The de-oiler (or oil trap) is a device used to ensure efficiency and cleanliness in various industrial processes. In this article, we will see how it works, discuss its main uses and present its role in drying plastic granules. Then, we will analyse the characteristics and advantages of de-oilers designed and manufactured by Vismec.

De-oiler: what it is and its uses in industry

A de-oiler is a device designed to purify an air or liquid flow from oils or oily residues, to ensure that the machinery or plant in which it is used remains clean and efficient at all times. Its operating mechanism is based on advanced filtration principles, often combined with mechanical or centrifugal technologies, to capture oil particles and other impurities.

The process generally involves the following steps:

  • oil inlet, i.e. the fluid (air or liquid) enters the de-oiler through a dedicated opening;
  • oil separation, i.e., thanks to specific filters, combined in some cases with the generation of centrifugal movements according to the principles of physics, the oil particles are effectively removed from the fluid;
  • collection of impurities, i.e., the newly separated oil is collected in a dedicated chamber, which can be emptied manually or automatically;
  • clean fluid outlet which, now free of oily contaminants, flows out of the device ready to be fed back into the plant or machinery.

The de-oiling device is used in several industrial sectors where the cleanliness of machines and production or processing systems is particularly important. Examples of its main uses include its application in the food industry, where this device is used to remove oily contaminants from food or beverage conveying systems, maintain food safety and help to ensure its safety for consumption by the end user.

Oil traps are also very frequently used in wastewater treatment or reclamation. In this case, they operate to separate oil and grease from water before discharge or eventual reuse.

In the industrial sector, they are used, for example, in hydraulic mechanical systems: in this case, they help to separate the oil from the fluids to ensure the correct functioning of the equipment and prevent possible problems or interruptions. Similarly, in industrial air compressors, our de-oilers ensure the removal of oily residues in the compressed air flow, preventing damage to machinery and pneumatic systems.

In the plastics industry, de-oilers are particularly relevant in the drying of plastic granules, a sector in which our company operates. In this context, this device ensures that the air used in the drying process is free from oily contaminants, improving the quality of the finished material and the service life of machines and equipment. In the next section, we will describe the Vismec de-oilers, explaining their features and advantages.

The advantages of Vismec Oiltrap 

The Vismec Oiltrap is an effective solution to ensure that the airflow used in plastic drying processes remains clean and free from oily residues. As a result, this device also safeguards the perfect cleanliness and properties of the granules, preventing them from causing problems during processing or lead to flawed end products.

The operating mechanism of the de-oiler, that our company designs and manufactures, operates by the condensation of oily vapours. The fluid passes through the device following well-defined paths, condensing by means of special heat exchangers and allowing effective separation of the oil particles.

These particles concentrate at the bottom of the de-oiler tank, where they are collected in a transparent glass container for easy disposal. A butterfly valve allows easy and safe draining of the condensed oil.

Vismec de-oilers have many technical features tailored to the needs of the customer companies:

  • practical quick couplings that facilitate the removal of the exchangers during maintenance operations;
  • durable design with brass connections and hydrophilic aluminium frame, designed to resist corrosion;
  • energy efficiency, especially in the cross-flow exchanger version, that allows heat recovery;
  • high filtration capacity thanks to the two-stage system (optional) to remove up to 99.99% of oil;
  • suitable for air flows up to 200 m³/h and temperatures up to 200 °C;
  • simplified maintenance, since the exchanger geometry is designed to minimize the need for cleaning.

Therefore, our Oiltrap offers many advantages including, as mentioned, the very high effectiveness of the cleaning action and the reduction of maintenance costs. Moreover, it is also suitable for use in sectors with extremely stringent technical specifications, such as the medical, pharmaceutical or bioplastics sectors.

If you operate in the plastics sector and need reliable and innovative dehumidification solutions for your company, our Vismec technical team is at your disposal. Contact us and find out how our dryers can improve the efficiency and quality of your production processes.