Tag Archives: oil filtration

New or Old, Hydraulic Oil Needs Filtration and Purification

To avoid replacement of contaminated oil that can still be used, it can, and should be be filtered and restored.  Obviously, the objective is to minimize costs while maximizing the result.

For this purpose, GlobeCore offers on site filtration solutions.  The filtration fineness of our UVR plant is 3 microns.

To evaluate just how efficient the 3 micron standard is, let’s take a look at proportional hydraulic systems.  The maximum allowable particle size is 5 microns.  If you were to measure the purity of new replacement oil for this equipment, you will see particles as high as 20 microns in the fluid.  Purification therefore, is not an option, it is mandatory before putting new oil into proportional hydraulic machine systems.

The precise price of oil purification through filtration may be determined directly on site.  The process will be influenced by many factors and the most important ones are (1) the volume or amount of processed oil, and (2) the degree of fluid contamination.

Each equipment manufacturer produces operator’s manuals for hydraulic fluid replacement, but that doesn’t mean that such manuals are always read and followed.  The main principles of a fluid replacement operation are as follows:

Oil should have been be stored in sealed vessels.  Before placing the oil into the hydraulic system, the hydraulic tank should be cleaned and should be absolutely free from all dirt and contamination accumulated during previous operations.

Oil must be filled only from clean canisters by special pumps.  These pumps prevent contaminants from entering the hydraulic system from the surface of the container.  At no time should new fluid be exposed to outside air and poured into the fluid tank.  The new fluid should be pumped though hoses from the top of the container into the fluid tank.  This will prevent any moisture found at the bottom of the container from being placed into the fluid tank.

If the fluid does have contact with air, its maximum storage life is approximately two years.  If a malfunction of the system requires that the fluid be drained, it’s properties should be examined before being returned to the hydraulic equipment fluid reservoir.

This is a relatively inexpensive process, especially in the case of heavy machinery with large volumes of the fluid.

Industry statistics reveal that as much as 70% of all hydraulic failures are caused by contamination of the system’s fluids.  Every professional mechanic learns a a very simple rule: “The purity of hydraulic oil is the basic foundation of reliable operation and long service life of hydraulic systems.” It is however, not the only factor.  Additionally, the careful selection of hydraulic fluid and use of the correct replacement procedures are just as important.

If you wish to protect your hydraulic equipment and extend the service life of the fluid in your circulating hydraulic systems, GlobeCore has your answer.  GlobeCore offers the best and most cost effective alternative to solving your preventive maintenance problems.  GlobeCore is the industry leader and provides you with all the best possible solutions to hydraulic fluid purification.

GlobeCore has several various models designed for purification and regeneration of turbine oil, industrial oil, and transformer oil.  The GlobeCore product and equipment range can tackle any purification problem in the industry today including Offshore and Marine applications.

Oil suppliers rarely provide oil of the purity required for modern hydraulic and lubrication systems. Hence the need for the consumers to take matters in their own hands and bring supplied oils up to spec.  GlobeCore will do this for you because you have enough to worry about.

It’s time to get with the Process, The GlobeCore Process!

Transformer Oil Purification Plant Sucessfully Commissioned in Saudi Arabia

In February this year, GlobeCore specialists commissioned a GlobeCore UVM-10 plant in Saudi Arabia that had been ordered by one of the Saudi electric generating companies.

The Saudi customer selected this equipment for a good reason.  The GlobeCore UVM-10 is a universal plant that purifies transformer insulating oil, turbine oil, industrial oil, and other types of oil.  The UVM-10 unit restores oil by removing water, gas and other various solid contaminants.

The unit has a very wide scope of uses and applications.  It can be used during installation, repairs and operation of oil filled high voltage equipment up to 1150 kV.

Additionally, the UVM-10 can heat equipment with hot oil, perform nitrogenation of transformer oil and add oil into high voltage inlet ports.

The unit features a reliable protection system that shields the unit from overloads and overheating as well as short circuiting of electric components, pumps, motors, lighting and controls.

The UVM-10 stops in case of phase skipping, incorrect phase sequencing, as well as overheating of oil or the oil heater.  Light and sound alarms alert the operator to any problems.

