Removal of trace amounts of water from lube oil 1

[JLB1104]

We are trying to start a lube recycling program at one of our plants. We use a Mobil oil product Pegasus-701. The oil we are concerned about has been collected from the catch drains from our older compressor units (which tend to leak the oil faster than they can wear it out). We have lab tested the refiltered lube oil to determine the viscosity and TAN of the recycled stock. The only problem is the trace amounts of water (generally rain water collected in the catch basins, fresh water) intrained in the filtered oil. 2 to 5% by volume. We are considering a heating tank (220F plus) to boil or steam the water out of the recycled oil but, this seems like a lot of trouble for every barrel of oil recycled. Does any one know of a better method to remove this water content? Maybe a manufactured filter of some type which would catch the water to separate? Possibly a centrifuge separator?

 

[25362]

You may get ideas from

thread124-107308
thread135-65027

 

[25362]

I've heard that air stripping may help.

 

[JLB1104]

I am not familar with the process of "air stripping", please advise or describe this method.

Thanks,

jlb1104

 

[25362]

Sorry for the delay. Heat the oil and bubble air, better bubble nitrogen to avoid oxidation of the oil. The partial pressure of the water would suffice to evaporate it.