Oil emulsification in the rotor blower bearing housing
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The company has a Roots blower, and the lubricating oil in its bearing housing has emulsified. Even after changing the oil every week, it still emulsifies and turns white; moreover, the oil level drops during operation but returns to normal once the blower is stopped. (The blower draws in oil and gas.) What checks should equipment experts carry out?
Check for areas where water could enter (such as the exhaust cap and seals). As for the oil level dropping during operation, this is normal, as there is an oil slinger inside that disperses the oil to various parts during operation, thereby providing better lubrication and heat dissipation.
Great question; I hope some experts will be kind enough to provide guidance
1. First, it is necessary to clarify whether the oil emulsification phenomenon is determined through analytical results or visual observation. After the oil has been vigorously stirred, it is appropriate to check for emulsification; as long as water is not discharged from the bottom of the tank when it is at rest, or if the water content, as determined by analysis, is within normal limits, the oil can be used normally. Furthermore, the presence of water in the medium may be a factor; therefore, the oil should be sent for testing regularly, with the test results serving as the basis for decision-making. 2. The oil level when the equipment is in operation differs significantly from that when it is at rest, as the oil system is filled with oil during operation, while all the oil returns to the tank when the equipment is stationary.
Firstly, the oil level is too low; it should be raised to 2/3 when the machine is shut down, and it needs to remain above half after the machine is started up. Next, determine whether bubbles are formed due to the lubricant being agitated, which causes the lubricant to appear white; take the removed lubricant and examine it after it has come to rest to confirm whether it is truly emulsified. If it’s a problem with oil emulsification, an oil quality check can be carried out to rule out issues related to the lubricating oil or the process of refilling it. Your device should have a cooling water jacket, so there should be no problems in that regard.
You need to send out the equipment drawings; first, take a look at the structure
There is a slight difference between rotary vane fans and rotary vane pumps; rotary vane pumps are commonly used in vacuum units for atmospheric and vacuum distillation, while rotary vane fans are generally used as fans. In such units, oil and gas are drawn in, and the bearing housings and gearboxes have cooling water jackets. Oil emulsification may occur, and it is necessary to determine where the leakage is coming from. It is normal for the lubricant level to stop rising; there is no problem, and no oil leakage is occurring.