The unit is easy to operate and can be used either in closed buildings or in the field.

Its time to get with the Process.  The GlobeCore Process!

Daria Shaddad Discusses the Seminar’s Program with Jordanian Collegues

The participants at this forum were most interested in GlobeCore’s CMM-R mobile oil regeneration plant.

The CMM-R plant, as part of the GlobeCore Service Life Extension Program, extends the service life of electric power transformers by restoring dielectric strength and chemical composition of the transformer insulating oil.

The main advantage of CMM-R unit is its capability to regenerate insulating oil in the transformer online and while energized.

Other products presented at the forum were the UVM-4/7 line of industrial oil purification plants, as well as the BV vacuum section line of products designed for the removal of various contaminates and gas products from transformers.

During the forum, which lasted for one and a half hours, the participants asked many questions and participated in a discussion regarding the equipment presented.

The Jordanian participants were especially interested in the automatic “sorbent reactivation” technology featured in the CMM-R units, as well as the capability of the CMM-R plants to regenerate silicon oils.

Transformer Insulating Oil Market 2014-2018 Forecasts and Analysis

Texas, USA:  ReportsnReports.com has published “Transformer Oil Market 2014-2018” which provides “Forecast and Analysis” research in the transformer oil market.
Analysts forecast the global transformer oil market to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.10 % during the period between 2013 and 2018.

The Report divides the global transformer oil market into three divisions: mineral-based transformer oil, bio-based transformer oil, and silicone-based transformer oil.  These are the type of products used to meet the demands of various end-user segments.

The “Global Transformer Oil Market 2014-2018” report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts.  The report covers the North American, Europe and APAC regions.  it also covers the Global Transformer Oil market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years.  The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

According to the Report, the market driver is an increase in demand from developing countries and the main challenge is the possible adoption of dry distribution transformers.

The Report covers the following regions: North America, Europe and APAC.  Key vendors mentioned are Ergon Inc., Nynas AB and PetroChina Co. Ltd.  Other prominent vendors mentioned in the report are Apar Industries Ltd.,  Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P., Cargill Inc., Dow Corning Corp. and San Joaquin Refining Co. Inc..

A summary of the report is attached below:

Source: PRWeb

Transformer oil acts as a dielectric medium in oil-filled transformers to cool and insulate the transformer windings and core.  The transformer windings and core, which are highly stable at high temperatures, are fully immersed in these oils as they prevent the contact of atmospheric oxygen with the cellulose paper insulation of the windings, which are highly prone to oxidization.  There are mainly three types of transformer oils: mineral-based, silicone-based, and bio-based.  Of these, mineral-based transformer oil is largely preferred mainly because of its good electrical and cooling properties and cost-effectiveness.

TechNavio’s analysts forecast the Global Transformer Oil market to grow at a CAGR of 9.10 percent over the period 2013-2018.

Covered in this Report

The Global Transformer Oil market can be segmented into three divisions: mineral-based transformer oil, bio-based transformer oil, and silicone-based transformer oil. These are type of products used to meet the demands of various end-user segments.

TechNavio’s report, the Global Transformer Oil Market 2014-2018, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the North America, the Europe and APAC regions; it also covers the Global Transformer Oil market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key Regions

  • North Americas
  • Europe
  • APAC

Key Vendors

  • Ergon Inc.
  • Nynas AB
  • PetroChina Co. Ltd.

Other Prominent Vendors

  • Apar Industries Ltd.
  • Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P.
  • Cargill Inc.
  • Dow Corning Corp.
  • San Joaquin Refining Co. Inc.

Market Driver

  • Increase in Demand from Developing Countries
  • For a full, detailed list, view our report.

Market Challenge

  • Adoption of Dry Distribution Transformers
  • For a full, detailed list, view our report.

Market Trend

  • Recovery of European Automotive Industry
  • For a full, detailed list, view our report.

Key Questions Answered in this Report

  • What will the market size be in 2018 and what will the growth rate be?
  • What are the key market trends?
  • What is driving this market?
  • What are the challenges to market growth?
  • Who are the key vendors in this market space?
  • What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?

GlobeCore manufactures equipment for the servicing of transformers that includes oil regeneration, purification, and filtration systems featuring the GlobeCore Process!

