01 / The challenge
The installed filter wasn't achieving the required oil condition.
Commonwealth Steel produces grinding media for mining. Its hydraulic oil contained both solid particles and water. The initial condition was ISO 21/19/16 with 800 parts per million of water, despite an existing 25 µm nominal filter.
The site wanted particle cleanliness below ISO 15/13/10 and water below 80 ppm. Approximately 900 litres of ISO VG 32 oil needed treatment. The immediate question was whether filtration could restore the oil to the required cleanliness without a complete oil replacement.
02 / The approach
Verify the contamination. Treat the existing oil.
Confirm the starting condition
Filtertechnik's case document describes checking the laboratory findings with a portable Particle Pal. The field check confirmed similar contamination levels.
Circulate through two HIPPO filters
PT Kelmer arranged two HIPPO pots in parallel on a portable external circulation loop. The partner's web account gives a flow rate of 520 litres per hour.
Check the result and continue filtration
The reported readings met both site targets. Filtertechnik's case document says the customer retained the oil and installed continuous filtration after the cleanup.
03 / The results
Less water. Fewer particles.
Filtertechnik reports the following results. Its supporting web case gives a treatment duration of two days.
| Measurement | Before | Site target | After |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water, ppm | 800 | Below 80 | 50 |
| ISO cleanliness | 21/19/16 | Below 15/13/10 | 13/12/8 |
04 / Applying the findings
Start with the oil condition, then choose the treatment.
This case shows a documented cleanup of particle and water contamination. It gives another plant a useful basis for discussing treatment, but the final readings do not set an acceptance limit for every hydraulic system.
Discuss your system with NATCOM
Share the lubricant grade, reservoir volume, recent particle and water results, and the machine's symptoms. NATCOM can assess the filtration requirement and agree what to measure before and after treatment. See our hydraulic oil filtration service for the assessment process.