SE1551594A1

SE1551594A1 - Refiner device for oil or fuel and system

Info

Publication number: SE1551594A1
Application number: SE1551594A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Lindstam Magnus
Original assignee: Cot-Clean Oil Tech Ab
Priority date: 2015-12-04
Filing date: 2015-12-04
Publication date: 2017-06-05
Also published as: WO2017093470A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a refiner device (1) for oil or fuel comprises a housing (5) defining an interior volume (11) and having an inlet for receiving oil or fuel (22), a. conduit for release of the refined oil or fuel (20), an air inlet for receiving air (12), an air discharge opening (6) and a support substrate (2) having a point heat source (3) with a set temperature, said support substrate being configured and arranged in said housing to bring oil or fuel, containing a contamination in the form of a liquid, in contact with the point heat source by transporting the oil or fuel on a surface (2a) of said support. substrate, wherein the set temperature of the point heat source amounts to an operating temperature that, at an interface (2b) between the point heat source and the oil or fuel, corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fuel temperature which, with respect to the retention time the oil or fuel is exposed to the point heat source, allows the contamination to be at least partially evaporated, wherein the device further comprises an airflow controller (60) configured for controlling a characteristics of the air entering the interior volume of the housing. The present disclosure also relates to a system and a by-pass system (100) comprises a refiner device (1).(Fig. 2a)

Description

Refiner device for oil or fuel and systemTECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to a refiner device for refining oil or fuel comprising a supportsubstrate having a point heat source with a set temperature. The support substrate ofthe device is configured and arranged in a housing to bring oil or fuel, containing acontamination in the form of a liquid, in contact with the point heat source bytransporting the oil or fuel on a surface of the support substrate. The refiner devicemay be installed in various industrial applications and/or hydraulic applications. lnaddition, the refiner may be installed and used for refining oil such as lubrication oil orhydraulic oil or fuel such as biofuel. The disclosure also relates to a system comprising a refiner device for refining oil or fuel.BACKGROUND ART When operating internal combustion engines and hydraulic-mechanical devices,lubricating oil and hydraulic oil, respectively, is used. ln addition, internal combustionengines are usually powered by energy-dense liquid fuel such as e.g. mineral fuel,petrol, diesel oil, i.e. liquids derived from fossil fuels, and/or bio fuels. When theinternal combustion engine is operated, the lubricating oil that lubricates the enginebecomes contaminated with non-combusted fuel, water, cooling agents such as glycoland/or substances from the fuel combustion. Hydraulic oil, as is used in varioushydraulic-mechanical devices, is not subject to any combustion process. However, thistype of oil is typically contaminated in a similar way as lubrication oil. ln this type ofapplications, the oil absorbs water from air humidity and condensation in the tank, orfrom water penetrating the system at change-overs or when cleaning. Thus, there is adesire to refine or clean the oil from unwanted substances without replacing the oil in the device. ln some oil cleaning devices, which are adapted for cleaning lubricating oil in internal combustion engines, the device may include a particle filter that initially cleans the oilfrom particles and a liquid separation part intended for separating liquid in the form ofwater and fuel from the particle free oil. The liquid separation part can be provided in several different ways, e.g. as a substantially dome shaped heating plate. The heat 2plate may typically be shaped and arranged so that the oil remains on the heating platefor a certain period of time. ln this manner, the complete oil film is brought to atemperature, by the heating plate, where the liquid can evaporate from the oil which remains on the plate.

US 8 377263 B2 discloses one example of a device for regenerating oil, in which thedevice comprises a heat source, a support substrate and a transportation device. Thistype of device is based on the principle of heating e.g. hydraulic oil within a period oftime to ensure that an appropriate level of evaporation of water can occur at a highflow rate. To this end, the device makes use of the fact that oil and water have different boiling temperatures.

Another problem relates to the fact that the outdoor temperature often differs indifferent climates and in different parts of the world, which affects the temperature ofthe oil entering the liquid separation part. Cold conditions give colder oil and furtherenergy is therefore required in order for the oil to reach the right temperature. Warmconditions, on the other hand, give warmer oil requiring the heat from the heat plate tobe regulated to compensate the heat increase in order for the oil not to reach too hightemperature. A properly working regulating arrangement for the heat plate is thusnecessary for a properly working system. Such a regulating arrangement comprisesthermostats and other regulators comprising moving parts which in this context is apossible cause for malfunction, causing limited useful life, and often undesired high oil temperatures. Such a regulating arrangement is also expensive and hard to install.

Despite the activity in the field, there remains a need for an improved refiner device forrefining contaminated oil or fuel. ln particular, there is a need for an improved refinerdevice that easily can be installed and used in existing systems such as industrial applications, hydraulic applications or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved refiner device for oil orfuel and to further improve the evaporation of contamination from the oil or fuel. This object is at least partly achieved by the features of claim 1. 3The disclosure concerns a refiner device for refining contaminated oil or fuel. Therefiner device comprises a housing defining an interior volume and having an inlet forreceiving oil or fuel, a conduit for release of the refined oil or fuel, an air inlet for receiving air, an air discharge opening.

The refiner device further comprises a support substrate having a point heat sourcewith a set temperature. The support substrate is configured and arranged in thehousing to bring oil or fuel, containing a contamination in the form of a liquid, in contactwith the point heat source by transporting the oil or fuel on a surface of the support substrate.

Moreover, the set temperature of the point heat source amounts to an operatingtemperature that, at an interface between the point heat source and the oil,corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fuel temperature which, withrespect to the retention time the oil or fuel is exposed to the point heat source, allowsthe contamination to be at least partially evaporated. ln addition, the refiner device further comprises an air flow controller configured forcontrolling a characteristics of the air entering the interior volume of the housing, ln this manner, there is provided a refiner device for refining oil or fuel, in which theprocess of refining the oil or fuel is improved by optimizing the evaporation of thecontamination from the oil or fuel by adding air into the process and actively controllinga characteristics of the air entering the interior volume, whilst the contaminated oil orfuel is subjected to an immediate heating by the point heat source, thus preventedfrom being damaged or burnt. The contamination here typically refers to liquidcontaminations such as hydrocarbons, non-combusted fuel, water, cooling agent andsubstances from the fuel combustion.

By the provision that the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing to enhance the level of evaporation of the contaminationfrom the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and 4efficiency. As will be further described below, the air controller can be configured tocontrol a characteristics of the air flow in several different ways. Hereby, theevaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed andefficiency.

The refiner device according to example embodiments is configured to continuouslyeliminate liquid contaminations in lubricating and hydraulic oils while anengine/machine is operating. ln particular, the refiner device is capable of reducingfree and dissolved liquid in hydraulic oils well below 100 PPM. Analogously, the refinerdevice is capable of reducing free and dissolved liquid in lubrications oils well below200 PPM, still preferably well below 100 PPM.

Due to the configuration of the refiner device, as mentioned above, it becomespossible to provide a device which is simple, yet effective, whilst decreasingmaintenance needs to a minimum, thus enabling an economic operation in hydraulic and industrial applications.

The refiner may be installed and used for refining oil such as lubrication oil or hydraulicoil or fuel such as mineral-based fuel, biofuel or the like. Hence, the term “oil” as usedherein typically refers to lubrication oil or hydraulic oil. Further, the term “fuel” as usedherein typically refers to mineral-based fuel such as diesel fuel and/or biofuel.

