Activated Alumina filters adsorb acids and other products of oxidation from hydrocarbon and synthetic oils.

1. Activated Alumina for Oil Filtration Process:
How do I know if I am using the right filtersfor my system?
This is a commonand veryvalid question.The first part of the answerlies in determining
the level of cleanliness and the conditions required by the system. If the lube -oil is
common to all components in the system, the cleanliness level should be set in
accordance with the most contamination -sensitive component. The
component manufacturer should have that information, but don't count on it. Your
owner's manual may also have the information. If not, your oil analysis lab retains
extensive records about contamination levels for all major components (valves, bearings,
gear boxes, etc.).
Can the Total Acid Number(TAN)be reduced in an existinglube-oilsystem?
The answer is a qualified yes. Hard-working lube-oils and hydraulic fluids change their
characteristics with time. Acid is one by -product of aging. Other factors are
temperature,
water, levels, wear-particles and additive depletion. Individual lubricating brands contain
different additive packages. Blenders attempt to have their products satisfy the
application. Acid is the by -product of complex chemical reactions within the system.
Unchecked acid "feeds" on itself, thereby raising TA N numbers. Highly oxidized fluids
reveal high acid numbers.
Virtually all lube-oils, mineral-based and synthetic, will respond to "conditioning"
techniques which are applied off -loop to the main reservoir utilizing Fuller's Earth,
activated alumina, enhanced activated alumina or ion -exchange. Filter systems
should operate at low flow rates that increase the contact time between acidic fluids
and the conditioning media.
We will recommend suitable products based on your lube -oil system. If a system displays
early acid warnings, off -loop conditioning should be considered. We suggest tracking
TAN numbers for 2 -3 sample periods. Conditioning techniques should also be
accompanied with RBVOT analysisthat will monitoradditivepackages.
In general, it is not practical to reduce acid levels to "zero". However, acid can be kept
within acceptable limits through timely and continuous conditioning, verified by regular
oil analysisTAN monitoring.
Why are there threewaterphaseswithin a given lube-oil system?
There are several reasons. Much of the explanationis tied to the chemistryof lubricating
oil - both mineral and synthetic. From an operational standpoint, it originates with oil's
inherentattractionto water. Lube-oils dissolvewater.However, oil has a water -
saturation point beyond which excess water becomes either entrained (emulsified) or
totally free. Therefore,we have to deal with dissolved,emulsifiedand free -water.
Temperature has a huge influence on water solubility in oil. At higher temperatures, oi
l dissolves greater amounts of water. Emulsified water displays variable characteristics.
Additives and blender formulations affect performance. Free -water is visible in most
mineral oils.
Karl Fischer (ppm) oil analysis readings report the total water con tent of the
sample which may consist of free, emulsified and dissolved water. The breakdown
of free, emulsifiedand dissolvedwater is not reportedon these tests.

2. Whatare realistic and attainable "dryness" levels (low waterPPM)
The primary tools for water removal are: water -absorbing
cartridges and bags, centrifuges, vacuum distillation, coalescing and
dehumidification. Each has a distinct water-removal concept. It is
important to identify water's source and to quantify it, if possible. In
steam turbines, water invasion may be continuous. Heat exchanger
leaks are typically progressive. Unprotected reservoirs open the door
to airborne moisture contamination. New oil may not be water-free.
Fundamental to remedial efforts is the "dryness" target that is
appropriate for a lube -oil system. Equipment makers, blenders and oil
analysis labs have recommendations. Once the targets are
established, water removal techniques can be selected and put into
action.
Why isn't new oil clean and readyfor use?
This is a question that must be answered by your lube -oil supplier. Contamination can
be controlled by the blender, but at a cost. Filtration is the best protection from the
tanker to on-site storage. Some oil merchants will certify a cleanliness level at the time of
delivery. However, after on -site arrival of new lube -oils, operators should exert
disciplined care to prevent furthercontamination.
What are the solutionsto stickyservo-valves?
One cause of sticky servo -valves is the oil's condition. Problem oils are usually highly
oxidized that are caused by high temperatures, additive depletion, water and
other contaminants that aid the oxidation process. Increasing total acid numbers (TAN)
are certain indicators of pendingproblems.
Highly oxidized oils display visible contaminants that appear as gummy and gel -like
deposits on internal valve surfaces and spool -valve filters. Some operators call it
"varnishing". Corrective action, other than dumping the entire oil batch, is off -loop
filtration and conditioning. The objective is to curtail TAN increases. In some cases TAN
numberscan be partially reversed, therebyincreasingthe oil's productive life.
Depending on the oil, TAN reduction is achieved via one or more of the following media:
Activated Alumina 3-5mm- [Sorbead India Manufacturer]. The best and the most
lasting results will be found in continuously re -circulating the reservoir system with a
properly sized off-loopconditioning filter system.
Why are off-loopfilters recommended when I alreadyhave filters on my system?
Reservoir systems that support rotating machinery operate with relatively small
reservoirs. Reservoirs are getting smaller a d smaller which results in higher velocities.
Most off-loop filtration systems function best at low flow rate. Particle removal and
conditioning works best in non -turbulent conditions. Off -loop filters, therefore, are
designed for low flow rates: 2-15 gpm, depending on the system.

3. Off-loop filters do not require system shutdown for element change. Alarm settings
are not affected. Longer life can be expected from the high -flow filter operating
elsewhere on the package. Operators can choose from a wide media range of filter
elementsthat will removedirt, waterand control acid.
Why Do Lube-Oils Get Sick?
On close examination,it's quite amazingthat lube-oils behavein much the same wayas
humanbeings, especiallyin the face of airborneviruses, germs, smoke,dust and
particles capableof inflicting great harm.
For example, take the common cold. Woe unto unwary people who ignore the danger
signs. When most of us realize that a cold has set in, it's too late. In spite of
everyone's best intentions, colds incapacitate millions of people every year. The same
applies to common lube-oil. Hard-working, reservoir-supported machinery and
equipment suffer slow-down and failure. Driven equipment ignores oil degradation and
rolls on, in spite of the oil's sicklycondition.
Human beings are capable of helping themselves through the common cold ordeal, but,
in far too many cases within American industry, operators are not vigilant over suffering
lube-oils. So, WhyDo Lube-Oils Get Sick?
The simple answer: lube -oils are taken for granted. Oil deterioration accelerates
mechanicalproblems.
Other culprits include: seals by-pass, heat exchanger leaks, unprotected reservoirs, and
excessive wear particle generation. Serious problems are hidden from view and
progress slowly in early stages. Unrecognized lube-oil problems, however, increase
rapidly leadingto component and system failure.
Man and machines are similar in many respects. Common words define conditions:
sluggish, hot, vitamin and additive shortage, physical conditioning and even "acid
cramps". Lube-oilsystemsare as vulnerable as are humanbeings.
Healthy lube-oils are characterized by four conditions: ... low ISO counts ... low water
(PPM) counts ... low TAN numbers ... controlled viscosity. All of these conditions are
attainable.
Manufacturer for ActivatedAlumina
SORBEADINDIA
306-307Prayosha Complex,
Opp Channi Naka
VadododarGuajart India 390002.
www.sorbeadindia.com
Tel +91-265-2761041/ 42
ISO:9001: 2000 CertifiedCompany