How to Deal with Sediments in Lubricating Oil
In the daily use of lubricating oil, some users may notice visible fine impurities and sediments in the oil. These can include mechanical impurities such as sand, dust, metal shavings, fibers, and certain insoluble salts. In technical terms, sediments refer to all inorganic and organic substances in the oil that are insoluble in solvents (such as toluene). They are one of the specification indicators for medium and heavy fuels. Sediments may include both mechanical impurities and additives that precipitate at low temperatures.
For lubricating oil, the presence of sediments can have several negative effects:
• Damaging the oil film, increasing wear and tear
• Blocking oil filters
• Accelerating the formation of carbon deposits
• Reducing overall lubrication efficiency
To ensure reliable operation and extend equipment life, sediments and impurities must be properly addressed.
Methods for Handling Sediments in Lubricating Oil
1. Dealing with Impurities Within Equipment Systems
Different machines are equipped with different lubrication systems—some larger, some smaller. Typically, these systems consist of oil tanks, pumps, coolers, filters, valves, pipes, and gauges, connected through pipelines to various lubrication points such as bearings, crankcases, and oil grooves.
In such systems, filtration and circulation are essential. Using appropriate oil filters and separators helps continuously remove impurities, ensuring that lubrication points remain clean and well-supplied.
2. Treatment for New Equipment
When a new machine is installed, it is not enough to simply ensure the oil pipes are visually clean. The entire lubrication system must undergo oil circulation flushing before commissioning.
If the system contains dirt or construction residues, they can obstruct normal operation and even damage sensitive components such as bearings. Proper flushing guarantees cleanliness of the oil circuit and provides a solid foundation for the machine’s long-term stability and performance.
3. Treatment for Long-Term Operating Equipment
In equipment that has been in use for extended periods, impurities and sediments inevitably accumulate. In such cases, the system should be flushed with flushing oil until the level of impurities meets the required standards.
It is important to note:
• The flushing oil used in the cleaning process should be discarded or repurposed after flushing.
• If there is a need to reuse flushing oil, it must undergo thorough oil analysis and testing to ensure cleanliness standards are met.
• Even after reuse is approved, additional filtration and water/impurity separation must be performed both before and during service.
Final Thoughts
Sediments and impurities in lubricating oil are more than just a nuisance—they pose a real threat to equipment reliability, efficiency, and lifespan. From installation of new systems to maintenance of long-term operating machinery, proper flushing, filtration, and oil analysis are essential practices.
👉 Remember: Clean oil is the cornerstone of stable equipment performance. By managing sediments effectively, operators can prevent wear, reduce downtime, and extend the service life of their machines.
