Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1222953
50 | March - April 2020 | www . machinerylubrication.com Compressors are an integral part of almost every manufacturing facilit y. Commonly referred to as the heart of any air or gas system, these assets require special attention, particularly their lubrication. To comprehend the vital role lubrication plays in compressors, you must first understand their function as well as the effects of the system on the lubricant, which lubri- cant to select and what oil analysis tests should be performed. Compressor Types and Functions Ma ny dif ferent compressor t y pes a re ava ilable, but their primary role is almost always the same. Compressors are designed to intensify the pressure of a gas by reducing its overall volume. In simplified terms, one can think of a compressor as a gas-like pump. e functionality is basically the same, with the main difference being that a compressor reduces volume and moves gas through a system, while a pump simply pressurizes and transports liquid through a system. Compressors can be divided into two general categories: posi- tive displacement and dynamic. Rotary, diaphragm and recipro- cating compressors fall under the positive-displacement classif ica- tion. Rotary compressors function by forcing gases into smaller spaces through screws, lobes or vanes, while diaphragm compressors work by compressing gas through the movement of a membrane. Recip- rocating compressors compress gas through a piston or series of pistons driven by a crankshaft. C e n t r i f u g a l , m i x e d - f l o w and axial compressors are in the dy na mic c ategor y. A c ent rif- uga l compressor f unctions by compressing gas using a rotating disk in a formed housing. A mixed- flow compressor works similar to a centrifugal compressor but drives flow axially rather than radially. Axial compressors create compres- sion through a series of airfoils. Effects on Lubricants Prior to the selection of a compressor lubricant, one of the primary factors to consider is the What You Need to Know About Compressor Lubrication The better you understand a compressor's function, the effects of the system on the lubricant, which lubricant should be selected and what oil analysis tests should be conducted, the better your chances of maintaining and enhancing the health of your equipment. " " Compre s sor Lubric ation BACK PAGE BASICS Matthew Adams | Noria Corporation