--Saturation of oil mist filter element does not equal blockage
Recently, a customer asked LVGE why the vacuum pump emits smoke after the oil mist filter element become saturated. After detailed communication with the client, we learned that he confused the concepts of saturation and blockage. The vacuum pump smoked because the filter element had reached the end of its service life and was clogged. A saturated oil mist filter will not cause the vacuum pump to smoke.
In fact, the oil mist filter element should be saturated under normal use. This is related to its working principle: The smoke discharged by the vacuum pump is a gas mixed with many oil molecules instead of dust, so the gas it discharges is called oil mist. The oil molecules in the oil mist will be intercepted by the glass fibers inside the filter element, and the filter element will gradually be soaked with the oil, which is what we call a saturated state. After the filter element is saturated, it continues to capture oil molecules. Eventually, these oil molecules gather into oil droplets and fall down. They are collected or reused through the oil return pipe.
The filter element is clogged because the air sucked in by the vacuum pump contains impurities, such as dust that clogs the filter element. Or because the pump oil has been used for too long to form sludge, which clogs the filter element. For the former, it is recommended to install an air intake filter, which can also protect the pump oil from contamination. For the latter, the user needs to replace the pump oil regularly.
Simply put, when the filter element is soaked with vacuum pump oil, it is in a saturated state, and the appearance looks like just oil, while when the filter element is covered with sludge or other impurities, it is in a clogged state, and the appearance looks dirty. Is it easy to distinguish?
In fact, the oil mist filter element should be saturated under normal use. This is related to its working principle: The smoke discharged by the vacuum pump is a gas mixed with many oil molecules instead of dust, so the gas it discharges is called oil mist. The oil molecules in the oil mist will be intercepted by the glass fibers inside the filter element, and the filter element will gradually be soaked with the oil, which is what we call a saturated state. After the filter element is saturated, it continues to capture oil molecules. Eventually, these oil molecules gather into oil droplets and fall down. They are collected or reused through the oil return pipe.
Post time: Oct-26-2024