Which kind of Transformer Oil Should my Company Buy?

A great number of manufacturers and distributors of transformer oils operate in international and national markets.

Transformer insulating oil is a dielectric liquid that is intended for cooling and insulating electric power transformers and other high voltage equipment.  Transformers remain an indispensible part of the electric power generation and transmission industry.

In scientific terms, transformer oil is a product of crude oil refining.  The performance properties of transformer oil depend heavily on the quality and parameters of the raw material.  The performance of the oil is defined by the positive and negative properties of the crude oil.  Chemical composition of oil is quite complex.  It includes the following components: paraffin (10-15%), naphtenes or cycloparaffins (60-70%), aromatic hydrocarbons (15-20%), asphalt (1-2%), sulfuric compounds (<1%), nitric compounds (<0.8%), naphtenic acids (<0.02%) and antioxidation additive (0.5 – 0.5%).

Transformer oils must be highly resistant to oxidation and must not form sludge or emulsify when coming in contact with water.  Anti-oxidation additives are an important component and can be found in virtually all types of transformer oil.  When selecting an oil for your equipment, be sure to look for oils that have good antioxidant additives included since they will inhibit the oxidation process considerably better than uninhibited oils.

The efficiency of such additives is based on the ability of the additives to react with active peroxide radicals that form as the result of hydrocarbon oxidation reaction and are the primary carriers.  The presence of additives in transformer insulating oils slows the aging of the oil.  As soon as the additive is depleted, the oil ages in about the same amount of time as an oil without the the antioxidant additives.  Without the additives, the oil aging process will accelerate.

Two of the main characteristics of transformer oil are its viscosity and density.  These have a pronounced affect on the function of the oil.  Higher viscosity may mean better dielectric strength, but may reduce the ability of the oil to transfer heat and cool the transformer.  Optimal kinetic viscosity of the oil at 20 ̊C is about 28-30×10-6 m2/second.

The oil’s “Dissipation Factor” is responsible for the oil’s dielectric properties and protects the transformer’s electrical system from possible short circuits.

These and the other characteristics of transformer oil are improved by the use of high quality crude oil, deep refining and introduction of additives that increase the oil’s oxidation stability and reduce corrosion.

When oil is significantly oxidized due to the influence of water, solids, air and other gases, and high temperatures, the oil should be replaced.  If the degradation of the oil’s properties is not detected in time, transformers can and will fail.  When oil decays, it can no longer serve as a dielectric insulator and starts to react with the metal of the transformer tank and hinders cooling and may lead to short circuits.

The following are some of the different kinds of oils that may be purchased in the local market:

VG type oil is made from paraffinic crude oil by a catalytic process with the addition of an antioxidant  additive.  It is a good dielectric and is rather stable against oxidation.  It is mostly used in higher voltage equipment.

GK type oil is made of sulfuric paraffinic oils by hydrocracking.  It also contains ionol, an antioxidant, that ensures good stability and dielectric properties of the oil.  It is another kind of oil used in higher voltage systems.

TKp oil is made from low-sulfur naphtenic crude by an acid-alkali purification process.  The oil also contains antioxidant additives.  This oil is recommended for equipment with voltage up to 500 kV.

Oil selection depends not only on the type of electric equipment you are using, but also on the individual requirements of the facility.  Most of transformer oils are universal.  In all cases, the correct selection of oil type with consideration of local climatic and physical operating conditions ensures reliable and stable operation of electric power equipment such as high voltage transformers and switch gear.

Quality Assurance: Methods of Transformer Oil Testing

The performance characteristics of transformer insulating oil are monitored and tested at several stages during its service life.  Regular monitoring of the oil’s quality and condition is a part of the process of servicing electric power equipment. The condition of the oil, its purity and contamination level will greatly help in indicating the condition of the transformer’s solid insulation.  It is therefore, essential to the life of the transformer to periodically monitor the condition of the insulating oil.  The heart of the transformer is the solid insulation, but the insulating oil is the life blood of the transformer.  Without the life blood, the heart will die.

