The Problem:
Water contamination is one of the most common—and most damaging—issues in lubrication and hydraulic systems.
It doesn’t take much: just 200 ppm of water in your oil can lead to:
- Premature wear and corrosion
- Acid formation and oxidation
- Oil breakdown
- Increased downtime and costly repairs
Once water enters, it spreads quickly—and without the right removal method, your system remains at risk.
Why Most Water Removal Methods Fall Short
Breathers and tank drains help—but they don’t remove the water that’s already inside the oil. And choosing the wrong filtration method leads to:
- Recurring contamination
- Ineffective moisture control
- Costly Utility Bills
- Vacuum Dehydrators that aren’t getting the water out
- Additional Down Time
The solution is not just removing water—it’s matching the right technology to the right type of water contamination.
The 3 Types of Water in Oil:
- Free Water – visible droplets that separate and settle
- Emulsified Water – water suspended in oil as a cloudy mixture
- Dissolved Water – water molecules evenly dispersed throughout the oil on a molecular level.
Each type requires a specific solution.
Our 3-Tier Moisture Removal Strategy
- HDU Series – Depth Filtration with Absorption
Best for: Systems with trace moisture and particulate contamination
Removes:
✔ Free water
✔ Emulsified water
✔ Dissolved water
✔ Particulates
🔹 Up to 2 liters of water per insert
🔹 Excellent for gearboxes, hydraulics, and lubrication systems
🔹 Also controls varnish and oxidation byproducts
🔹 Offline/kidney loop configuration
Important: If water ingress is ongoing or excessive, HDU inserts will saturate quickly and require frequent replacement. This system is most effective when moisture levels are low but still problematic.
Pro Tip: Use HDU Series filters as an early alarm system for heat exchanger failures
- CJC PTU Series – Coalescence for Free Water & Particles
Best for: Systems with ongoing free water ingress
Removes:
✔ Free water only
✔ Particulates
🔹 Water is removed without saturating the filter
🔹 Coalesced water drains from the system via separation chamber
🔹 Ideal for diesel fuel, turbines, and light-viscosity oils
🔹 Low-pressure offline configuration
Note: PTU systems do not remove emulsified or dissolved water.
Pro Tip: Perfect for removing bulk water from the bottom of tanks, but check demulsibility of in used lubricant to see how well the entrained water will effectively fall out.
- CJC Desorber Series – Dehydration via Desorption
Best for: Systems with emulsified and dissolved water
Removes:
✔ Dissolved water
✔ Emulsified water
➖ Free water removal (not a strength)
🔹 Uses cool dry air to strip moisture out of oil
🔹 Works at any oil temperature, with any oil brand
🔹 Some models can include particulate filtration (optional)
🔹 No chemicals, no filter insert changes required
Desorbers excel when other methods fail—especially in high-humidity or water-saturated systems.
ProTip: Pair a D Series Desorber with an HDU System to achieve clean & dry oil 24/7!
Know Your Contamination – Choose the Right Tool
| Feature | HDU Series | PTU Series | Desorber Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Water Removal | ⚠️ (trace only) | ✅ (excellent) | ⚠️ (not ideal) |
| Emulsified Water Removal | ⚠️ (trace only) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Dissolved Water Removal | ⚠️ (trace only) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Particulate Removal | ✅ | ✅ | Optional (not required) |
| Filter Media Required | Yes | Yes | No (optional) |
| Operating Cost (for water removal) | Medium–High | Low | Low |
| Best Use Case | Low ingress + dirt | Bulk free water | High saturation |
The Plan: How to Fix It
- Schedule a Free Water in Oil Assessment
- We identify your water contamination profile
- We recommend the right CJC filtration system (HDU, PTU, or Desorber)
- We install and monitor it—so your system stays clean, dry, and reliable
Why CJC + Larger Hydraulic Services?
- ✅ Trusted by the global power generation and heavy industrial sectors
- ✅ Over 65 years of proven results
- ✅ The lowest cost per gallon of water removed
- ✅ No chemicals or dangerous additives
- ✅ Works with any oil, any brand, at any temperature
- ✅ Real-time monitoring and long service intervals
Ready to Get the Water Out?
📞 Call Larger Hydraulic Services today to schedule your Water Removal Strategy Session.
We’ll help you get clean, dry oil—without shutdowns, without chemical flushing, and without guesswork.
Because water doesn’t belong in your oil—and every part matters.