The issue of replacing lubricating oil in centrifugal compressors:
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This post was last edited by hcwang12345 on 2011-12-31 at 20:19. Mobil turbine oil is used as the lubricant, and it has been in use for 2 years. Nitrogen is used as the sealing gas. The inlet oil temperature is 40 degrees, while the outlet oil temperature is 48 degrees. Currently, the vibration of the compressor remains almost the same as when it first started operating; only the vibration at the third stage has increased by 0.001 mm, reaching 0.008 mm now. Should the oil be changed? How can this be determined?
As for whether to change the oil, I think it depends first on how long the lubricant has been in use, and second on whether there have been any changes in its various specifications. If no such changes occur, the usage period of the lubricant can be extended appropriately. If only the value of vibration at level three changes, it can be said that the quality of the lubricant has not changed. It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive analytical test of the lubricant to arrive at a more accurate assessment.
To determine whether oil change is needed, an oil quality analysis is sufficient; typical analyses include checking for moisture, solid impurities, flash point, viscosity, etc.
Whether oil change is needed depends on the oil analysis results. It has little to do with third-order vibration. What about the operating oil standards?
Conduct oil analysis to determine whether an oil change is necessary; it has nothing to do with vibration.
Just perform an oil quality analysis by taking a sample from the bottom of the tank
We haven’t replaced the lubricating oil in our carbon dioxide compression units for twelve years; we only top up the oil level.