Lubricant for large compressors
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Is there a requirement for a service life for lubricants?
Generally, it should be replaced once a year; the specific frequency depends on the operating environment and usage hours of the equipment!
Regular oil analysis is necessary; the color of the oil should also be checked. If it meets the standards, it can be used continuously
The lubricating oil for our large-scale units is analyzed once a month, with the main test parameters including acid value, viscosity, water content, and mechanical impurities. If all the test results are satisfactory, it can be used continuously. Of course, except for the wealthy; for reference only. :lol
We ran a pipe from the oil pump outlet line to the filler, to refill the fuel tank with new oil; once the analysis shows it is of acceptable quality, it is used continuously
For large-scale units, the lubricating oil is usually replaced based on the results of its testing. For units equipped with turbines, testing is generally carried out once a month, with particular attention paid to the indicators related to oil emulsification； For other units, inspections can be carried out every three months or six months depending on the conditions of the unit.
Generally, there is no specific oil change interval; it is mostly determined based on the circumstances. We have a unit that hasn’t been replaced in twenty years; we only add five barrels (1000 liters) of new oil per month.
It is sufficient as long as the analysis parameters are within acceptable limits; however, over time, the lubricant undergoes oxidation and forms impurities, eventually causing some of the parameters to fall outside the acceptable range.
If the analysis is satisfactory, it can be used continuously; generally, the analysis is conducted by our factory every three months, and an external analysis is carried out once a year. Since the filtration precision of ordinary oil filters is 10um, it is advisable to check for impurities in the range of 5-10um during external testing. If there are too many such impurities, it is recommended to replace the filter; otherwise, carbon buildup may occur in the dead corners of the bearing shells, damaging the bearings, shafts, and other sealing components.
Periodic testing of oil products is required; for turbine oil, the rotating oxygen bomb test, Ruler test, and MPC test are carried out annually as part of the routine inspections. If the results meet the standards, the oil can be continued to be used