The ability of insulating oil to maintain its original performance characteristics during long term operation of electric equipment is referred to as “oil stability.”  If the electric power equipment has no defects and operates in accordance with design and expectations, the performance characteristics of new oil will change and degrade slower.  When new, transformer oil has a very light color and complies with performance standards that include dielectric strength and other important characteristics.  During the course of the oil’s service life, the stability of the oil decreases and visible changes occur and oil’s color slowly becomes darker and darker.

Contaminated oil usually has a high ash content, increased acidity and presence of low molecular acids.  Acidic sludge forms in contaminated oil and aggressively attacks the cellulose insulation and reacts with the metals of the transformer’s other internal components.

Timely oil monitoring and oil analysis programs can identify when the oil needs to be changed or serviced through an oil purification and/or oil regeneration process.  Servicing the oil before it becomes aggressive against the solid insulation is the key to extending the service life of your transformers.

The main physical and chemical properties tested are the oil’s dielectric strength, dissipation factor, flashpoint, color, amount of solid particulate matter, water content, gas content and the oil’s acid number.

Dielectric strength is one of the most important indications of oil stability and this is often the first test performed.  The “dielectric breakdown test” is calculated as an average of five breakthroughs achieved in a standard discharger with two electrodes submersed in the oil at 2.5 mm distance from each other.  Six breakthroughs are achieved in the test and the last five are averaged.  If the oil is fresh, the lowest allowable breakthrough voltage is 30 kV.  In some transformers, that meets the minimum operating standard.

Decreasing dielectric strength is caused by contamination of the oil by gas, moisture, cellulose fibers or other particulate matter.

A similar process is used to calculate the oil’s “dissipation factor.”  It is the the oil’s ability to neutralize energy, prevent breakthroughs and cool the transformer.   It is a characteristic of the oil’s quality and purity and acidity.  In general, an increased dissipation factor means degradation of the oil’s dielectric capabilities.

The color of transformer oil changes from light yellow to cloudy brown under the influence of temperature, contaminants and electric current.  The color is not in itself an indication of any specific problem, but a dark color is usually an indication of aged and/or contaminated oil.

The presence of solid particles in the oil and the acid number of the oil are two related oil purity characteristics.  Unsolved materials accumulated in the oil in the form of sludge or suspended particles (fibers, dust, solved paint, metal particles, ash etc) degrade the oil’s dielectric properties and promote oil oxidation.  The more particles that are present in the oil, the faster the oil ages. The acid number is expressed as milligrams of KOH required to neutralize all acids in a gram of oil and indicates the degree of oil aging.  A normal and acceptable acid number is 0.25 mg KOH/g, while the limit of contaminant content is 515 parts per million (ppm).

Moisture and gas content in transformer oil must be tested for thoroughly.  Water and gases are very damaging to your transformer insulation system and are two main cause of the oxidation process and oil aging process.

Moisture and water content is measured as amount of hydrogen when reacting the oil with calcium hydride in a certain period of time.  Gas content is measured by an absorptiometric analyzer or a chromatographer.

The oil’s flashpoint and the oil’s setting point are two indications of the general fire safety of the oil and the oil’s ability to operate in adverse temperature conditions both hot and cold.

The are distinct advantages of testing and analyzing transformer oil before starting your electric power equipment and during scheduled maintenance events.  Oil testing allows the operator to determine the equipment’s operating efficiency, conditions and the possibility of future malfunctions.  If the purity and quality standards are followed, the equipment will be less likely to experience failures and downtime and unscheduled maintenance and repair costs.

Transformer Oil Storage Tanks

In power transformers and in electric equipment in general, oil is used to insulate and to cool.  The use of various types of oil for power systems is governed by internationally recognized standards.  The purpose of the uniform standards is to keep electric power equipment and systems in good working condition.  Of course, this depends on the performance characteristics and general condition of the transformer insulating oil.

Any business that uses oil must be concerned with the issue of oil storage and disposal.  This is especially important for the energy sector and the electric power generating and transmission industry.

Transformer insulating oil may come from the factory or substation in more than one condition.  Even when the oil is fresh from the manufacturer, it is possible that undesirable amounts of moisture and gases accumulated in the oil during transportation.  Transformer oil delivered from the manufacturer and purified to comply with the performance standards is usually stored in liquid storage tanks at maintenance facilities.  Regardless of the condition of the oil, whether it is new or used, it must be stored in a safe and leak proof container.

