The choice of a compressor lubricant depends on the type and construction of the compressor, the gas being compressed, the degree of compression and the final outlet temperature.

Piston compressors provide the highest gas pressures and are among the most difficult from the standpoint of cylinder lubrication.

Rotary compressors with final pressures below 1 mega Pascal (MPa), approximately 145 psi, are less difficult to lubricate.

Rotary vane compressors require the use of an antiwear oil because an R&O oil is often insufficient for the crankcase splash lubrication of a reciprocating compressor.

Product

Applications

Features

Spec Sheets

Synthetic Lubricants

HB-1282 Syn-Lube Compressor Lube

Rotary Screw and Vane type Compressors

● Viscosity grades of 32 and 46
● Compatible with most seal materials

HB-1282 Spec

HB-1283 Syn-Lube Compressor Lube

Reciprocating Compressors

● Diester fluids; Natural high degree of detergency;
● Reduces oxidation due to better handling of heat

HB-1283 Spec

HB-1284 Syn Lube Compressor Lube

Reciprocating Compressors

● Diester fluids; Extended service life of up to 10 times that of conventional petroleum oils.

HB-1284 Spec

Petroleum-based Lubricants

HB-1175 Universal Compressor Oil

Single-stage, double-stage, or multi-stage air compressors under a variety of conditions.

● Blend of the highest quality solvent refined, paraffinic and naphthenic petroleum mineral oils and additives

● Prevents rust and oxidation

● Oxidation, corrosion, rust inhibitors and anti-foam agents

HB-1175 Spec

Lubricant Requirements, Properties and Maintenance for Natural Gas Compressors

George E. Totten, G.E. Totten & Associates, Inc. and Roland J. Bishop, Jr., Dow Chemical Company

Compressors are engineered in a variety of types and configurations. The final design selection depends on numerous factors. Gas type and required pressure are significant factors on both compressor and compressor lubricant selection. As temperatures and pressures increase, the stress on the lubricant increases as well. The first part of this two-part series appeared in the May-June issue of ML, and may be accessed at www.machinerylubrication.com. It addressed compressor types, common operating conditions and lubricant volume guidelines. In this second part, the authors address issues that pertain more specifically to the lubricant, with some consideration of natural gas transmission compressor and lubricant issues.

Compressor Lubricants
The choice of a compressor lubricant depends on the type and construction of the compressor, the gas being compressed, the degree of compression and the final outlet temperature. Piston compressors provide the highest gas pressures and are among the most difficult from the standpoint of cylinder lubrication. Rotary compressors with final pressures below 1 mega Pascal (MPa), approximately 145 psi, are less difficult to lubricate. Rotary vane compressors require the use of an antiwear oil1 because an R&O oil is often insufficient for the crankcase splash lubrication of a reciprocating compressor. The selection of the proper compressor and application-dependent lubricant with the appropriate physical-chemical properties is vital to a successful process.2 ISO 6743 - Part 3A provides a classification procedure for compressor lubricants based on the type of equipment and operating conditions.

Some of the most commonly reported oil-related service problems with compressors include:3

Increase in oil viscosity and total acidity
Copper corrosion (oil turns green)
Sludge deposits
Substantial oil entrainment in discharge gas (air) due to decreased efficiency of the demister element
Oil strainer plugging
Bearing failure. For successful operation, compressor oil must exhibit the following properties:4,5,6
Oxidation resistance
A wide operating temperature range (high flash point, low pour point, high viscosity index)
Low volatility
Superior antiwear performance
Good demulsibility
Adequate corrosion resistance
Thermal/oxidative stability
Rust and corrosion inhibition
Hydrolytically stable
Material compatibility
Nonsludging performance
Minimal oil loss to the system
Nonfoaming behavior
Nontoxic.

Condensed from the following reference:

George E. Totten, G.E. Totten & Associates, Inc. and Roland J. Bishop, Jr., Dow Chemical Company, "Lubricant Requirements, Properties and Maintenance for Natural Gas Compressors". Machinery Lubrication Magazine. September 2002

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?articleid=393&pagetitle=Lubricant%20Requirements,%20Properties%20and%20Maintenance%20for%20Natural%20Gas%20Compressors

H & B Industries Inc, Dallas, TX