Thus, in one example, the refiner device is intended for refining lubrication oil. lnanother example, the refiner device is intended for refining hydraulic oil. ln yet anotherexample, the refiner device is intended for refining mineral-based fuel such as dieselfuel. ln yet another example, the refiner device is intended for refining biofuel.

The refiner device may be installed in various industrial applications and/or hydraulicapplications. ln one example embodiment, the refiner device is intended to beoperatively connected to e.g. an internal combustion engine for cleaning of lubricatingoil. ln addition, or alternatively, the refiner device is intended to be operativelyconnected to a hydraulic machine for cleaning of hydraulic oil.

By way of example, the refiner device may be installed and used for refining lubricationoil in engines, refining hydraulic oil in engines, engines operated with biofuels, refining hydraulic oils in stationary installations, refining hydraulic oils in mobile installations 5such as construction equipment, forestry equipment, agricultural and marineequipment or the like. ln an example when the refiner device is intended for fuel suchas biofuels, the refiner device may further be capable of facilitating the conversion tobiofuels by minimizing the deterioration of oils caused by biofuels.

Further the refiner device may be operated continuously. Hereby, the refiner devicecontinuous operation minimizes the need for stops due to oil change. ln addition, therefiner device provides the advantages of reducing the number of oil changes, thustypically keeping maintenance costs to a minimum. Also, in contrast to other hithertoknown devices operating by means of a filter, which frequently requires a change offilter to work effectively, the refiner device according to the example embodiments isprovided without a filter, thus typically further reducing maintenance costs in view ofexisting device.

By the provision that the device is configured to use a point heat source, the oil orfuel is supplied with energy such that contaminations can evaporate from the oil or fuel. ln addition, by the provision that the device comprises a point heat source, it becomespossible to allow for an immediate heating of the contamination in the oil when the oilor fuel comes in contact with the point heat source without having the oil destroyed,burnt and stuck. lmmediate heating here means that the surface temperature on the point heat sourcealways corresponds to the maximum allowed oil temperature in respect of retention-time. This result in that at least a thin layer of the oil being in contact with the point heatsource essentially immediately reaches maximum oil temperature at which thecontamination at least partially is evaporated. After that, the oil is typically transportedaway from the point heat source such that the oil no longer is subject to heating. Thisgives the advantage that the retention-time for the oil at the point source becomesminimal, giving possibilities for a high temperature. lt is to be noted that the maximum allowed oil temperature typically depends on theretention period of the oil at the point heat source, i.e. the time period the oil isexposed to the heat, and the composition of the oil. Further, without being bound byany theory, it is believed that oil generally can withstand a high temperature during a 6short period better than a lower temperature during a long period. ln this context, alower temperature means a temperature above a specific oil temperature at which the oil starts to be damaged by the temperature in combination with the time.

Accordingly, the point heat source and the interface between the point heatsource and the oil, and not the oil itself, has the predetermined maximum allowed oil temperature. lt should be readily appreciated that the term “maximum allowed oiltemperature” is a definition of a temperature that is dependent on the type of oil or fuel used.

Typically, the predetermined maximum allowed oil temperature is substantially higherthan a specific temperature at which the oil or fuel starts to degrade, or be damaged,irrespective of the retention time the oil is exposed to the at least one point source ofheat. ln this context, a degraded or damaged oil or fuel refers to that the chemicaland/or physical properties of the liquid medium are greatly changed to a critical level.As an example, the viscosity of the lubricating oil may be greatly reduced. ln this context, the term “specific temperature” refers to a temperature at whichthe oil or fuel starts to be degraded or damaged independent of the retention time over the point heat source.

As the oil flows over the point heat source, the maximum allowed temperatureis allowed to be higher than the specific temperature due to the short retention time over the point heat source.

To this end, as the set temperature of the point heat source amounts (is set) to anoperating temperature that, at an interface between the point heat source and the oil,corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fuel temperature, the settemperature of the point heat source is higher than the specific temperature, asdefined above. One advantage by having a temperature of the point heat source whichis higher than the specific temperature at which the oil starts to be damaged and byhaving a flow over the point heat source, is that the oil is exposed to heat for a shorttime such that the contaminations can evaporate, whilst the oil takes little or no damage due to the short retention time over the point heat source. 7 This is contrary to other oil cleaning systems relating to the use of long retention timesto heat the oil in order to allow the evaporation of contaminations or systems in which alarge portion of oil is heated in the heating chamber before the oil is passedover the outer surface. This means that a large volume of oil is exposed to heatfor a long time, thereby damaging the oil in the process. Typically, although notstrictly required, the air flow controller is operably connected to the air inlet. ln thismanner, the characteristics of the air is controlled in a simple and effective mannerprior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device. However, it is to benoted that the air flow controller may be installed or operably connected to other partsof the refiner device as long as the air flow controller is capable of controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow. ln some design variants, the air flow controller may in addition, or alternatively, be operably connected to an air pump or the like. lt should be readily appreciated that the air flow controller may also be configured toinitiate the initial flow of air into the interior volume of the housing. Further, the air flowcontroller may likewise be configured to determine when the flow of air into the interiorvolume of the housing should be terminated, e.g. when the process of refining oil orfuel is completed.

By way of example, the characteristics of the air flow corresponds to any one of airpressure, air temperature, air velocity, and humidity.

Typically, the characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume is controlled sothat the air entering the interior volume is compressed air. However, it is to be notedthat the refiner device may also use ambient air in some design variants. Thus, the air entering the interior volume entering the housing may be ambient air.

Thus, in one example, the air controller is configured for regulating the pressure of theair. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling the characteristicsof the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance the level ofevaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flow controlleris configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering the interiorvolume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuelis optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. 8 ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller is configured for regulating thetemperature of the air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controllingthe Characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhancethe level of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the airflow controller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow enteringthe interior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from theoil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller is configured for regulating the air velocityof air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance thelevel of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oilor fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller is configured for regulating the humidity ofthe air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance thelevel of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristic of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oilor fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. Thus, by way of example, thecharacteristics of the air flow corresponds to any one of air pressure, air temperature,air velocity, and humidity.

As an example, the air temperature is controlled to be about 0-60 degrees Celsius.Typically, the air temperature is close to 60 degrees Celsius, still preferably equal to 60 degrees Celsius.

As an example, the air velocity is controlled to be about 5-10 litre per minute. That is,the air flow entering the interior volume is about 5-10 litre per minute As an example, the humidity is controlled to be about 5-50% relative humidity, still preferably, the humidity is controlled to be about 5-20% relative humidity. 9 Typically, the characteristics of the air flow, i.e. air pressure, air temperature, airvelocity, and humidity are set relative to each other. ln one example embodiment, the distribution and direction of the air inside the housingis controlled. As an example, the device may comprise an adjustable nozzle configuredfor distributing and directing the air inside the housing. Typically the adjustable nozzleis arranged at the air inlet. ln one example embodiment, the refiner device further comprises an oil or fuel flowcontroller operably connected to the inlet for receiving the oil or fuel, and configured forcontrolling the amount of oil or fuel entering the interior volume of the housing. The oilor fuel flow controller may also be configured for controlling the temperature of the oilentering the interior volume of the housing. ln other words, the refiner device may insome design variants further comprises a flow controller for the oil or fuel beingconfigured to control a characteristics of the oil or fuel such as the amount of oil or fuel,the velocity of the oil or fuel, or the temperature of the oil or fuel entering the interiorvolume of the housing. ln this manner, the evaporation of the contamination from theoil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency.

