Lube Oil Reclamation in Shipbuilding, Minimac Achieves NAS 3
Executive Summary
Minimac Systems successfully executed a lube oil reclamation and filtration project for Millennium’s shipbuilding yard, an ISO 9001-certified facility under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (Defence Sector). The project involved purifying 49,000 liters of degraded gearbox lube oil to achieve optimal machine performance and eliminate contamination risks.
Key Metrics:
- Initial NAS level: 12
- Achieved NAS 3 in Tank 1 and NAS 5 in Tank 2
- 49,000 liters of oil reclaimed
- ISO 19994460 18,15,12 standard met
- Zero spillage during execution
- Timely commissioning of India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)
Introduction
Minimac Systems specializes in lubrication management and oil purification solutions, helping industries extend the life of their lubricants and enhance machinery reliability. In this project, Minimac deployed FS225 & FS150 LPM Oil Filtration Machines to restore gearbox lube oil quality.
The FS225 & FS150 LPM Oil Filtration Machines are high-performance oil purification systems designed to efficiently remove solid contaminants, water, and sludge from industrial lubricants. This machine operates at a flow rate of 225 and 150 liters per minute (LPM), ensuring rapid and effective oil filtration.

Client Profile:
- Industry: Shipbuilding & Defense
- Project:First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC)
- Location: Kerala, India
- Facility: ISO 9001-certified shipyard
The Challenge
Problem Statement: The client faced severe oil contamination, with a high NAS level of 12, leading to:
- Excessive friction and wear, increasing maintenance costs.
- Frequent machine breakdowns are causing operational delays.
- Solid contamination in oil reduces efficiency and reliability.
- Challenges in oil transparency pose a risk to equipment longevity.
Impact of the Problem:
- Increased downtime and maintenance costs.
- Potential failure of critical defense equipment.
- High risk of machine damage and premature wear.
- Delays in the commissioning of India’s first IAC.
The Solution
Implementation of Minimac Systems:
Minimac Systems deployed a customized lube oil filtration and reclamation process, ensuring:
- Effective removal of solid contaminants.
- Reduction of NAS level to the required standard.
- On-site oil analysis and testing to ensure transparency.
Features Utilized:
- FS225 & FS150 LPM Oil Filtration Machines
- ISO 19994460 18,15,12 compliant filtration
- MOMS (Minimac Operations & Maintenance Services) trained manpower
- Custom oil flushing techniques
- No-spillage execution
Results
Quantitative Outcomes:

- 49,000 liters of lube oil successfully purified
- Extended oil life and improved machine performance
- Zero oil spillage during the operation
- Successful commissioning of India's first IAC
Qualitative Outcomes:
- Enhanced reliability and efficiency of critical defense machinery
- Compliance with stringent maritime and defense lubrication standards
- Positive client feedback on execution speed and professionalism
Conclusion
Minimac Systems' expertise in lube oil reclamation and filtration played a vital role in enhancing the performance and reliability of India's first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. By reducing NAS levels from 12 to 3, we ensured clean, efficient, and long-lasting lubrication for critical defense machinery.
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