Lube oil cleaning centrifuge for multiple applications

Fluid Power Energy (FPE), Waukesha, Was., now has four models of Spin-Clean oil centrifuges available. The Spin-Clean centrifuges are designed to be fitted to industrial engines in many applications including mining equipment, drilling rigs, oil and gas production and transmission, construction equipment, marine propulsion, generator sets and rail engines. FPE noted that its Spin-Clean centrifuges have been installed on a variety of engine makes and models serving duty in these types of applications.

"In serving industrial engine and power generation markets with other products, we saw an opportunity to offer customers an engine life-enhancing product in the form of an engine lube oil cleaning centrifuge," said FPE President Douglas Bayerlein. He joined with Product Manager Bob Odum to develop the Spin-Clean centrifuge, which offers several benefits to the user. Having installed hundreds of similar products over the past 30 years, Odum developed a design offering enhancements over what was previously available to the industry, according to the company.

Spin-Clean centrifuges can remove engine-damaging contaminating particles down to 0.5 micron and outperforms any conventional filter currently available, the company said. "When properly sized for the engine application, the benefits are outstanding," Odum said. "The Spin-Clean centrifuge will reduce engine wear a minimum of 50%, extend lube oil life a minimum of 45% and extend full-flow filter life a minimum of 45%The centrifuge also offers engine operators a substantial reduction in hazardous waste, which translates to cost savings as well."

The Spin Clean centrifuge is installed as a bypass unit working to complement standard filter elements. It is driven by excess engine oil pressure produced by the engine lube oil pump. This oil pressure drives the unit's internal turbine assembly with sufficient speed that generates a centrifugal force of 1000 times the force of gravity, the company said. This high centrifugal force results in compaction of the oil solid contaminates against the inside of the turbine bowl. The Spin-Clean centrifuge can be cleaned while the engine is running by shutting off its oil supply The ability to clean the centrifuge while the engine is running reduces downtime and loss of production, the company said. The design of the Spin-Clean turbine assembly disassembles into three pieces where the open-on-both-end turbine bowl is accessible for easy cleaning.

The extension of oil filter service and drain intervals will result in reduced hazardous waste fees, noted Odum. "Examination of the residue, when cleaning, aids in the detection of coolant or fuel leaks and can also identify wear of other engine components. Simply, the removal of the solid contaminants will naturally result in the reduction of engine wear and extend the life of an engine.

"The Spin-Clean centrifuge will not harm or remove oil additives or conditioners," Odum continued. "When properly sized and installed, the centrifuge will not adversely affect engine performance. Proper sizing for the engine is important so that you're not putting a flea in to do an elephant's job."

For engine applications, Spin-Clean centrifuge is available in four basic models offering six different flow rates. This flexibility allows for proper selection to meet the wide range of engine applications found in worldwide operation.

Spin-Clean centrifuges are also available in pressurized housings for application on rotary screw compressors and glycol service. Fluid Power Energy has an engine sizing worksheet avail able that can be used to correctly size the proper centrifuge for each engine application. Aside from Spin-Clean, the company also manufactures thermostatic control valves and Air-Stop air intake shutoff valves.