SKF recently introduced a stationary Oil Conditioning Unit that claims to enhance lubrication performance by serving as a low-pressure pump filtration unit that circulates the oil in a system. The OCU removes contaminants from the oil supply and can maintain a desired temperature range throughout the conditioning process. It is designed to connect directly to sumps, bearing housings, gearboxes, compressors and other machines, and is available in two versions (filtration only or filtration with an air or water cooler to lower the oil temperature). Both remove dirty oil from the bottom of the oil reservoir and return filtered oil to the top of the reservoir. Units can perform continuously without constant maintenance (only periodic filter changes are required). According to SKF, benefits of the conditioning process include optimized lubrication conditions with correct oil viscosity, reduced component wear, extended component and lubricant service life, reduced maintenance and repairs, reduced oil consumption and disposal costs, and improved machine reliability and productivity.