For instance, it has been found that a high velocity of the oil flow entering the supportsubstrate typically contributes to a thick oil film over the surface of the supportsubstrate, whilst a low velocity of the oil flow typically contributes to a thin oil film overthe surface of the support substrate. ln one example embodiment, the support substrate is arranged in the housing to bringoil or fuel in contact with the point heat source by gravity. That is, the oil or fuel istypically transported within the refiner device by gravity and due to the shape of thesupport substrate.

The design of the support substrate together with the gravitation makes the oil flowalong the surface of the support substrate and, due to its motion, be brought in contactwith the point source.

By way of example, the point heat source is a semiconductor such as positivetemperature coefficient (PCT) semiconductor. ln one example, the PCT semiconductor is a PCT stone. ln one example embodiment, the semiconductor is a point heat source element such as heating pipe. Thus, according to an embodiment, the point heatsource is constituted of a semiconductor. A semiconductor allows for bringing andmaintaining the operating temperature of the point heat source to a correct andconstant level. Another advantage with using semiconductors is that regulation of thetemperature of the point heat source depending on different conditions becomesoptimally simple by only increasing or decreasing the current to the semiconductors.

One example of a type of semiconductor is a positively temperature dependentresistor, a so-called PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient). Other types of possiblesemiconductors are NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) giving current limitationbut which also generates heat. A combination of the two types is also possible.Further, the point heat source may be provided in the form of a heating pipe. ln the context of the example embodiments, the point heat source typically has an areaof maximum 12 square centimeters, still preferably, an area of maximum 5 squarecentimeters, still preferably, an area of maximum 3 square centimeters, still preferablyan area of maximum 2 square centimeters. Although the dimensions of the point heatsource may vary depending on installation, use and type of oil to be refined as long as the point heat source is capable of proving the type of heat as described above.

Typically, the area of the point heat source is a part of the area of the supportsubstrate. ln one example embodiment, the device further comprises a transportation deviceincluding the support substrate being configured to support the point heat source. lnthis example, the transportation device is configured to transport the oil or fuel on asurface of the support substrate. To this end, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure, the transportation device comprises the support substrate supporting thepoint heat source.

The support substrate is heat conducting and the interface includes the contact surfacebetween the support substrate and the oil. The point heat source in this case isintegrated into the support substrate which means that the oil is brought in contact withthe point heat source via the support substrate. To compensate for the transportationloss of heat from the point heat source through the support substrate to the interface,the point heat source can be required to be brought to a temperature exceeding the 11 evaporation temperature, but the temperature at the interface corresponds to the evaporation temperature of the contamination. ln one example embodiment, the air controller further comprises a pre-heatingmechanism operable to pre-heat the air to a first temperature prior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device. ln one example embodiment, the device further comprises a pre-heating mechanismoperable to pre-heat the oil or fuel to a first temperature prior to entering the interiorvolume of the housing of the device. When the refiner device comprises the pre-heating mechanism for pre-heating the oil, the oil may be pre-heated to a firsttemperature of about 40-60 degrees Celsius, still preferably to a first temperature ofabout 50-60 degrees Celsius.

A further advantage with the example embodiments of the disclosure may be that theregulation of the point heat source is not necessary, as the size of the point sourceallows for keeping the temperature steady, i.e. that the temperature is constant. Thelack of regulating arrangement of the point heat source gives a low cost device easy toapply, and which minimizes the risk for a too high temperature.

Typically, although not strictly necessary, the set temperature of the point heat sourceis constant.

As the point heat source can be kept at a constant temperature, the refiner deviceaccording to the example embodiments can be used at high flow rates giving a continuous high degree of purity of the oil because the oil circulation can be kept high. ln one example embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of spaced arranged pointheat sources.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the device comprises at leasttwo point heat sources. The refiner device can of course comprise a large number ofpoint heat sources, depending on the amount of oil to be refined or the desired degreeof purity. The oil can then be transported from a point heat source to another pointsource, so that the oil or fuel is at each point heat source subjected to maximumallowed oil or fuel temperature with respect to retention-time. The number of point heat sources should, however, not be that many per area unit such that the oil continuously 12is affected by the same temperature resulting in the total retention-time becomes too long.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the different point heat sources mayhave different temperatures depending on their location. Where the flow rate is high,the temperature is high and where the flow rate is low the temperature iscorrespondingly low. An advantage with this is that the oil is always heated to its maximum allowed temperature depending on the given retention-time.

The support substrate is typically heat conductive. Hence, the material of support substrate is typically a heat conductive material.

Typically, although not strictly necessary, the interface includes the contact surfacebetween the support substrate and the oil. ln one design variant, the interface consists of the contact surface between the supportsubstrate and the oil. ln this variant, the point heat source is arranged immediatelyunder the contact surface.

As mentioned herein, the provision relating to having an interface between the pointheat source and the oil (or fuel) is that the point heat source never is in direct contact with the oil or fuel.

The support substrate may have several different shapes depending on the design anduse of the refiner device. ln some design variants, the support substrate comprises atleast one of a group consisting of a substantially conical unit, a convex unit, and a stair shaped unit.

The support substrate can have optional geometry, e.g. circular, oval, triangular,square-shaped, multi-edged, or a combination of the geometries mentioned as long asthe support substrate is designed so that the point heat source is allowed to transfer a sufficiently amount of heat to refine the oil or fuel in a satisfactory manner.

The refiner device may typically, although not strictly required, comprise electricalconnections for power to the point source. Thus, the refiner device may include anelectrical connector. 13ln some design variants, the support substrate may be a waterproof unit where the oilis flowing on the surface of the waterproof unit. The support substrate can consist of aliquid pervious unit where the oil can flow freely through the support substrate as longas no direct contact is made with the point heat source.

Typically, the refiner device is installed such that gravitation distributes the oilsymmetrically or asymmetrically over the support substrate. The oil regenerationdevice can thus be installed straight or inclined in relation to a vertical line.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the support substrate consists of avertical construction wherein the point heat source is positioned on a vertical wall atthe side of the support substrate. ln this example, the oil enters the interior volume ofthe refiner device and is directed or sprinkled towards the vertical wall, i.e. 90° inrelation to gravitation, wherein heating up of the contamination is carried outinstantaneous at contact with the point heat source, whereupon the oil due to gravity istransported away from the support substrate along the vertical wall. According to anembodiment of the disclosure, the support substrate comprises a roof constructionwhere the point heat source is located beneath contact surface of the support substrate as seen in a vertical direction.

The present disclosure also concerns a system comprises a refiner device accordingto any one of the example embodiments, design variants, features or functions asmentioned above, a pump arrangement and a conduit connectable to an industrialapplication such as an internal combustion engine, hydraulic machine or the like. Thepump arrangement is operably connected to the refiner device via the conduit to permittransportation of oil or fuel from the industrial application to the refiner device.

