Compressor lubricant emulsification
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The compressor lubricant has emulsified; what changes occur in its viscosity after filtration and water removal, and can it still be used?
It can’t be used; it has gone bad. Physical methods won’t work. I’m not sure if that’s correct?
It’s better to use new lubricant. The lubricant used in compressors can be taken out, filtered to remove water, and then used in pumps where stricter requirements do not apply.
If it becomes deteriorated and emulsified, it can no longer be used; the lubricant must be replaced
Thank you all! It’s indeed new oil that was just installed; the oil cooler of the unit started leaking and emulsifying, which is quite unfortunate. Since the water flow rate isn’t high, I’m wondering if it’s possible to salvage something from the situation. We have an oil filter; it was used in the past only for filtering impurities, and we have no experience with emulsification processes.
It can be used as long as water is supplied to remove the moisture and impurities.
It’s just emulsification caused by water; I wonder if it’s possible to use a vacuum oil filter to remove the water before using it again
Stop using it; it has already emulsified. Replace it with new oil. The used oil can be drained and filtered, and then used in pumps where lower performance standards are sufficient
If new oil enters the system, the oil filter or flare can still be used; at worst, filter some samples for oil quality testing – give it a try.
Consider using a dehydrating oil filter; if the parameters such as viscosity and moisture are within normal ranges, it can be used perfectly. The key is to find the cause of the water inflow.
Drain the existing lubricant, rinse it with new oil, and then fill it with oil