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Compressor Lubrication Best Practices
Compressor Lubrication Best Practices
Compressor Lubrication Best Practices
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A compressor is a type of machine that elevates the pressure of a compressible process fluid, typically air, or a
host of other gases. Dynamic compressors are based on the principle of imparting velocity to a gas stream and then converting this velocity energy into pressure energy. In contrast, positive displacement compressors conf a certain inlet volume of gas in a given space and subsequently elevate this trapped amount of gas to some hig pressure level. The overwhelming majority of compressors in either the dynamic (axial/centrifugal) or positive displacement (reciprocating and screw-type) category incorporate moving components. Nearly all compressors require a form of lubricant to either cool, seal or lubricate internal components. Only st jet compressors (ejectors) and late 20th- and early 21st-century oil-free machines with rotors suspended in magnetic or air bearings are exempt from the need for some type of lubrication. This article deals with the lubrication of dynamic compressors (Figure 1). Click here to see figure 1.
Key Components
Dynamic compressors have a few key components that require a coolant/lubricant: gears, bearings and seals. date, the majority of dynamic compressors continue to utilize oil film-lubricated seals, as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. Only labyrinth seals (Figures 2a and 2b) or gas-lubricated seals (Figure 3c) operate without a liquid film separating the faces. On the more conventional liquid- lubricated seals, the bearing and sealing lubricant often the same.
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
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Figure 2c
Figure 2d
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
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Compressor Seals
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In general, the mechanical contact or oil face seal (Figure 3a) employs a spring-loaded stationary carbon ring sliding contact with a rotating ring manufactured from high-quality material with a special finish. This type of s is also effective when the compressor is at standstill and the oil pumps have been shut down. The main components of oil bushing seals (Figure 3b) are two stationary, but radially free-to-move (floating ri breakdown bushings with small diametral clearances opposite a shaft sleeve (Figure 3b). The floating ring clearance controls the flow of the seal liquid cooling the seal. Floating carbon ring seals (not shown) successfully combine some of the best features of all of the above. They too, require seal face lubrication.
Compressor Lubricants
The overwhelming majority of compressors are best served by premium-grade turbine oils with ISO viscosity grades of 32 or 46. However, there are many different types of compressors and each manufacturer is likely to recommend lubricants that have been used on a test stand and at controlled user facilities. Premium-grade ISO VG 32 turbine oils are used more often than the heavier viscosity grades. The typical
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viscosity index is 97, with a pour point around -37C (-35F). Oxidation stability (per ASTM D943) should exce 5,000 hours and the flash point (per ASTM D92, COC) should be 206C, or 403F. These lubricants must provi the following: Long life without need for changeout Prevention of acidity, sludge, deposit formation Excellent protection against rust and corrosion, even during shutdown Good demulsibility to shed water that enters the lubrication system Easy filterability without additive depletion Good foam control It is not uncommon to operate these systems for many years on the initial fill of lubricant, in some cases beyo 30 years. These long-term lifecycles are associated with premium-grade product selection, large sumps, reasonably good contamination control and the occasional top-off sweetening effect on the oil in use. Extended lifecycles on turbine, turbo-compressor and other R&O type oils used in these applications are also facilitated by the relatively simple additive structure of the product, which minimizes kinds of complications associated with complex additive systems like those found in EP gear lubricants. Editors Note Condensed, by permission, from ISBN 0-88173-296-6, Bloch, Heinz P. Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilit Lilburn, Ga: The Fairmont Press, 2000.