The pump arrangement is configured for pumping the oil or fuel from the industrial application to the refiner device. ln one example, the application is a container for oil or fuel, wherein the container isconnected to the refiner device via the conduit to permit transportation of oil or fuelfrom the container to the refiner device. The application may also be an industrial combustion engine or a hydraulic machine. 14ln one example, the system is a by-pass system comprises a refiner device accordingto any one of example embodiments, design variants, features or functions as mentioned above. ln addition, the by-pass system may comprise the pre-heating mechanism for the oil,as mentioned above. ln addition, the by-pass system may comprise an control unit foroperating the by-pass system. Typically, the by-pass system may also include anpower source, such as an electrical engine or the like.

The components of the by-pass system may be provided on a sheet material, such as a steel sheet material and provided as an integral module. ln addition, or alternatively, the refiner device may comprise the pump arrangement foroil. The pump arrangement may be run by the oil pressure in the machine coupled tothe refiner device. The pump arrangement can consist of a set of gearvvheels on theprimary side run by the oil pressure of the machine and where the primary side runs asecondary side pumping oil to the device. ln the case with an internal combustionengine, the advantage with a pump arrangement run by oil pressure is that the devicemay be independent of the pressure status of the engine/crankcase.

Further features of, and advantages with, the disclosure will become apparent whenstudying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realizethat different features of the disclosure may be combined to create embodiments otherthan those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various example embodiments of the disclosure, including its particular featuresand example advantages, will be readily understood from the following illustrative andnon-limiting detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of a refiner deviceaccording to the disclosure, wherein the refiner device is in an assembled configuration; Fig. 1b is a top view of the first example embodiment of the refiner device in Fig. 1a;Fig. 1c is a side view of the first example embodiment of the refiner device in Fig. 1a; Fig. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the first example embodiment of the refiner device in Figs. 1a-1c; Fig. 2b schematically illustrates a more detailed view of a support substrate of a refinerdevice according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the support substrate has a point heat source;Fig. 2c is a cross-sectional view of another example embodiment of a refiner device; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a by-pass system comprises a refiner device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference tothe accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure areshown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to the example embodiment set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description.

For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear,""front," "vertical," "horizontal,", “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof relate to theexample embodiment of the disclosure as oriented in e.g. fig. 1a. However, it is to beunderstood that the example embodiments may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. lt is also to beunderstood that the examples illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence, dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the appended claims expressly state otherwise. 16 ln figs. 1a-1c an example embodiment of a refiner device 1 according the disclosure isshown. This example refiner device 1 is suitable for refining lubrication oil in an engine(not shown), such as an internal combustion engine or the like. The refiner device 1 isintended to be operatively connected to e.g. an internal combustion engine for cleaningof lubricating oil. As the components and characteristics of an internal combustionengine are well-known in the art, no further details are described herein.

By way of an example, the refiner device may be included in a by-pass systemconnected to an industrial application or a hydraulic application. One example of a by- pass system is shown in Fig. 3.

When the internal combustion engine is operated, the lubricating oil that lubricates theengine becomes contaminated with non-combusted fuel, water, refrigerant and substances from the fuel combustion.

Also, it is to be noted that although the following description has been made on refinerdevice for refining lubrication oil, it is to be noted that the example embodimentsdescribed herein may likewise be implemented in a refiner device for refining hydraulicoil or fuel such as biofuel. Thus, the refiner device may be installed in various industrialapplications and/or hydraulic applications. ln addition, or alternatively, the refinerdevice 1 is intended to be operatively connected to a hydraulic machine for cleaning ofhydraulic oil.

Hydraulic oil is contaminated in a similar way as lubrication oil, although is not subjectto any combustion process. On the other hand, hydraulic oil is subject to the oilabsorbing water from air humidity and condensation in the tank or from water penetrating the system at change-overs or when cleaning. ln view of the aforesaid, there is provided a refiner device, as described herein, inorder to refine (sometimes also denoted “clean”) the oil from unwanted substances (i.e.contaminations) without replacing the oil in the device.

Typically, although not strictly necessary, the refiner device 1 is here operatedcontinuously. Hereby, the refiner device continuous operation minimizes the need for stops due to oil change. 17Turning now to Figs. 1a to 1c, and 2a to 2b, an example embodiment of a refinerdevice is illustrated. Fig. 1a is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of arefiner device according to the disclosure, wherein the refiner device is in anassembled configuration, whilst fig. 1b is a top view of the first example embodiment ofthe refiner device in fig. 1a and fig. 1c is a side view of the first example embodiment ofthe refiner device in Fig. 1a. The interior of the refiner device shown in figs. 1a-1c isfurther described in conjunction to figs. 2a-2c ln this example embodiment, the refiner comprises a housing 5 defining an interiorvolume 11 (as illustrated in e.g. fig. 2a). The housing 5 in this example embodimenthas an extension in the longitudinal (horizontal) direction X, an extension in thetransverse direction Y and an extension in the vertical direction Z. The X-and Y-directions are sometimes generically called lateral directions. The device 1 is typicallyinstalled in a horizontal orientation in e.g. an industrial application (not shown). ltshould be readily appreciated that the directions are only provided for ease ofunderstanding, and refers to the directions of the device 1 and the housing 5 when thedevice is installed in an essentially plane configuration. ln other words, the directionsmay not be essentially horizontal and vertical in a configuration when the device (andthe housing) is installed in an angled position. Alternatively, the device can be installedin an essentially vertical orientation in the industrial application. As such, the directionsshould be construed to refer to the directions of the device when the device is in anessentially plane installation in the industrial application of the device. The shape ofthe housing is in this example embodiment a three-dimensional shape having an ovalor a circular cross-section as defined in the directions X and Y and an essentiallytriangular cross-section as seen in the directions X and Z. However, other shapes areconceivable such as a three-dimensional shape having a circular cross-section, i.e. acylinder. lt is even possible that the shape of the housing is provided in the form of abowl.

The housing 5 here comprises an upper part 51 and a lower part 52. The upper partand the lower part are connected, but may be releasable connected in order tofacilitate maintenance or the like. However, the housing should provide a liquid and air-tight module in use so that liquid and air may only enter and leave the housing via theinlets and the outlets, respectively 18The housing 5 may be impervious to gas and liquid. The housing 5 encircles thecomponents of the refiner device such as the support substrate and the point heatsource, further described below. As an example, the housing is made of plastic.

However, other materials are also conceivable.

The refiner device for contaminated oil or fuels comprises the housing 5 defining theinterior volume 11 and having an inlet for receiving oil or fuel 22, a conduit for releaseof the refined oil or fuel 20, an air inlet for receiving air 12, an air discharge opening 6.The air discharge opening is also the opening where the separated contamination canbe transported away. To this end, the conduit 20 is the outlet where the remainingcleaned oil can be transported away from the refiner device. The oil enters the refinerdevice via the inlet 22 for receiving the oil. Hence, when the oil has entered the refinerdevice via the inlet 22, the oil is transported within the housing due to gravity and theshape of the support substrate and subsequently get in contact with the supportsubstrate 2 and the point heat source 3, and thereafter passes downwardly to theconduit 20 for the refined oil due to gravity. Accordingly, in all example embodimentsas shown in the Figures herein, the housing has an air inlet 12 at one side of thehousing, an air and contamination discharge opening 6 at the same side of the device.Thus, it should be readily appreciated that the interior of the housing here defines anair flow passage through the housing 5 for transporting a flow of air between the airinlet 12 and the air discharge opening 6. The air inlet 12 is typically connected to an airduct or air channel (not shown), which is connected to e.g. an air resource or the likefor supplying air to the device. Thus, the air inlet 12 is configured for receipt of air froman air duct (not shown). The air discharge opening 6 is configured for discharging airfrom the refiner device. ln addition, the discharge opening is configured for discharging the contamination, i.e. the evaporated particles.

