Identify the components of metal shavings on the compressor oil filter
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Background: There is a vertical labyrinth piston compressor, and the pressure difference across the oil filter increased to 50 kPa. Upon inspection of the oil filter, metal shavings were found; they were shiny and yellow in color, and it was assumed that they were copper shavings. The compressor was then inspected, and it was found that aside from the oil scrapper ring, all the bearing components were made of babbitt. Additionally, there was chipping in the babbitt of one set of guide bearings, while the rest were in good condition. May I ask: Is it possible to further determine whether the metal shavings are copper shavings or babbitt shavings using chemical methods or other approaches?
Send the iron filings from the oil filter to a professional testing facility for analysis, and you’ll know
One of the bearings on the crosshead should be a Tongwa bearing; it is recommended to disassemble it for inspection. Most of the sliding bearings on the oil pump body are copper bushings. No testing is needed; as long as there is such a large amount of this type of metal powder, a thorough inspection is required. For reference.
It can be checked using a chromatograph; the crosshead pin that connects the reciprocator to the crosshead, and the small-end bearing (copper sleeve) are made of copper