Technical Bulletin
Oil Recommendations for Ariel Compressor
By Wanda – Technical Support PT Petrolube Cakra Persada
General
Lubrication
is vital for successful operation of a compressor. Adequate lubrication of the
proper type in the proper place at the proper time is the key to successful
lubrication. Although lubrication is an ongoing concern throughout the life of
the compressor, the initial package design is very important and deserves
special attention.
There are
two independent systems for lubricating the compressor; the frame oil system
and the force feed system. The frame oil system is a pressurized circulating
system that supplies a constant pressurized supply of oil to the crankshaft,
connecting rods and crossheads. The force feed system is a low volume high
pressure injection system that supplies small quantities of oil at regular
intervals to lubricate the piston rod packings and the piston rings. In many
applications these two systems can use the same lubricant, but in some
applications the lubricants must be different.
Lubrication Functions
Lubrication performs at least six functions in a
compressor.
1.Reduce friction:
A lubricant decreases the resistance to movement between contacting components.
The lubricant allows the components to slide on an oil film rather than
directly on the component surfaces to reduce friction.
2.Reduce wear:
A proper lubricating film minimizes contact between sliding components
which reduces wear to increase equipment life expectancy and decrease
maintenance costs.
3.Remove heat:
Frictional heat is generated between the moving parts and the lubricating
film. Circulating oil allows for heat removal to maintain working tolerances
and extend oil life.
4.Prevent corrosion:
Keeping air and moisture from the surfaces reduces corrosion to decrease
debris particles, frictional heat, and component wear. Corrosion prevention is
generally provided by additives rather than the base lubricant.
5.Seal and reduce contaminant buildup:
A liquid lubricant fills small spaces to improve the gas seal on piston
rings and packing rings, and flushes away contaminants from moving parts.
6.Dampen shock:
A lubricant of a proper viscosity helps to cushion shock
loads or pulsations to reduce vibration and noise, and increase component life.
Lubricant Formulations
R&O Oil
Rust and oxidation
inhibited (R&O) oil is a very simple oil comprised of base stock, corrosion
inhibitors, anti-wear and antioxidant additives. The viscosity of the
base stock determines the viscosity of the finished product. This oil is a very good
selection for use in the compressor frame and for most force feed systems.
Engine
Oil
Engine oil is formulated
for use in internal combustion engines. Its purpose is to counteract the
negative effects of combustion and help keep the products of combustion (heat,
soot, water, CO2) away from the moving parts of the engine. It
is designed to attract water and soot and help keep it in
suspension until it can be removed by the filter. These qualities are not required
in the compressor frame and in fact may prove detrimental to the lubrication of
the cylinders
and packing.
Engine oil will work
satisfactorily in the compressor frame and in many force feed systems in gathering
or transmission applications since viscosity is the most important aspect of
compressor lubrication. Although engine oil is generally
not the best choice for compressor lubrication, operational aspects such as
previous experience, inventory control, or simplicity of maintenance practices
may outweigh the benefits of using a different type of oil.
Emulsion
One common problem with engine oil is the formation of
emulsions in the compressor and/or downstream equipment. The
detergents in the oil allow the oil and water to mix. If the gas contains enough water, it
will mix with the detergents in the oil and emulsify. Usually the emulsions
will accumulate in the downstream equipment such as the scrubbers, but can also
be found in the cylinders and coolers.
To
eliminate an emulsion problem, the emulsions must be completely removed and all
equipment thoroughly cleaned. Re-start the compressor using a R&O oil or
some other appropriate non-detergent
based oil.
If used engine oil is supplied for lubrication
of the cylinders and packings, it must meet the listed requirements for cylinder and packing lubrication. The oil must
be appropriately filtered (ß5=10 and
ß12=75 and have an ISO 4406 cleanliness code of 17:16:14 ). Oil viscosity must be
monitored and tested to be sure of adequate quality.
Reference: SECTION 4 LUBRICATION – ARIEL
COMPRESSOR
For additional information, please contact:
PT. PETROLUBE CAKRA
PERSADA
The Promenade Building 2nd
Floor, H2
Jl. Warung Buncit Raya No.
98 Jakarta 12510
Tel.: (62)-21-7048 1177/88
Fax.:(62)-21-7919 1336
Email: info@petrolube.co.id
Email: technical@petrolube.co.id