Centrifugal oil separation is a process used to separate solids from a liquid, typically in applications like oil refining and wastewater treatment. It relies on the principles of centrifugal force, density differences, and the behavior of particles in a rotating system.
If you've just invested in a centrifugal oil separator or are thinking about boosting your engine’s performance with one, you might be wondering how it all works. That’s what we’re here to explain today!
IOW Group are global leaders in centrifugal oil filtration and separation technology, featuring the eQlyps, our all-in-one filtration system. Combining a Q series backflushing filter, backflush pump, MP centrifuge, and state-of-the-art remote monitoring technology, it’s the ultimate oil cleaning solution for engines of all kinds.
In the guide below, we'll explore what centrifugal force is, how centrifugal oil separators make use of it, and what factors play a role in making these systems perform their best.
To understand how centrifugal oil separators work, you first need to understand how centrifugal force works.
Centrifugal force is a pseudo-force that appears to push objects away from the center of rotation. It’s called a “pseudo-force” because it's not a real force in the fundamental sense, like gravity or electromagnetic forces. Instead, it's a perceived force that appears to act on an object moving in a circular path. It arises due to inertia, causing objects to move in a curved path when they are subjected to circular motion. There’s no actual force pushing outward; it's the object's own inertia that makes it want to continue moving in a straight line, which gives the impression of an outward force.
Take this example: a car going around a curve. As the car turns, you might feel pushed outward against the car door. This sensation is due to the car's inertia trying to keep it moving in a straight line, while the car itself is curving.
Centrifugal oil separators are named as such because they depend on centrifugal force to work. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
The effectiveness of centrifugal oil separation is dependent on rotation speed and other operational parameters. Higher speeds generally result in better separation.
The design of a centrifugal oil separator is crucial in determining its separation efficiency. A well-designed separator can effectively remove all impurities from a liquid, while a poorly designed one may not perform as efficiently. Here are some key design factors that affect separation efficiency:
Centrifugal oil separators were first invented decades ago, and their design had remained largely unchanged since their introduction. When the engineers at IOW Group realized just how outdated they were, we set out on a five-year journey to completely revamp the traditional centrifuge design. We ended up creating a brand-new range of four centrifugal oil separators, all of which performed at a level unmatched by any other - and one that’s still unmatched to this day.
Available in four different sizes, our separators use centrifugal force 2,000 times stronger than gravity to effectively remove contaminants that can harm engines. They massively extend the lifespan of lubricating oil in both engines and gearboxes, saving you time and money on maintenance and reducing their environmental impact. Here’s what makes them stand head and shoulders above the rest:
Whatever your industry, our oil separation technology has the potential to transform the performance of your engines, save you thousands in maintenance and operation costs, and help you play your part towards a greener future. Book a consultation online and get started today!