When to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ Your Vacuum Purifier Filter Elements

Proper maintenance of your oil vacuum purification system is essential for its performance and longevity. A key part of this is knowing when to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ its filter elements. Here’s a clear and practical guide to help you decide.

Two Main Types of Filter Elements

Most oil vacuum purifiers use two kinds of filters:

Particle Filters: Made of stainless steel mesh or synthetic material, they trap solid impurities.

Water Separator Filters: Made from special coalescing material, they separate water from oil.

Each type has different replacement needs.

When to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ Particle Filters

You should ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a particle filter when:

Visible damage occurs, such as dents or tears in the stainless steel mesh.

Cleaning no longer restores flow—if pressure remains high after cleaning, the filter may be permanently clogged.

After prolonged use, especially with high-viscosity oils that are hard to fully clean.

Tip: Higher precision filters (e.g., 1–20 micron) are often disposable. Coarser stainless filters (>40 micron) can usually be cleaned and reused multiple times.

When to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ Water Separator Filters

These filters don’t get dirty in the same way but lose effectiveness as they become saturated. ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a water separator filter if:

Dehydration performance drops—the oil remains cloudy or watery after processing.

It has been in use for 2–4 years, depending on oil quality and water content.

The filter is saturated and cannot effectively separate water.

This type generally does not require cleaning—only replacement when performance declines.

General Replacement Tips

Always drain the filter housing after processing high-viscosity oils to avoid clogging.

Never let a filter soak in old oil for long periods, especially during storage.

After replacement, ensure all connections are secure before restarting the system.

Choosing the Right Filter

Selecting a filter that’s too fine for your application can lead to frequent replacements and higher costs. Choose a filter precision that matches your oil type and contamination level for the best balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.

By replacing your filter elements at the right time, you’ll ensure high oil purity, protect your equipment, and save on long-term operating costs.