Analogously, the interior of the housing here defines oil flow passage through thehousing 5 for transporting a flow of oil between the inlet 22 and the conduit 20.

The interior volume 11 may have an inner surface extending in the direction X, Y andZ. Thus the housing here is defined by an inner surface. The inner surface is typicallyencircling the inner components of device and defines a space for the flow of oil and flow of air. 19 The refiner device also comprises a support substrate 2, as shown in figs. 2a and 2b.Fig. 2a is a cross-sectional view of the first example embodiment of the refiner devicein Figs. 1a-1c. Fig. 2b schematically illustrates a more detailed view of a supportsubstrate of a refiner device according to an example embodiment of the presentdisclosure, in which the support substrate has a point heat source. The supportsubstrate here comprises a plurality of point heat sources 3. However, it is to be notedthat the support substrate may in some examples only comprise one point heat source.The point heat source will be described further below. Typically the support substrateis connected to the inner surface of the housing 5 to provide stability to the device. lnother words, the housing is designed to surround the complete support substrate. Therefiner device 1 is here installed such that gravity gives an even distribution of oil overthe support substrate 2.

The support substrate has a surface 2a. Typically, the surface is the contact surfacefor the oil or fuel. ln other words, the support substrate has a contact surface adaptedfor supporting and transporting a flow of oil, containing a contamination in the form of aliquid.

To this end, the support substrate is configured to bring the oil or fuel, containing acontamination in the form of a liquid, in contact with the point heat source bytransporting the oil or fuel over the surface 2a of the support substrate so that the pointheat source is permitted to to heat the oil or fuel through the interface 2b and thesurface 2a. ln other words, the term “contact” here refers to that the point heat sourceis arranged to heat the oil or fuel via the interface 2b and the contact surface 2a. Thus,the point heat source is not in direct contact with the oil or fuel.

The support substrate may have several different shapes depending on the design anduse of the refiner device. ln some design variants, the support substrate comprises atleast one of a group consisting of a substantially conical unit, a convex unit, and a stairshaped unit. The example as shown in the figs. 1a-2c essentially resembles a stairshaped unit. This type of support substrate has inclined vertical circumferentialsurfaces 21 extending between a top surface section 23 and a bottom surface section24, as shown in e.g. fig. 2a or 2b. This type of support substrate may be seen as a roofconstruction as the point heat source is located beneath the contact surface 2a of thesupport substrate 2 as seen in the vertical direction Z. However, other type of support substrate structures are conceivable as long as the support substrate is capable ofbeing configured and arranged in the housing 5 to bring oil or fuel, containing acontamination in the form of a liquid, in contact with the point heat source 3 bytransporting the oil or fuel on the surface of the support substrate. The direction andflow of the oil is indicated by solid arrows in figs. 2a and 2b. Thus, the solid arrowsshow the transport of the oil 17 from the inlet 22 through device, to the supportsubstrate 2 and finally out through the lower openings 20 for transportation back to anexternal oil container (not shown). Hence, the oil or fuel is here denoted with reference numeral 17 in fig. 2a.

Figs. 2a and 2b also show the transport of an evaporated contamination with dashedarrows 18 from point sources 3 to the opening 6. The evaporated contamination is partof the air dispensing from the air discharge opening/outlet 6.

The support substrate can have optional geometry, e.g. circular, oval, triangular,square-shaped, multi-edged, or a combination of the geometries mentioned as long asthe support substrate is designed so that the point heat source is allowed to transfer asufficiently amount of heat to refine the oil or fuel in a satisfactory manner. That is, theheat from the point heat source permits the contamination to evaporate from the oil orfuel. The example as shown in the figs. 1a-2c has an essentially circular shape asseen in the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

As mentioned above, the support substrate 2 has a point heat source 3. ln otherdesign variants, the refiner device comprises a plurality of spaced arranged point heatsources 3. By way of example, although not explicitly shown in the figures, the pluralityof spaced arranged point heat sources 3 are arranged circumferential about a centerline L, indicated in fig. 2a and 2b. ln this example, the plurality of the spaced arrangedpoint heat sources 3 are arranged in a circumferential manner at distance from the center line L, as seen in the longitudinal direction X.

As mentioned above, the point heat source has a set temperature T. typically, althoughnot strictly required, the set temperature of the point heat source is constant. The settemperature of the point heat source may either be a predetermined temperature setprior to operation of the device, or be changed to an appropriate set temperatureduring operating of the device. 21 As may be gleaned from the figs. 2a and 2b, the support substrate 2 is configured andarranged in the housing to bring oil or fuel, containing a contamination in the form of aliquid, in contact with the point heat source 3 by transporting the oil or fuel on a surface2a of the support substrate 2. ln this example embodiment, the distance between thecontact surface 2a and the point heat source defines an interface 2b, as seen in thevertical direction Z. The contact surface 2a may be a part of the interface 2b. By theinterface 2b and the contact surface 2a, it is ensured that the oil or fuel is never indirect contact with the point heat source. ln other words, the point heat source isarranged in the support substrate so that the point heat source is arranged with adistance from the contact surface 2a, as shown in the figures 2a or 2b.

To this end, the set temperature of the point heat source 3 amounts to an operatingtemperature that, at the interface 2b between the point heat source 3 and the oil,corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fuel temperature which, withrespect to the retention time the oil or fuel is exposed to the point heat source 3, allowsthe contamination to be at least partially evaporated.

When the contamination is at least partially evaporated, the contamination isdischarged from interior volume of the housing together with the air via the air discharge opening 6.

Typically, although not strictly required, the predetermined maximum allowed oiltemperature is substantially higher than a specific temperature at which the oil or fuelstarts to be damaged irrespective of the retention time the oil is exposed to the point source of heat.

As mentioned above, the support substrate 2 is arranged in the housing 5 to bring oilor fuel in contact with the point heat source. As an example, the support substrate isarranged in the housing to bring oil or fuel in contact with the point heat source by gravity.

The point heat source may be an integral part of the support substrate. Alternatively,the point heat source may be a separate part being incorporated in the supportsubstrate. Further design variants are conceivable as long as the point heat source isarranged in or to the support substrate with a distance to the contact surface 2a (i.e. bythe interface 2b). 22 ln this example, the point heat source is a semiconductor such as positive temperaturecoefficient semiconductor. Further, in this example, the point source has a size ofmaximum 5 square centimeters. Typically, although not strictly required, the point heatsources is operated by a current, e.g. 24 V. However, the magnitude of the currentmay be between 12-400 V. Typically, the current to operate the support substrate issupplied via an electrical connector 70b, see e.g. fig. 1a.

The number of point heat sources in the device may vary. Typically, the devicecomprises between 1- 15 point heat sources, still preferably between 3-13 point heatsources, still preferably between 5-12 point heat sources. ln one example, the refinerdevice has 12 point heat sources.

