(531g) Batch and Continuous Drying of Lubricating Fluids With Novel Industrial Membrane Dehydrators

Ingression of ambient moisture over time into lubrication fluid systems in industrial gearboxes causes major operational and maintenance problems. Water can be present in lubrication systems as free, emulsified and dissolved water. The contamination level of water in lubrication oil adversely affects the service life of the associated components (e.g., industry studies show gear/bearing life increase from 5 years to 25 years). Accelerated metal surface fatigue can be promoted even if all the water present in the fluid is dissolved.

A compact novel membrane-based system to dewater lubricating oil in real time has been developed. With gear oil circulated on one side of the membrane module and a vacuum with ambient sweep air on the other side; the device can remove free, dispersed and dissolved water and extend the reliability and life of gearboxes, reduce maintenance costs, and increase uptime.

The paper will discuss the deleterious effects of water in lubricating oils.  Literature data will be presented that documents the negative impact that water at various concentration levels can have on the service life of bearings. Data will also be presented illustrating the design and the real-time efficacy of a small footprint, novel membrane dehydrator to remove 100% of free and emulsified water and to reduce dissolved water to below 100 ppm. The paper will also provide quantitative insight into the consequences of batch versus continuous drying of lubricating fluids.