For the purposes of fire safety, the manufacturer must strictly adhere to national safety and fire prevention standards.  The actual method of storage however, and the availability of specially equipped buildings, tanks, and service equipment can vary greatly depending on location, climate and country.

A wide range of different oil storage tanks can be found in the local and international markets.  There are soft tanks that can drain and store oil more quickly reducing transformer servicing and possible downtime.  But, these types of tanks are better suited for transporting oil to interim storage facilities.

For actual storage of liquids, the most widely used tanks are vertical cylindrical tanks that are equipped with leveling quality controls, agitation systems, temperature sensors and built-in maintenance systems.

A vertical insulated tank is made of steel with heated circulation pipes below the surface.  For tank maintenance and servicing, a ladder is mounted on the tank with a protective rail along the top. Temperature is monitored by a thermistor installed in the bottom of the tank that displays the temperature on the tank’s control panel.  The heat exchange system is made of an array of pipes and insulation jackets.

Proper oil storage systems should be designed to keep the oil in good condition and preserve the oil’s performance characteristics.   Proper stored oil maintenance will help in eliminating the costs associated with additional purification and regeneration due to premature aging of the oil while being stored before use in your electric power equipment.

 

Expert Opinion about the Classes of Hydraulic Oil Purity

Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Corrective Maintenance

Reliable operation of hydraulic equipment, widely used in various industrial facilities, depends mostly on the quality and purity of the internal cooling and lubrication oil.  Industrial machines normally operate under heavy loads and sometimes they operate under very difficult environmental conditions.  Regular maintenance of industrial equipment therefore, can allow maintenance personnel to detect possible equipment malfunctions in a timely manner.  The the essence of Preventive Maintenance is the avoidance of having to perform Corrective Maintenance.

The Problem

The presence of solid particles in oil and hydraulic fluids can quickly degrade the oil and the fluids in your hydraulic equipment.  Also known as particulate matter, among such particles, 70-85% are quartz,  10–15% are aluminum oxide, and  5–10% are iron oxide.  Contamination of hydraulic oil also disrupts the operation of your safety and regulation valves besides causing damage to your hydraulic system.

Although replacing used and/or contaminated oils and fluids is helpful, the complete replacement of oils and fluids is not a complete solution.  That is because the hydraulic system itself is most likely contaminated by metals and sludge.  These “remain behind contaminates” will actually contaminate fresh oil as soon as it is placed into the hydraulic system thereby negating most of the benefits of replacing the oil.  The new oil can also be contaminated during incorrect transportation, storage, handling, and filling of equipment.

Another important point, with regards to your maintenance program, concerns the filtering system of your hydraulic equipment.  The filters built into the hydraulic systems cannot, and do not ensure the required purification of oil circulating in your hydraulic system.

Oil purity class is not an indication of its compatibility with certain industrial equipment types.  Also, a specific purity class cannot give a precise answer as to the oil’s reliable operation.  Equipment loads will always have a direct influence on the rate of degradation of the oil.

The Solution

For reliable operation of hydraulic fluid systems and for the prevention of malfunctions caused by contaminated and degraded oils and fluids, it is necessary to use hydraulic oil purification equipment as part of a comprehensive scheduled maintenance program.

Selection criteria of such systems include consideration of the following attributes: (1) low filtration and regeneration costs; (2) reduction of repair and maintenance costs; (3) high purity level of the processed oil; (4) removal of sludge and contaminants from oil tanks and equipment reservoirs; (5) flexibility through a mobile or stationary design; and (6) compliance with international fire and health regulations.

The Best Solution

In order to provide the hydraulic equipment industry with machines that meet the requirements of the above listed criteria, GlobeCore has developed its line of UVR type units for oil purification and regeneration.  These plants are an efficient one-stop solution for a whole array of filtration and service equipment problems.  One GlobeCore UVR unit on a mobile platform can quickly service several machines regardless of location.  It can easily move around your facility and does not require readjustment for different kinds of oil or equipment.

