Five Common Misconceptions in Oil Purifier Use

Five Common Misconceptions in Oil Purifier Use — How Many Have You Fallen For?

Oil purifiers (also known as oil filtration machines or oil treatment systems) play a critical role in maintaining equipment reliability in power plants, manufacturing industries, petrochemical plants, and hydraulic systems.

However, many equipment failures are not caused by the oil itself but by misunderstandings in how the oil purifier is used.

In this article, we reveal the five most common mistakes technicians make when using oil purification equipment—and how to avoid them.

If your filtration results have been unstable, slow, or ineffective, you may be falling into one of these traps.

1. Misconception #1: “As long as the oil level is normal, the oil quality is fine.”

Many operators only check the oil level but ignore the actual condition of the oil, such as water content, color, oxidation, and suspended particles.

Why is this dangerous

Water contamination reduces insulation strength (critical for transformer oil).

Oxidized or emulsified oil damages pumps and seals.

Impurities accelerate equipment wear.

Correct approach

Perform visual inspections daily.

Run periodic tests: moisture, particle count, acid value, and dielectric strength.

If you see foam, discoloration, or odor—stop the machine and investigate.

2. Misconception #2: “The filter element can be used until it completely clogs.”

This is one of the most widespread and costly mistakes.

What happens when you delay filter replacement

Flow rate drops significantly

Vacuum level becomes unstable

Filter media ruptures and causes reverse pollution

Pumps and heaters experience overload

Correct approach

ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ filter elements based on differential pressure or recommended intervals.

Never use low-quality or refurbished filters.

Always choose OEM-grade filter elements for best compatibility.

3. Misconception #3: “A low vacuum reading is normal during operation.”

Most users do not realize that vacuum leakage or poor vacuum pump maintenance drastically reduces dehydration efficiency.

Common causes of low vacuum

Aging sealing rings

Vacuum pump oil emulsification

Loose connections or worn gaskets

Improper shutdown procedures

Correct approach

Check vacuum pump oil frequently.

Perform leak detection every one to two weeks.

ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ sealing components on schedule.

Never shut down the machine without venting the vacuum chamber (to prevent oil backflow).

4. Misconception #4: “Oil pipelines and barrels don’t need cleaning.”

Many purification failures come from secondary contamination, not from the purifier itself.

Why is this mistake costly?

Dirty hoses contaminate freshly filtered oil

Old oil residues accelerate filter clogging

Barrels containing water or sludge reduce purification efficiency by 30–50%

Correct approach

Clean hoses, valves, quick couplers, and oil drums before use.

Filter new oil before filling the equipment—it is often not clean from the factory.

Store hoses and fittings in dust-free conditions.

5. Misconception #5: “Any temperature setting works as long as the oil is warm.”

Heating is essential for efficient moisture removal, but incorrect temperature settings can cause serious issues.

Risks of improper temperature

Too high → oil oxidation, gas formation, and safety hazards

Too low → poor water separation and long processing time

Recommended temperature ranges

Transformer oil: 40–60°C

Hydraulic oil: 50–65°C

High-viscosity lubricating oil: 60–75°C

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines rather than adjusting parameters blindly.

Conclusion: Avoiding These Misconceptions Extends Equipment Life and Saves Costs

Using an oil purifier properly is not just about turning on the machine—it requires understanding how oil, filtration technology, and equipment components work together.