- Reduced Costs: investing in oil centrifuges ensures that you don’t have to regularly pay for machine servicing costs. This is because centrifuges remove the smallest particles and prevent the damage caused by friction.
- Eco-friendliness: by using oil for as long as possible, you protect the environment from the effects caused by oil spills.
Final Words
The most effective way of extending your engine’s oil life is by using a oil centrifuge. Moreover, you don’t have to replace any components. All you need to do is remove the sludge after every cleaning cycle.
It’s worth noting that oil centrifuges work best when mounted to an engine permanently. However, they are still effective if adjoined to other parts, such as gearboxes and hydraulic systems.
Lastly, ensure that you purify your oil regularly to prevent potential damage to your centrifuge.