The development of lubricating oil tank ventilation systems with very high separation rates, precise pressure regulation, and an optimal service life is among our core skills and one of the central services of UT99.
Fundamentals of lubricating oil tank ventilation
Oil-lubricated turbine bearings produce an oil mist, which is typically vented centrally through the oil tank. Active coalescing filters are the ideal choice for venting and separating the oil mist, as they use a blower to create a vacuum in the tank that prevents the unintended escape of oil mist through small gaps (e.g., labyrinth seals). The effective separation process, characterized by low pressure loss, guarantees minimal oil mist emissions and low energy consumption levels. The TA-Luft (German Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control) limit values of 10 (or 20) mg/m³ are easily met.
REQUIREMENTS
The lubricating oil tank ventilation system has to fulfill two main tasks:
1- Separate aerosols
- Ideal: total degree of separation (mass) > 99%
2- Ensure vacuum in lubricating oil tank
- Ideal for numerous applications: vacuum of approx. -1 to -7 mbar
Sensors can also be installed in the ventilation system to obtain valuable information about the operating status of the system. The differential pressure across the filter is particularly useful, as it can also be used when planning the filterelement change.
Other important requirements for lubricating oil tank ventilation components are:
Compact dimensions and light weight of the filter systems located directly above the bearing
Chemical resistant
Temperature resistant
Vibration resistant
High gas tightness
Longevity (filter change interval > 8000 hrs.)
Did you know?
A slight vacuum should always be present in the lubricating oil tank to prevent harmful oil-based aerosols from escaping in an uncontrolled manner.
Efficient filter systems are needed in order to comply with national workplace limit values.