What to Do When the Oil Purifier Filter Element Is Clogged

Writer： Kaiqian Oil Purifier Release time：2026-10-26 14:43 Clicks：

When an oil purifier filter element is clogged, the correct response is to stop the machine safely, confirm the cause of the pressure increase or reduced flow, and then clean or replace the element according to its condition. Continuing to operate with a blocked filter can reduce purification efficiency, overload the pump, and damage other components.

Common signs of a clogged filter element

• The filter differential pressure or outlet pressure rises abnormally.

• Oil flow becomes slow, unstable, or stops.

• The pump runs with increased noise or vibration.

• The treated oil flow is much lower than the rated operating condition.

• The filter clogging alarm is activated, if the purifier is equipped with one.

These signs do not always prove that the filter element itself is blocked. Closed valves, a low oil temperature, excessive oil viscosity, a faulty pressure gauge, or an air leak may produce similar symptoms.

How to check the problem

1. Stop the oil purifier first. Disconnect the power supply and release internal pressure before opening any filter housing.

2. Check the valves and hoses. Confirm that the inlet, outlet, and bypass valves are in the correct positions and that the hoses are not bent or blocked.

3. Check the oil condition. Heavy sludge, carbon deposits, rust particles, or water-containing emulsions can quickly load the filter.

4. Inspect the filter element. Remove it only after the housing has been drained. Look for a thick dirt layer, deformation, cracks, or damage to the sealing parts.

Clean or replace the filter element?

A washable stainless-steel filter element may be cleaned when the deposits are loose and the mesh is not damaged. Use a compatible cleaning method and make sure the element is completely dry before installation. Do not use tools or excessive pressure that may deform the mesh.

Replace the element when it is made from a disposable filter material, when the mesh remains blocked after cleaning, or when the element, gasket, or sealing surface is damaged. The replacement should match the original filtration grade, size, sealing form, and oil compatibility. A filter with an unsuitable precision may either fail to remove fine particles or become blocked too quickly.

After restarting the purifier

Open the valves gradually and observe the pressure, flow, pump sound, and filter differential pressure. If the new or cleaned element becomes blocked again soon, do not simply replace it repeatedly. The oil may contain excessive solid contamination, sludge, or water-related deposits. In that case, inspect the storage tank and pipelines, drain settled contaminants, and consider whether the oil requires pre-filtration, dehydration, or another treatment stage.

Filter replacement can improve particle removal, but it does not by itself remove dissolved water, emulsified moisture, dissolved gas, oxidation products, or degraded additives. For transformer oil, hydraulic oil, turbine oil, and lubricating oil, the treatment method should be selected according to the actual contamination and laboratory test results.

Preventive maintenance points

• Record filter differential pressure and oil flow during normal operation.

• Clean the filter housing and inspect seals during scheduled maintenance.

• Keep storage tanks and transfer hoses clean and sealed.

• Use a suitable coarse filter when the incoming oil contains large particles or sludge.

• Do not bypass a safety filter for long-term operation.

In short, a clogged oil purifier filter element is usually a maintenance warning rather than a reason to change the entire machine. Confirm the blockage, remove the source of contamination, and choose cleaning or replacement based on the element’s material and condition.