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Varnish Removal Systems

varnish removal system
varnish removal

Our Varnish Removal Systems (VRS) were developed to address the need to properly remove varnish (also known as lacquer, sludge, or tar) commonly found in various lubrication and hydraulic systems. Our process utilizes either granular adsorbent media or depth media filter elements to effectively remove dissolved and suspended oil degradation products (i.e. the cause of varnish). Varnish removal is accomplished with oxidatively stable media, engineered to selectively remove only the varnish-causing contaminants without disturbing the oil’s additive package.

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Why be concerned about varnish?
Varnish contamination has become a significant maintenance problem in many critical hydraulic and lubrication oil applications, such as gas turbines, compressors, and hydraulic presses.  Varnish contamination in Gas Turbine Lube Oil Systems has been a particularly high profile issue over the last decade. A very small amount of varnish that plates out on the metal surfaces within the lube oil system (such as a servo-valve) can cause inefficient operation or prevent the system from starting properly, resulting in a fail-to-start condition or in some cases a unit trip.

OIL BREAKDOWN ACCOUNTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF ROTATING MACHINERY FAILURES AROUND THE WORLD TODAY.

  • Many different models to choose from:
    We have single & multiple housing configurations available. We also have single housings to accept stacked ion exchange elements. In addition, we have options to accept Depth Media Cartridges, Acid Removal Cartridges such as Fuller’s Earth, Activated Alumina, Selexorb, and Ion Exchange Filter Elements.

  • Custom Options:
    NEMA 4 Standard or NEMA 7 Explosion Proof Electrical Optional Voltages: 110 / 220 Volt Single Phase 230 / 460 or 380 to 580 3-Phase Options Skid Mounted with Casters for Portability Custom Housings to Accept Depth Media Elements, Acid Neutralization Elements and other Ion Exchange Elements

  • Ion Exchange Elements:
    Our standard elements measure approximately 7″ Diameter X 32″ Length and when saturated with oil, they require a special lifting mechanism included with the system. One person can easily remove and install a new element.

WHAT CAN VARNISH DO TO MY SYSTEM?

  • Decrease the effectiveness of heat exchangers, making it more difficult to control fluid temperature

  • Increase the wear rates of valve components, load gears, and bearing surfaces

  • Increase bearing temperatures

  • Shorten the lubricant’s life by reacting with the anti-oxidant system

  • Cause premature filter change-outs and oil flow restrictions

AVAILABLE SIZES

  • 5 GPM System - with one slip stream housing @ 1.0 GPM for Varnish Removal, followed by one full-flow housing @ 5 GPM for Particulate Removal. Suitable for reservoirs up to 2500 gallons.

  • 10 GPM System - with one slip stream housing @ 2 GPM to accept two Varnish Removal Elements and one full-flow housing @ 10 GPM flow for Particulate Removal. Suitable for reservoirs up to 5000 gallons.

  • 1 GPM System - (sized for smaller hydraulic and lube oil reservoirs)

APPLICATIONS

  • Turbine Lube Oil

  • Hydraulic Oil

  • Fryquel® EHC Fluid

  • Paper Machine Oil

  • Compressor Oil

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