salt cristals in mineral oil

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I am having a gearbox in a ship propulsion which had seawater in the (empty) tank. The tank has been cleaned, but now the filters are blocking after one hour. We checked the system, cooler, safety valeve pump etc, but didn't find technical failers. Could salt cristals be the cause? Filter elements are 35 en 120 um (metal carthridge, finn filters). Has anyone had experience with salt water in a gearbox system and what were the symptoms? The oil is a mineral oil, viscosity 85 cSt. Regards Harry

10/22/056:15 AM

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mrhughesMember

Harry.

We just had a similiar problem from a customer and found salt crystals in the filter.

To confirm this you should dismantle a filter (cut it open) and try to separate the white/brownish crystals (if that is the case). Put the "crystals" on a flat surface and add tap water. If the crystals dissolves it is most likely the case that it is salts from sea water.

And you should send an oil sample of to your oil analysis lab. If they find Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg) in the oil, then you have your confirmation. (Also check for water content).

10/23/0511:14 PM

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harryMember

mr. Hughes,

We removed the oil and cleaned the tank with hot water (160-180 degree C). Than we filled the tank again with oil. The ship is sailing now and it is going well with the filters. Thanks for your assistance,

Harry

quote:
Originally posted by mr. Hughes:
Harry.

We just had a similiar problem from a customer and found salt crystals in the filter.

To confirm this you should dismantle a filter (cut it open) and try to separate the white/brownish crystals (if that is the case). Put the "crystals" on a flat surface and add tap water. If the crystals dissolves it is most likely the case that it is salts from sea water.

And you should send an oil sample of to your oil analysis lab. If they find Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg) in the oil, then you have your confirmation. (Also check for water content).

10/27/0511:58 AM

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