Helo,

I would like to ask you some experiences or any solutions to solve Oil carry over problems on Oil-Flooded Compressor?

My compressor which is Champion Compressor DX200 has that problem and create high over temperature. The temporary action is to top up the oil for about 5 litres every 1000 hrs. The oil is Castrol Tribol 890/68.

Really appreciated for any comments.

Helmy F

Where does the oil carry over come from & go to?

From the reservoir to the output air lines.

Why the oil can go from its reservoir to output air lines? What is the function of this compressor? Is it an air compressor?

Helmy,

Not being familiar with the Compressor you describe, may I ask you a couple of questions?

1. Is the viscosity and viscosity index of the oil in line with the vendor's recommendations for your location?

2. Is the level of the oil in the reservoir after the top-up at or below the high level mark?

Yes, it is an air compressor.

The Viscosity is correct.

The oil level is always below the sight glass. This creates high temperature and we have to top-up the oil frequently to the correct level.

Please see the attachment:

Champion_Compressor_1.jpg (177 Kb, 30 downloads) Circuit Diagram

Hi Helmy
Two very important oil properties are:
Coalecing and volatility

A factor that is important in rotary compressors is the coalescing property. The fine mists, which are produced by injecting the oil into the compressed air have to be removed again before the air leaves the compressor. A coalescing element is installed in the receiver to achieve this but the oil has a significant influence on the efficiency of the element.
Poor recoalescing properties lead to higher oil carryover, increased oil consumption and oil in the condensate drain.

Low volatility of the oil reduces the oil carry over that is normally expected from compressor lubricants, especially at higher operating temperatures, an oil with low volatility will result in lower topup requirements

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MACABF,

Helmy,

If you are topping oil as you have mentioned 5 liters every 1000 hrs, then you have a problem with your VOLATILITY RATE.

Kindly have a sample of your oil and have the lab analyze it for its VOLATILITY RATE. Also check its FLASH POINT.

Volatility Test will answer the question why you are adding or topping oil in your system frequently. this is measured in percentage, if your volatility rate is high then expect to Top off often. Low NOACK VOLATILITY TEST are required.

Rolly Angeles

Have you checked the functioning of your oil cooler? Iadequate cooling capacity also increases oil carry over.

Helmy,
Check the separator and all its components for integrity as well as what has already been suggested.