Consultation on flow meter for oil inlet pipe and oil return temperature of centrifugal compressor
Thread Content
I would like to ask for some advice. I have a centrifugal compressor, and I’ve encountered several problems recently: 1. There is a flow and pressure controller on the oil inlet pipe. During the installation of the unit, an hex key was used to adjust the oil pressure; however, this has not been adjusted since the unit started operating years ago. Recently, it was found that the oil return temperature on the non-driving side of the unit is quite high, at 66 degrees Celsius. All the usual methods for adjustment, such as those related to oil pressure and oil coolers, have already been checked. I later wanted to adjust this flow meter with pressure display, but since there were no manuals or other reference materials available, I didn’t dare make any changes for fear of causing the unit or even the entire installation to shut down. —— I was wondering if anyone knows what appropriate pressure should be set for the oil pressure in the inlet pipe 2. Regarding the oil return temperature, again due to the lack of necessary information available, it is not clear what the maximum acceptable temperature for oil return in centrifugal compressors is within the normal range Are there regulations specified in standards such as API617? 3. The flow meter shown in the picture indicates flow rate but not pressure. Since this flow meter is part of the equipment supplied with the unit, it only provides local display and does not have a DCS for remote transmission; this makes it somewhat complicated to obtain spare parts later. Logically, it should fall under the responsibility of the mechanical engineering team. What do you think – is it more appropriate for the mechanical engineering department or the instrumentation department to handle such flow meters? I’ve written so much; I hope to get some interactive responses and exchanges from everyone. Thank you!
The oil temperature is high; has the oil been changed? Is there less oil? The hex key for that pressure regulating valve is generally turned outward to increase the opening
The oil temperature is acceptable; the inlet oil temperature is 48 degrees Celsius, and the temperature after cooling down is 42 degrees Celsius. The oil level is normal; the level in the large fuel tank remains basically constant. The hex key was adjusted, but nothing changed, and as a result there was still oil leakage, which had to be fixed later. . . . . . .
The pressure regulating valve I’m talking about for adjusting oil pressure is located at the gas station; I’ve really never seen the one in your photo, I’m sorry
1. For the in-situ flow meter, you can try making slight adjustments; of course, increase the flow rate. Give it a try – it’s okay. If you’re not sure which direction to go, make minor adjustments first. 2. Additionally, a return oil temperature of 66 degrees should be fine. If specific parameters for that unit are needed, one can only ask the manufacturer. 3. The flow meter only shows the flow rate; check to see if there is a pressure gauge, and whether there is a pressure gauge at the outlet of the light oil station Personally, I think flow meters should be classified as instruments. Of course, every company has its own challenges; we’re not sure about the usual ways in which your company operates.
Haha, it’s okay; I know that normal oil pressure regulation is done through the valve that returns oil to the tank. I thought these flow meters with traffic pressure indicators were common, haha
I know that pressure gauges for hydraulic pressure are available in other places. The one shown in the photo, which has an internal hex key, is used for adjusting the oil pressure. I was overly optimistic; I didn’t expect that adjusting the hydraulic pressure using an internal hex key would cause leaks due to issues with the glue or threads inside. I really felt stressed and out of breath at that time. . . . . . Thank you for your reply!
To supplement the diagram: one is a hex socket hole with no leaks, and there is a small amount of viscous glue-like substance in the gap in the middle. Another issue mentioned in the post was a leak; it has now been fixed using a simple sealing method to prevent leakage at the hexagonal thread, and I’m sharing this here for everyone’s reference.
A temperature of 66 degrees is acceptable. I’m not sure what size the unit you have is; generally, flow meters of this type cannot be adjusted. You can try adjusting the pressure to increase the flow rate and then monitor the temperature. While increasing the oil supply, observe any changes in the return oil volume as well. Under the current conditions, as long as the temperature does not keep rising, there should be no major problems. If it continues to increase, it is recommended to open the unit and check the gaps and oil return holes inside. This is my personal opinion; please forgive any mistakes.
This is a watch from Shenyang Beixing; just like ours, it can be adjusted. We usually set the oil pressure at 0.1–0.15 Mpa