The point sources 3 are attached to the underside of the support substrate 2 and are inthis example not in direct contact with the oil 17. The support substrate 2 is here heatconducting which means that the point heat sources 3 can generate point heating tothe upper surface 2a of the support substrate. ln some designs variants, the area of the point heat source is a part of the area of thesupport substrate. However, as mentioned above, it is sufficient that the point heatsource is arranged so that the set temperature of the point heat source 3 amounts toan operating temperature that, at the interface 2b between the point heat source 3 andthe oil, corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fuel temperaturewhich, with respect to the retention time the oil or fuel is exposed to the point heatsource 3, allows the contamination to be at least partially evaporated.

The support substrate is in this example heat conductive. Further, in this example, theinterface 2b includes the contact surface 2a between the support substrate and the oil.

As mentioned above, the oil or fuel is typically transported within the refiner device bygravity and due to the shape of the support substrate 2.

Typically, the refiner device is installed such that gravitation distributes the oilsymmetrically or asymmetrically over the support substrate. The refiner device canthus be installed straight or inclined in relation to a vertical line. The example in the figures 1a-2c is installed in straight orientation to the vertical line. ln other words, the 23refiner device is here installed in an essentially horizontal orientation, whilst the oilflows along the support substrate and over the point heat source due to the shape of the support substrate, as shown in e.g. fig. 2b. ln the example embodiment as shown in e.g. fig. 2a, the support substrate 2 is shapedto form an essentially conical unit, hence being configured and arranged in saidhousing to bring oil or fuel, containing a contamination in the form of a liquid, in contactwith the point heat source by transporting the oil or fuel on a surface of said supportsubstrate. As such, the support substrate 2 is configured to transport the oil or fuel ona surface 2a of the support substrate. To this end, the design of the support substratetogether with the gravitation provides a support substrate being configured andarranged to transport oil over the surface of the support substrate, thus permitting theoil to flow along the substrate and, due to its motion, be brought in contact with the point heat source.

The support substrate is heat conducting and the interface 2b includes the contactsurface 2a between the support substrate and the oil. The point heat source 3 in thiscase is integrated into the support substrate which means that the oil is brought incontact with the point heat source via the support substrate (i.e. the interface 2b). Tocompensate for the transportation loss of heat from the point heat source through thesupport substrate to the interface, the point heat source can be required to be broughtto a temperature exceeding the evaporation temperature, but the temperature at the interface corresponds to the evaporation temperature of the contamination.

By the provision of having the point heat source arranged with a distancecorresponding to the extension of the interface 2b, the point heat source is arranged toensure that no direct contact can be established between the point heat source and the oil surface.

Thus, the point heat source heats the oil or fuel via the interface 2b and the surface 2a of the support substrate.

Furthermore, the refiner device comprises an air flow controller 60 configured forcontrolling a characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing.ln this manner, the air flow controller 60 is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance the level of 24evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flow controlleris configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering the interiorvolume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuelis optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln this example, the air flow controller 60 is operably connected to the air inlet 12. Thismeans that the air flow controller is connected to the air inlet so as to control thecharacteristics of the air directly at the air inlet. ln this manner, the characteristics of the air is controlled in a simple and effectivemanner prior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device. However, it isto be noted that the air flow controller may be installed or operably connected to otherparts of the refiner device as long as the air flow controller is capable of controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow.

As will be further described below, the air controller can be configured to control acharacteristics of the air flow in several different ways.

Typically, the characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume is controlled sothat the air entering the interior volume is compressed air. ln other examples, the air may be ambient air.

Thus, in one example, the air controller 60 is configured for regulating the pressure ofthe air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance thelevel of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oilor fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller 60 is configured for regulating thetemperature of the air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controllingthe characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhancethe level of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the airflow controller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from theoil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller 60 is configured for regulating the airvelocity of air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling theCharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance thelevel of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency. ln addition, or alternatively, the air controller 60 is configured for regulating thehumidity of the air. ln this manner, the air flow controller is configured for controlling thecharacteristics of the air flow entering the interior volume of the housing to enhance thelevel of evaporation of the contamination from the oil or fuel. To this end, the air flowcontroller is configured for controlling the characteristics of the air flow entering theinterior volume of the housing so that the evaporation of the contamination from the oilor fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency.

Thus, by way of example, the characteristics of the air flow corresponds to any one ofair pressure, air temperature, air velocity, and humidity. Some further details of anexample of controlling the characteristics of the air flow is provided below. lt should thus be readily appreciated that the air controller is configured for controllingthe air at the air inlet 12 entering the interior volume of the housing. The air controllermay as an example be an electronic air flow controller. Alternatively, or in addition, theair controller may be a mechanical air flow controller. As an example, the air controllermay be a valve, nozzle or the like. ln one design variant, the characteristics of the air entering the interior volume isheated to a certain level, e.g. about 40-60 degrees Celsius. ln one example, the air ispre-heated compressed air. By way of example, the air can also be pre-heated by anexternal pre-heating mechanism such as a PTC resistor.

Typically, although strictly not required, the distribution and direction of the air flowinside the housing may further be controlled. Fig. 2c shows an example of a device, in 26which the refiner device includes an adjustable nozzle configured for distributing the airinside the housing. Thus, in this example, the device comprises an adjustable nozzleconfigured for distributing the air inside the housing. ln order to further enhance the evaporation of the contamination from oil or fuel, thedevice may further comprise an oil or fuel flow controller (not explicitly shown) beingoperably connected to the inlet for receiving oil or fuel. ln one design variant, the oil orfuel flow controller is integrated into the inlet for receiving oil or fuel. The oil or fuel flowcontroller is configured for controlling a characteristics of the oil or fuel, such as theamount of oil or fuel, the velocity of the oil or fuel, or the temperature of the oil or fuelentering the interior volume of the housing. Thus, the evaporation of the contaminationfrom the oil or fuel is optimized in terms of speed and efficiency, and with particularattention to the immediate heating from the point heat source as well as the characteristics of the air flow entering the interior housing.. ln some design variants, the device further comprises a transportation device (notshown) including the support substrate being configured to support the point heatsource. The transportation device being configured to transport the oil or fuel on asurface of said support substrate. The support substrate may be part of atransportation device. Thus, in one example embodiment, the device further comprisesa transportation device including the support substrate being configured to support thepoint heat source. ln this example, the transportation device is configured to transportthe oil or fuel on a surface of the support substrate. To this end, according to anembodiment of the disclosure, the transportation device comprises the supportsubstrate supporting the point heat source. The support substrate is heat conducting.Further, the interface includes the contact surface between the support substrate andthe oil. The point heat source in this case is integrated into the support substrate whichmeans that the oil is brought in contact with the point heat source via the supportsubstrate. To compensate for the transportation loss of heat from the point heat sourcethrough the support substrate to the interface, the point heat source can be required tobe brought to a temperature exceeding the evaporation temperature, but thetemperature at the interface corresponds to the evaporation temperature of the contamination. 27 lt should be readily appreciated that the transportation device may Iikewise be formedby the arrangement and configuration of the support substrate and the principle ofgravity, as provided by the example embodiment as shown in the figures. Thus, in thecontext of the example embodiments, it is sufficient that the support substrate isconfigured and arranged in the housing so that oil or fuel, containing a contaminationin the form of a liquid, can be brought in contact with the point heat source 3 bytransporting the oil or fuel on a surface 2a of the support substrate 2. ln some design variants, the air controller further comprises a pre-heating mechanismoperable to pre-heat the air to a first temperature prior to entering the interior volume ofthe housing of the device. ln some design variants, the pre-heating mechanism may beinstalled internal of the refiner device. ln other design variants, the pre-heatingmechanism may be installed remote from the refiner device as long as the mechanismis operable to pre-heat the air to a first temperature prior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device. ln some design variants, the refiner device further comprises a pre-heating mechanism64 (shown in fig. 2c) operable to pre-heat the oil or fuel to a first temperature prior toentering the interior volume of the housing of the device. ln some design variants, thepre-heating mechanism may thus be installed internal of the refiner device. ln otherdesign variants, the pre-heating mechanism may be installed remote from the refinerdevice, as long as the mechanism is operable to pre-heat the oil or fuel to a first temperature prior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device.

