The lubricating oil filter is the last line of defense against solid contaminants (particulate matter) getting into the engine bearings. A mechanical tool called a lube oil purifier is used to filter contaminants like water and solid particles from lubricating oil. The apparatus functions as a centrifuge, which means that a centrifugal force is maintained inside the machinery so that undesirable particles with a density greater than that of the lubricating oil are expelled from the system. A purifier is one of the cleaning tools (together with a filter) in order to purify the lubricant before utilizing it again in the engine.

In each pass, or around every 7 or 8 seconds, the majority of lube oil filters are made to filter about 50% of the particles at 20 microns (one-fourth the thickness of a human hair). Up to around 8 m, synthetics. Additionally, they typically contain a bypass valve so that even unclean oil can still circulate when the filter clogs.

The lube oil purifier's job is to remove water and other impurities from oil. Oil purifiers that use vacuum dehydration technology are helpful for maintaining turbine performance and preventing corrosion and engine wear.

The lube oil purifier has started.

Make sure the valves are open and the lines are in place.

With the 3-way recirculation valve in the position leading to the settling tank, start the purifier feed pump.

Make sure the drains are open so that the condensate may drain before opening the steam to the heater slightly.

Switch on the purifier.