Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

What do strainers in a lubricating oil system specifically remove?

1. Liquid contaminants

2. Only solid particles

3. Aerosol particles

4. Gas bubbles

The correct answer is: Only solid particles

Strainers in a lubricating oil system are specifically designed to remove solid particles from the lubricant. These solid contaminants can include dust, dirt, and other particulate matter that may enter the system and cause wear or damage to components such as bearings and gears. By filtering out these solid particles, strainers help maintain the cleanliness of the oil, ensuring that the lubricating system operates efficiently and prolonging the life of the machinery. While there are other types of filtration and separation methods for liquids, strainers focus on solid contaminants rather than other forms of contamination such as liquids or gases. This specialization is vital in mechanical applications where the physical integrity of moving parts relies heavily on the quality of lubrication provided by clean oil.