Acidity Reduction
Acidity in oil accelerates ageing and increases wear on equipment. Reducing acidity stabilises oil condition and extends system lifetime.
WHY ACIDITY REDUCTION MATTERS
Acids form in oil as a result of ageing and chemical reactions involving heat, oxygen, and moisture. Over time, increasing acidity accelerates oil degradation and damages system components.
Acidity is especially critical in sensitive systems where oil lifetime and reliability are essential.
- Oil ageing and oxidation processes
- Presence of moisture and elevated temperatures
- Prolonged oil service intervals
If acidity is not controlled, oil ageing accelerates and equipment wear increases significantly.
What is acidity in oil?
Acidity in oil refers to the presence of acidic compounds formed during oil ageing and degradation.
Oxidation-driven ageing
Acids are formed during oxidation and thermal stress
Moisture accelerates acidity
Moisture accelerates acid formation
Corrosion and surface damage
Acids contribute to corrosion and surface damage
Oxidation products may circulate in the oil or deposit on surfaces, causing operational problems long before the oil is changed.
Clean Oil Is Not a Recommendation.
It Is a Reliability Strategy.
Understand contamination mechanisms, ISO codes, water control, and how to extend oil and component lifetime.
How acidity reduction works
Acidity reduction is achieved through continuous offline (kidley-loop) filtration, operating independently of the main oil flow
Oil is diverted
A small portion of oil is continuously taken from the system.
Slow filtration
Oil flows slowly through a depth filtration unit.
Acid-forming elements are reduced
Contaminants, moisture, and oxidation by-products are removed, slowing acid formation.
Stabilised oil returns
Oil with reduced acidity potential is returned to the system.
Preventing acid formation is more effective than treating acids after damage has occurred.
Proven technology. Measurable performance.
Benefits of acidity reduction
Slows oil ageing
Reduces corrosion and surface damage
Extends oil and component lifetime
Improves system reliability
Reduces maintenance and oil replacement costs
Acidity control in practice
Transformer oil systems
Gas engine lubrication systems
Turbines and compressors
Industrial lubrication systems
Energy and power applications
How an Oil Filter Works in an Offline Filtration System
Solid Particles and Abrasive Wear:
Solid particles are transported with the oil flow and become trapped between moving metal surfaces. These particles are often similar in size to the clearances inside bearings, pumps, and valves. Once wedged between components, they damage metal surfaces and generate millions of new particles - creating a self-reinforcing wear process.
Oil Degradation and Varnish Formation:
As oil degrades due to heat, pressure, and contamination, oxidation by-products form. These degradation products can dissolve in warm oil but later precipitate as varnish on cooler surfaces. Varnish creates sticky layers that trap particles, forming a sandpaper-like surface that dramatically increases wear and can cause valves to stick or seize.
Water Contamination and Micro-Pitting:
Water is another major threat to oil systems. Even small amounts reduce lubricity and load-carrying capacity. Under high pressure - such as in bearings and gears, water droplets collapse, causing micro-pitting on metal surfaces. Over time, this leads to corrosion, fatigue, and premature component failure.
Part of the Clean Oil approach
Oxidation and sludge removal is one element of a complete clean oil strategy.
Fine particle filtration
Protects critical components by removing damaging particles before failures occur
Water removal from oil
Eliminates free and dissolved water to prevent corrosion and degradation.
Oxidation and sludge removal
Removes degradation products that contribute to acidity and deposits.
it ensures optimal oil condition, maximum equipment protection, and long-term system reliability
Acidity control solutions from C.C.JENSEN
C.C.JENSEN provides depth filtration solutions that prevent acid formation by maintaining clean, dry oil conditions - without removing active oil additives.
This approach helps stabilise oil condition and protect equipment over the long term.