The use of oil purification and regeneration equipment produced and supplied by GlobeCore increases hydraulic system reliability, reduces your maintenance costs, and extends the service life of your valuable hydraulic equipment.  The GlobeCore Process is a complete regeneration and filtration process and restores your hydraulic oil to its original new specs and reduces the amount of maintenance work and downtime when operating your equipment.

The GlobeCore Process can be used to purify oil before it is placed into your equipment and it can be used to purify and restore your used and contaminated oils and fluids.  GlobeCore equipment is flexible, versatile, reliable, and extremely cost effective.  GlobeCore adds Value to your maintenance program.

It’s time to get with the Process.  The GlobeCore Process!

Hydraulic System Operating Oil – What should we do next?

The cooling and purification of industrial hydraulic oil is a basic requirement in extending the service life of any hydraulic system.  Efficient cooling and purification solutions increase the reliability and service life of hydraulic equipment systems.  Efficient operation, along with timely prevent maintenance, will increase your long term profits.  To protect your equipment and the components of your hydraulic systems, the GlobeCore company, which operates in more than 70 countries in the field of oil purification equipment, offers a wide range of systems for reclamation and regeneration of any oil type.  This includes transformer insulating oil, hydraulic oils, transmission oils, turbine oils, and industrial oils of all types.

Used oils do not need to be used only as relatively cheap heat or energy sources any longer.  At present, it is possible to restore the used oil to its full market value.  GlobeCore has developed the GlobeCore Process for degassing, drying, and the purification of oils and hydraulic fluids.  Today, GlobeCore regeneration systems will allow your company to profit from used oils instead of having to pay for oil replacement and for the cost of disposing of used oil.

The Problem

Disposal of waste oil is becoming less and less common.  According to the latest expert conclusions, a large amount of waste oil products are constantly being generated in many industrial applications.  This rise in industrial waste oil has led to increases in handling and disposal costs and fines for violations of environmental regulations.

The Solution

GlobeCore offers an excellent solution to the problem.  The GlobeCore Process is now available for the complete restoration of used oil used in commercial applications.  The customer will no longer have to  pay for oil disposal, oil handling and for environmental licenses.  Instead, the customer can now reuse the what used to be a waste product.  A unique oil purification and regeneration process is used in a wide range of GlobeCore products.  The GlobeCore Process is environmentally sound because it does not cause the emission of unwanted gases, liquids and solid materials into the environment.  The use of the GlobeCore Process  facilitates up to a 95% conversion rate and that equates to a tremendous saving for your company in time, labor, oil and money.

GlobeCore has a line of equipment intended for the purification and regeneration of used industrial oil by removing solid particles, water, and other contaminates.  The process produces oil color improvement due to the removal of oil aging products, unwanted additives and finely dispersed asphaltenes.  The GlobeCore machines are quite simple and easy to operate.  They do not require complex adjustments and enjoy the competitive advantage of high mobility and the use of special self-reactivating sorbents for the regeneration of fluids.

Up to 90% of tar, asphaltenes, carbenes and carboids are removed from the used oil in the process of purification with mild effect on the oil’s additives.   Various solid particles and water are removed entirely with complete restoration of the oil to it’s original specification and color.

Complete GlobeCore plants may be used for the filtration and adsorption process of various types of oils, including hydraulic fluids and industrial oils.  The GlobeCore systems does not require readjustment for various oils.  They also do not require filter replacements since the regeneration and adsorption elements automatically reactivate themselves after each cycle of oil restoration/regeneration has been completed.

The uniqueness and affordability of the GlobeCore Process units makes them an excellent and cost effective investment for your company.

It’s time to get with the Process.  The GlobeCore Process!

The laws of hydraulic oil purification

Oils and other operating liquids, used as lubricants and coolants in various industrial equipment, are prone to degrade under the influence of elevated temperatures, pressures or flow. The functionality of oils depends on viscosity, oxidation stability and purity, lubrication capabilities, corrosion and emulsification. The difference of hydraulic oils from other oils is the relatively higher viscosity of the oil for high pressure hydraulic actuators. High viscosity makes operation of equipment unsafe or impossible. On the other hand, to ensure efficient operation of the systems, oil viscosity must exceed 20 cSt. Otherwise the pumps will experience increased wear, causing rapid loss of efficiency.

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