What are the criteria for acceptable oil circulation in the lubricating oil pipeline of centrifugal compressors?

The criteria for satisfactory oil circulation in the lubricating oil pipeline of a centrifugal compressor mainly include the following points: 1. Oil quality: The quality of the lubricating oil must meet the requirements specified by the compressor manufacturer, including viscosity, purity, and oxidation resistance. 2. Flow rate: The oil flow rate must be high enough to ensure that all components are properly lubricated. 3. Temperature: The temperature of the lubricating oil during circulation should be kept within an appropriate range, avoiding either too high or too low temperatures, in order to ensure its lubricating effectiveness. 4. Pressure: The pressure of the oil in the system must be maintained within a certain range to ensure smooth flow of the oil and its effective delivery to all lubrication points. 5. Cleanliness: The oil circuit system should be free from impurities that could cause blockages; the oil filter should be checked and replaced regularly to ensure the oil remains clean. 6. Oil leakage: Check the oil circuit system for any signs of leakage, and repair it promptly to ensure the integrity of the system’s seals. These standards collectively ensure the proper operation of centrifugal compressors and extend the lifespan of the equipment. .

NAS 1638 ISO 4406

First, the cleanliness meets the standards. The particle counting method is generally used, requiring that the quantity and size of solid particles in the oil at the specified sampling points meet the requirements set by the equipment manufacturer. For example, in some cases, it is required that the number of particles larger than 5μm per 100 mL of oil sample in critical areas does not exceed a certain value. Second is stable oil temperature. During operation, the oil temperature remains within the designed range for normal functioning, with minimal fluctuations; it generally stays stable at around 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. Third is stable oil pressure. The lubricating oil pressure remains within the specified range throughout the entire system; for example, the system operating pressure is between 0.2 and 0.4 MPa, and it meets the pressure requirements of all lubrication points in the equipment, without any abnormal situations such as sudden drops in pressure. Fourth, the traffic is stable. The lubricant flow rate in each branch line and main pipeline reaches the designed value, ensuring that all lubrication points receive an adequate supply of lubricant; the fluctuation range of the flow rate is usually kept within ±5%.