Solutions for air compressor oil leakage
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One of the air compressors in our factory is leaking oil; at that time, we suspected that there was a problem with the shaft seal or the oil return pipe. Even after replacing the oil tube, there is still oil leakage. If it’s an oil leak from the shaft seal, disassembly is rather complicated. Does the motor need to be realigned? What are the requirements for alignment? To what tolerance should the flat surfaces and end faces be accurate? The image below shows the joint at the upper end of the return oil pipe. The air compressor is from Ingersoll Rand.
I’m not sure if it’s positioned by the shoulder; if it is, then there’s no need for alignment
It seems unlikely that this type of equipment will leak oil; if there is a leak, should the physical and chemical properties of the oil be checked? Is the oil blocking at the return port inside the bearing housing clogged due to long-term use? Is the oil temperature appropriate?
Over time, the shaft seal of an air compressor can start leaking oil. If you find it troublesome, you can leave this task to an external mechanical and electrical company; it won’t cost much
What kind of shaft seal? A rubber-skeleton oil seal? The description isn’t clear; if it’s already damaged, it must be replaced
Those with a central bracket are usually rubber elastic couplings, and lower alignment precision is required.
Suspected that the oil return hole in the bearing housing is blocked
A colleague suggested an idea: remove the connector from the oil pipe, fit the oil pipe into place, and tighten the clamp. Turn on the air compressor and check for oil leakage at the connection points. But if we do this, is it inappropriate to turn on the air compressor?
The operating time is not long either, around 6,000 hours. There should be no problem with the oil, as it is said to need to be replaced every 16,000 hours.
I’m not sure either, but the technician sent by the manufacturer said it was either a problem with the oil pipe or the shaft seal. The oil tube has been replaced now, so it might be a problem with the shaft seal. But is it possible that there’s a problem with the connector on the oil tube?