Economizing on Lubricating Oil
Page 63
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I"PORTANT economies in expenditure on lubricating oil can be effected by using the Fox patent electric oil cleaner, which is the product of British Oil Cleaners, Ltd., 66, Upper Richmond Road, London, S.W.15. It is claimed that, assuming electric current to cost 1d. per unit, 10 gallons of oil can be cleaned for 7d.
The company emphasizes the fact that the oil is washed and not merely filtered. Acids can be neutralized and removed from the oil.
The plant, which is automatic in action, consists of two tanks, the upper one being the process tank, whilst the lower one is for storing used and cleaned oil ; the two grades of lubricant are separated by a partition.
Water is placed in the cleaning tank until it reaches the level of the water valve, which is then closed. The used oil is poured on top of the water up to the level of a ring on a centre tube in the upper container. The current is then switched on by setting an automatic time switch. After 3i-4 hours, the washing period being determined by experience, the current is switched off. The action of the heater causes a circulation of the washing water up the centre tube, after which it emerges from an orifice at the top. The water spreads over the surface of the oil and, carrying with it the impurities, sinks to the bottom.
At the start, a powder known as Posit°, which is supplied in various quantities, is mixed with the washing water, it assisting the removal of foreign matter and removing acids from the oil. In some cases a liquid is supplied for this purpose in place of the powder.
When the current has been cut off, the oil is allowed to cool and is run off into the storage tank, from which it may be drawn by a valve. The sludge and washing water are drained off by means of a cock. The maker claims that after the second refining of the oil it is equal, from the point of view ot a lubricant, to new oil.
Various sizes of machine are constructed with capacities ranging from if gallon up to 100 gallons, the prices being from 12 to £150 for outfits complete with tanks.