Fig. 2c illustrates another example embodiment of a refiner device. ln this example, therefiner device comprises an adjustable air nozzle. The adjustable air nozzle 62 isconfigured for distributing and directing a flow of air within the housing of the device. lnaddition, or alternatively, the adjustable air nozzle may be configured for altering thedimension of opening of the air inlet. Typically, the adjustable air nozzle is arranged atthe air inlet for receiving air. The device in fig. 2c also comprises the pre-heatingmechanism 64 operable to pre-heat the oil or fuel to a first temperature prior toentering the interior volume of the housing of the device. Typically, the pre-heating mechanism 64 is arranged at the inlet for receiving oil or fuel. 28lt is to be noted that the refiner device may include only one of the pre-heatingmechanism 64 and the adjustable air nozzle. Besides these differences, the exampleof the refiner device in fig. 2c may include any one of the features, functions orcomponents as described in relation to the example embodiment in figs. 1a-2b herein. ln all example embodiments of the disclosure, the refiner device 1 typically includesthe electrical connector 70b, as shown in the figures 1a-2c. The electrical connectionor electrical connector is provided to supply power to the point heat source. Thus, therefiner device may include the electrical connector for supplying power to the point heat source.

The reference number 70a in the figures refers to the physical connection of the refinerdevice to other components of e.g. a by-pass system or to an industrialapplication/hydraulic application or the like. Thus, in all example embodiments of thedisclosure, the refiner device may typically also include a connector 70a for connectingthe refiner device to a by-pass system, an industrial application/hydraulic application orthe like. To this end, the refiner device is configured for connecting to another component of a system, e.g. a by-pass system. ln some design variants (not shown), the refiner device may comprise a pumparrangement for oil. The pump arrangement may be run by the oil pressure in themachine coupled to the refiner device. The pump arrangement may comprise a set ofgearvvheels on the primary side run by the oil pressure of the machine and where theprimary side runs a secondary side pumping oil to the device. ln the case with aninternal combustion engine, the advantage with a pump arrangement run by oilpressure is that the device may be independent of the pressure status of the engine/crankcase.

Although the operating conditions and operating parameters of the refiner device of theexample embodiments may vary depending on the installation and use of the device,type of oil or fuel to be refined as well as the installation environment, the following isan example of the operating conditions and parameters of the device in order tofacilitate the understanding of the refiner device. However, it should be readily appreciated that there are several different possibilities to operate, install and design 29 the device in order to provide the example technical advantages of the exampleembodiments as described herein.

By way of example, the refiner device is here connected to an internal combustion engine.

The support substrate in this example refiner device here resembles the exampleembodiment as described in conjunction with figs. 1a-2b. The support substrate in thisexample refiner device has a surface of 15 centimetres in diameter and the number ofpoint heat sources is 12. As mentioned above, the number of point heat sources can, however, be more or fewer depending on the size of the point sources. ln this example embodiment, the area of the point heat source is about 2 squarecentimetres. ln this context, the area of the point heat source refers to the area of thesource intended for being directed towards the oil or fuel. ln other words, the area of the point heat source directed towards the contact surface of the support substrate.

The set temperature of the point source should be about 80 degrees Celsius - 220degrees Celsius depending on the heat resistance of the oil and the retention time.The set temperature thus depends on whether the oil is hydraulic oil, lubrication oil,gear shift oil or the like. For lubrication oil, the set temperature of the point heat sourcemay be about 180-220 degrees Celsius. ln this context, the temperature of the contactsurface between the support substrate 2a and the oil is typically maximum 200degrees Celsius and the oil is heated to a temperature of about 160 degrees Celsius.ln addition, the oil flow entering the interior volume is about 0.5-1.0 litre per minute.The oil flow is in this example, as mentioned above, typically controlled by the oil flowcontroller. Furthermore, the air flow entering the interior volume is about 5-10 litre perminute. The air flow here refers to the air velocity. The air velocity of the air iscontrolled by the air flow controller 60, as mentioned above. ln this example, the airtemperature may vary between 0-60 degrees Celsius. However, the air temperature istypically close to 60 degrees Celsius, still preferably equal to 60 degrees Celsius.Similar to the air velocity, the air temperature is here typically controlled by the air flowcontroller 60.

For hydraulic oil, the set temperature of the point heat source is typically about 80 - 90degrees Celsius. ln this context, the temperature of the contact surface between the support substrate 2a and the oil is typically maximum 90 degrees Celsius and thehydraulic oil is heated to a temperature of about 50-60 degrees Celsius. Similar to theexample with lubrication oil, the oil flow of hydraulic oil entering the interior volume isabout 0.5-1.0 litre per minute. Furthermore, the air flow entering the interior volume isabout 5-10 litre per minute. The air flow here refers to the air velocity. ln this example,the air temperature may vary between 0-60 degrees Celsius. However, the airtemperature is typically close to 60 degrees Celsius, still preferably equal to 60degrees Celsius. Also in this example, the oil flow and the air characteristics (e.g. airvelocity and air temperature) are typically controlled by the oil flow controller and theair flow controller, respectively. ln an example when the refiner device comprises a pre-heating mechanism for pre-heating the oil, the oil may be pre-heated to a first temperature of about 40-60 degreesCelsius, still preferably to a first temperature of about 50-60 degrees Celsius. The pre-heating mechanism is particularly beneficial for devices for refining hydraulic oil due tothe initial low temperature of the hydraulic oil.

The time of the process for refining the oil or fuel to a satisfied level of purity typicallydepends on the volume of oil or fuel to be refined as well as on conditions such as theair temperature, oil temperature and other operating conditions of the device and thesystem connected to the device. However, it is believed that an effect of the exampleembodiments of the refiner device may be discerned already after about 25-50 hours.A more significant effect of the example embodiments of the refiner device may bediscerned after about 150-300 hours. Thus, the time of the process for refining the oilor fuel should typically last between 25-300 hours, still preferably, 100-300hours, stillpreferably 150-300 hours. ln an internal combustion engine, the oil flows typically varies between approximately0.3 litres/minute and approximately 1.0 litres/minute. The low flow of 0.3 litres/minute isvalid at idling and is not an optimal flow, but the device works at all low flows as thetemperature is constantly kept at maximum temperature for the oil with respect to retention time.

