I have several gearboxes that get an ingress of process water through failed seals. When this happens, we sometimes have to run the gearbox for a month or more before we can shutdown for repair. The lube oil is Spartan EP 220 (80 gal capacity). Since we have 7 of these gearboxes, I am looking for a portable unit to clean this lube system up or at least improve it until repairs can be made. Can anyone tell me what is the most practical method for doing this?

Hello Dennyd

Have a look at the CC Jensen D30 Desorber. This unit will reduce the water level below 50 ppm and I have had it remove over 10 gallons of water a day. There are no consumables and it needs no babysitting. Handles hydraulic as well as high viscosity gear oil with ease. It will remove disolved water as well as free water. Even straight water from the bottom of the reservoir will not upset it.

D30 desorber

Thanks
Harv

Have you tried using a water resistant gear oil to prevent the water emulsion in the first place? It's easier to drain the water off of the bottom of the sump tank then it is to try removing it once it emulsifies with the oil.

We have used Velcon AC718 18" filters with good sucess. For chronic problems we use Enervac Minivacs for continuous removal of water.

If you use vacuum dehydration, the solids in the water will remain in the oil and build up. Most water adsorbing filters will remove dissolved solids with the water.

At any rate, if you don't replace the oil, test it. Your additives can be stripped from the oil by the presence of water and any dissolved solids in your contaminating water may remain in the oil.