Eaton Optimizes Mobile Fluid Purifier System

From Eaton

To increase reliability, life, and efficiency of systems, the Filtration Division of energy management company Eaton recently introduced a revamped version of its IFPM 33 mobile off-line fluid purifier system.

The fully automated, PLC-controlled purifier effectively removes free, emulsified, and dissolved water, free and dissolved gases, and particulate contamination down to 3 µm from light transformer oils to heavy lubricating oils at a flow rate of 8 gpm (30 lpm). Typical high-moisture applications include hydroelectric power, pulp and paper, offshore, and marine.

The purifier contains a filter element of the NR630 series according to DIN 24550-4 and guarantees fluid filtration in addition to dewatering. The fineness of the filter element can be selected according to market standards, for example 10VG element with ß200 = 10 µm(c).

These VG media are multilayer, pleated constructions made of glass fiber fleece with a high retention rate of fine dirt particles at constant performance over the element lifetime as well as high dirt-holding capacity. Equipped with Viton seals, these filter elements are perfectly suited to support dewatering.

A portable and environmentally friendly solution, the IFPM 33 is designed with the operator in mind. Some of the advanced technology features include a user-friendly 5.7-inch (14.5-cm) touch screen PLC for safe and reliable operation with a user interface offered in nine user-selectable languages. As standard, the display has an Ethernet connection for remote control and monitoring with the ability to send email alert messages. There is also a USB interface to transfer data for further analysis. With a 154-pound (70-kg) weight reduction over the previous model and the unit’s compact design, it is easy for the system to operate and maneuver in confined areas.

Startup and operation of the IFPM 33 is via a simple off-line process of connecting the hoses and starting by the main switch. The contaminated fluid is drawn into the fluid purifier system by a vacuum, which is then heated and diffused over a dispersal material; this increases the evaporation surface area. Simultaneously, the purifier system sucks in ambient air through a fine filter, which flows against the oil in the vacuum chamber. The water is absorbed by the air then passes a vacuum pump, and the humid air is released back into the atmosphere through an oil-mist separator. The dewatered fluid is then pumped back into the oil reservoir by a gear pump through a high-performance filter element to remove particulate contaminants.

For protection against overpressure, the gear pump is equipped with a safety valve. Continuous monitoring of fluid temperature, water saturation, and filter clogging are also provided via onboard sensors.

For more information, visit www.eaton.com/us/en-us/catalog/filters-strainers/ifpm-32.html.