Maximum- and minimum-flows that the refiner device is capable of handling varies depending on the power of the point heat source and the retention time. The oil flow 31 rates, air flow rates and temperatures given above are thus not limiting for thedisclosure.

Other temperatures and flows are of course possible depending on retention time andthe properties and composition of the oil or fuel.

Further, it is to be noted that the device may normally be used without a particle filter.ln this manner, the device can be even simpler in structure than existing prior artsystems.

The refiner device may typically be used and implemented in a system. The systemmay e.g. comprises a container for oil or fuel, a conduit and a refiner device accordingto any one of example embodiments described herein, wherein the container isconnected to the refiner device via the conduit to permit transportation of oil or fuelfrom the container to the refiner device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure (not shown), the support substratefurther comprises a transportation device in the form of a coupling device connectableto an oil container. The coupling device advantageously comprises a threaded pinwhich can be threaded to a corresponding part at the oil container. A particle filter maybe located between the oil container and the coupling device. The coupling device isthen coupled to the particle filter. An oil container is here meant a container intended tokeep oil. An oil container can e.g. be an internal combustion engine or a hydraulicconstruction. Typical for such arrangements is that there is a collecting vessel for oil,e.g. an oil tray, from which the oil is brought to the active parts for which the oil isintended to be used. During use, the oil is contaminated and is brought to the oil refinerdevice which separates at least parts of the contamination from the oil. The oil is thenbrought back to the collecting vessel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling device comprises at leastone conduit extending through the oil refiner device and arranged to transport oil fromthe oil container to the refiner device. ln use, as mentioned above, the oil refiner device is installed such as to allowgravitation to move the oil from the conduit to the point heat source. Typically, the refiner device is installed such that gravitation distributes the oil symmetrically or 32 asymmetrically over the support substrate. The device can thus be installed straight orinclined in relation to a vertical line parallel to the vertical direction Z.

However, it should be readily appreciated that the refiner device may not necessarilyalways be installed to transport oil or fuel by gravity. lnstead, it is sufficient that thesupport substrate is configured and arranged in said housing to bring oil or fuel,containing a contamination in the form of a liquid, in contact with the point heat sourceby transporting the oil or fuel on the surface of the support substrate. Thus, the refinerdevice may in some design variants use an active transportation unit or device fortransporting the oil or fuel as described above. To this end, the support substrate maybe movably arranged in the housing for permitting a transportation of the oil or fuelover the surface 2a of the support substrate.

Fig. 3 illustrates the use of the refiner device 1 in a by-pass system 100, said systembeing connectable to an industrial application or a hydraulic application 90. The by-pass system 100 comprises the refiner device 1, and typically a pump arrangement 80operably connected to the refiner device 1. The refiner device 1 in this example maybe provided according to any one of example embodiments, design variants, featuresor functions as mentioned above. The pump arrangement 80 is configured for pumpingthe oil or fuel from the industrial application to the refiner device when the by-passsystem is connected to the application 90. The by-pass system typically includes aconduit 102 connecting the pump arrangement to the refiner device. The conduit alsoconnects the application to the by-pass system. ln addition, the by-pass system maycomprise a pre-heating mechanism for the oil or fuel 86, as mentioned above. lnaddition, the by-pass system may comprise a control unit 82 for operating the by-passsystem 100. The control unit typically includes a processing circuit containing softwareconfigured for operating the by-pass system. Typically, the by-pass system may alsoinclude a power source 83, such as an electrical engine, battery or the like. The powersource is configured to power the components of the by-pass system. The componentsof the by-pass system may be provided on a sheet material, such as a steel sheetmaterial 84. The by-pass system is thus provided as an integral module configured to connect to an industrial application or the like. 33Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent ofthe matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

As will be realised, the disclosure is capable of modification in various obviousrespects, all without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, thedrawings and the description thereto are to be regarded as i||ustrative in nature, andnot restrictive. lt should be understood that the present refiner device and itscomponents are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,they are intended to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the scope of the claims. They are further intended to include embodiments thatmay be formed by combining features from the disclosed embodiments, and variants thereof.

Claims

1. A refiner device (1) for oil or fuel comprising a housing (5) defining an interior volume (11) and having an inlet for receiving oil or fuel (22), a conduit forrelease of the refined oil or fuel (20), an air inlet for receiving air (12), an airdischarge opening (6) and a support substrate (2) having a point heat source (3)with a set temperature, said support substrate being configured and arranged insaid housing to bring oil or fuel, containing a contamination in the form of aliquid, in contact with the point heat source by transporting the oil or fuel on asurface (2a) of said support substrate, wherein the set temperature of the point heat source amounts to an operatingtemperature that, at an interface (2b) between the point heat source and the oilor fuel, corresponds to a predetermined maximum allowed oil or fueltemperature which, with respect to the retention time the oil or fuel is exposed tothe point heat source, allows the contamination to be at least partiallyevaporated, wherein the device further comprises an air flow controller (60) configured forcontrolling a characteristics of the air entering the interior volume of the housing. Device according to claim 1, wherein the air flow controller (60) is operablyconnected to the air inlet. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the characteristics of the air flowcorresponds to any one of air pressure, air temperature, air velocity, andhumidity. Device according to claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the air flow controller is configured for distributing the air inside the housing. Device according to claim 4, wherein the device comprises an adjustable nozzleconfigured for distributing the air inside the housing. 10. 11. 12. 13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device furthercomprising an oil or fuel flow controller operably connected to the inlet forreceiving oil or fuel and configured for controlling a characteristics of the oil orfuel, such as the amount, velocity, or temperature of the oil or fuel entering the interior volume of the housing. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein thepredetermined maximum allowed oil temperature being substantially higher thana specific temperature at which the oil or fuel starts to be damaged irrespective of the retention time the oil is exposed to point heat source. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said supportsubstrate is arranged and configured in said housing to bring oil or fuel in contact with the point heat source by gravity. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the point heatsource is a semiconductor such as positive temperature coefficient semiconductor. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the point heat source has an area of maximum 12 square centimeters. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the heat point source is a part of the area of the support substrate. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device furthercomprises a transportation device including said support substrate beingconfigured to support the point heat source, said transportation device beingconfigured to transport the oil or fuel on a surface of said support substrate. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device furthercomprises an air pre-heating mechanism operable to pre-heat the air to a firsttemperature prior to entering the interior volume of the housing of the device. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 36Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device furthercomprises an oil or fuel pre-heating mechanism operable to pre-heat the oil orfuel to a first temperature prior to entering the interior volume of the housing ofthe device. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set temperature of the point heat source is constant. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a plurality of spaced arranged point heat sources. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supportsubstrate is heat conductive and wherein the interface includes the contact surface between the support substrate and the oil. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supportsubstrate comprises at least one of a group consisting of a substantially conical unit, a convex unit, and a stair shaped unit. System comprising a refiner device according to any one of preceding claims, apump arrangement and a conduit connectable to an industrial application suchas an internal combustion engine, hydraulic machine or the like, wherein thepump arrangement is operably connected to the refiner device via the conduit topermit transportation of oil or fuel from the industrial application to the refiner device. System according to claim 19, wherein said system is a by-pass system (100).