ER-125 ECN: 201601467 VER: 0 - 1-17-18

Lube Rate Reduction Considerations and

Field Procedure
Considerations before Lube Rate Reduction
1. Review current compressor setup. Factors may exist now that were not considered when initially sizing
the cylinder lube system.
2. Verify the cylinder lube system setup is correct and in good working condition. It may no longer operate
correctly or be sized appropriately for the compressor application given the age of the equipment or how
the unit was sized. If needed, update cylinder lube system hardware and lube sheets to achieve an
appropriate starting lube rate for current operation.
3. Verify systems exhibit satisfactory component service lives and performance.

CAUTION: Perform lube rate reductions methodically to avoid under-lubrication that may
damage components due to increased operating temperatures. Excessive temperatures can
fail piston/packing rings and major components like piston rods and cylinder bores.

Inspection before Lube Rate Reduction

Tools required for inspections and monitoring:
• Gas flowmeter
• Temperature measurement device
• Vernier calipers
• OD micrometers
• ID micrometers or dial bore gauges
• Depth micrometer
• Unwaxed cigarette papers
• Purge Gun
Thoroughly inspect components lubricated by the force feed lubrication system for accelerated wear
Parameters to be recorded:
• Measured packing leakage/vent temperature prior to shutdown
• Piston rod diameters
• Piston ring/wear band groove widths, depths
• Cylinder bore inside diameters
• Packing case dimensions in regard to packing cup depth
• Piston ring radial thicknesses, widths
• Wear band radial thicknesses, widths
• Cigarette paper tests showing cylinder bore lubrication quality on all stages

ER-125 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 1 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com
• Test force feed lubrication system for good operation. Include a pressure test of divider valves.
After recording all information, the application can be reviewed for further lube rate reduction. If all
inspections reveal no excessive wear and good lubrication on all wear components, the lube rate reduction
procedure can be implemented.

Field Lube Rate Reduction Procedure

Determining proper lubrication requires inspections at regular intervals.

Cylinder Lubrication
Use unwaxed cigarette paper to qualitatively
measure cylinder bore lubrication. Perform the test
within one hour of shutdown for the best
representation of cylinder oil film during operation.
Test steps:
1. Using light pressure, wipe the cylinder bore with
two layers of regular unwaxed cigarette paper
together. Begin at the top and wipe downward
about 20° (between 1/4” to 4-5/8” depending on FIGURE 1 Paper Test Scale
bore size) along the bore circumference. The
paper against the bore surface should be
stained (wetted with oil), but the second paper should not be soaked through.
2. Repeat the test at both sides of the bore at about 90° from the top, using two clean papers for each side.

Packing Leakage
1. Use a portable or permanent gas flow meter to monitor gas leakage from packing vent/drain. Increased
leakage indicates wear in the packing case.
2. Measure packing vent temperature as close as possible to the crosshead guide. Higher temperature
indicates increased packing leakage. If using an infrared temperature sensor, consider emissivity and
area of the measurement surface. A baseline temperature measurement of a new packing is required to
identify any leakage increase.

Visual Inspection
1. Inspect cylinder bores and crosshead guide compartments to identify any wear material removed from
components.
2. Inspect piston rods for scoring or signs of excessive heat.

ER-125 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 2 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com
TABLE 1 Lube Rate Reduction Inspection Intervals

Total Lube
Elapsed Time
Lube Rate Reduction Procedure Step Total Run Time Reduction from
Interval
Normal Rate [%]

Startup at break-in lube rates. Break-in rates 0 0 0

are 150-200% of normal.

Set system to normal lube rates. 200 hrs 200 hrs 0

Review conditions

Reduce lube 10% from normal rate. 1 month 1 month 10

Shut down for inspection. If satisfactory, move to next step.

Reduce lube an additional 10%. 1 month 2 months 20

Shut down for inspection. If satisfactory, move to next step.

Reduce lube an additional 10%. 1 month 3 months 30

Shut down for inspection. If satisfactory, move to next step.

Reduce lube an additional 10%. 1 month 4 months 40

Shut down for inspection. If satisfactory, move to next step.

Reduce lube an additional 10%. 1 month 5 months 50

Shut down for inspection. If satisfactory, move to next step.

Continue operation at 50%. 6 months 8000 hrs 50

Shut down for complete inspection.

At the conclusion of the test at 8000 hours, along with the inspections outlined above, remove piston
assemblies and inspect piston ring grooves, piston rings, wear bands, piston rods and cylinder bores.
Compare all dimensions to original measurements at test initiation to identify any considerable wear.
If packing leakage/temperatures increase or lubrication quality diminishes on any cylinder bore at any point
in the test, discontinue the lubrication reduction. If cylinders appear under lubricated, increase lubrication in
10% increments until proper lubrication is restored. If specific lube points appear to deliver marginal
lubrication, divider valves may be reconfigured by Ariel to tailor oil delivery to specific points based on paper
test results. Ideally, all cylinder lube points deliver enough oil to the bore to saturate only one layer of
cigarette paper.

The contents of this document are proprietary and confidential. They are the property of Ariel Corporation and may
not be disclosed, reproduced, or used for manufacture in part or in whole without written permission from Ariel
Corporation.

DATE: VER: ECN: DESCRIPTION:

1-17-18 0 201601467 New release.

ER-125 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 3 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com