SKF’s Double‑Separation Technology Cuts Lubricant Costs and CO₂ Emissions

SKF’s Double‑Separation Technology (DST) removes even the tiniest particles, keeping lubrication oil pristine, lowering operating costs and boosting environmental performance.

Gothenburg, Sweden – 15 March 2021: SKF has turned a proven oil‑recovery system, once deployed at two of its own production sites, into a commercial service for customers.

Unlike conventional mechanical filters, DST continuously eliminates nano‑sized contaminants that cause oil oxidation and degradation. This extended the usable life of lubrication oil, creating a circular use‑cycle that delivers tangible savings.

“No comparable technology exists,” says Carl Philip Fredborg, Team Lead for Deployment and Aftersales, SKF RecondOil. “Traditional filters cannot capture nano‑particles that ultimately accelerate oil wear.”

Early life‑cycle studies by SKF show that each tonne of reused oil can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to three tonnes, while also cutting purchase and disposal costs. Additionally, DST helps maintain machine performance by keeping lubricant clean.

The technology was validated at two distinct SKF facilities in Italy. In Airasca, DST improved stability in the production of housed bearing units for the automotive sector. At the Cassino plant, which produces deep‑groove ball bearings for food‑processing, tests demonstrate reduced noise and vibration—critical performance metrics for those applications.

Both plants report ongoing improvements in machine wear and uptime, and local teams continue to monitor further environmental and performance benefits.

Following successful pilots, SKF will roll out DST more broadly across its operations. While the system itself will not be sold, SKF will offer oil‑regeneration services under a fee‑ and performance‑based agreement. Customers can expect lower lubricant costs, simplified oil management, and a reduced environmental footprint.