PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL - OilDry, Voith’s innovative compressed air system. Innovative compressed air barrier system from Voith proactively prevents water intrusion, protecting bearings and extending the service life of lubrication oil. Tamara Lemm, Communications Manager EMEA, Voith Paper - Paper Technology International 2026 - Book - Page 73

PAPER TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL - OilDry, Voith’s innovative compressed air system. Innovative compressed air barrier system from Voith proactively prevents water intrusion, protecting bearings and extending the service life of lubrication oil. Tamara Lemm, Communications Manager EMEA, Voith Paper

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
The trend illustrates how the water content in the central lubrication system was signi昀椀cantly reduced within just a few hours after
the OilDry was put into operation and has since been consistently maintained at this low level.
The innovation to proactively prevent water intrusion
OilDry is the apt name of this innovative system, which has
been patented, as it prevents oil from absorbing water rather than
removing water content retroactively. It essentially works by using
compressed air to form a barrier around the labyrinth seals, which
prevents moist air from passing through the seals and entering the
bearings, where it would otherwise condense and be absorbed by
the oil.
What’s more, OilDry is a quick 昀椀x for all types of paper
machines, including from third parties. The compressed air
connections can be installed around the labyrinth seals during a
short, scheduled shutdown. The remaining piping and control panel
installation work can be carried out during production.
OilDry: proactively preventing water contamination
Currently, OilDry is installed in the dryer section of a number
of production lines in Europe, but Andreas Poinsitt and his team are
already working with papermakers on solutions that will work
in the wet end of the paper machine, speci昀椀cally in the forming and
press section.
Although water intrusion in lubrication oil has long been
accepted as a result of the humid conditions in a paper mill, OilDry
proves that it does not have to be. By using compressed air to
create reliable barriers around labyrinth seals, the water content in
lubrication oil remains low, securing a longer, smoother service life
for bearings.
The message is clear: proactively working against high water
content protects bearings, extends the service life of lubrication oil,
and can lead to a smoother production line.
“Free water is poison for the
bearings. When free water
enters roller bearings, it
causes corrosion within a short
time. This leads to premature
bearing damage and unplanned
downtimes, often involving
signi昀椀cant repair work and
costs.”
Andreas Poinsitt,
Product Manager Lubrication at Voith Paper
Image 1: OilDry, Voith’s innovative compressed
air system.
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