The culprit behind the explosion of air compressor oil particles!

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This post was last edited by yinkuilin6868 on 2015-11-23 08:27. The reasons for combustion or explosion of the oil-gas separation element are something that is often heard in the air compressor industry; however, in many cases the underlying cause cannot be identified. Based on this, we conducted a theoretical analysis: First, the oil-gas separation element itself does not burn – certain conditions must be present, such as an ignition source and an oxidizing gas, for it to catch fire. 　　II. The static electricity generated by the oil-gas separation core does not easily create sparks, as static electricity is produced when compressed air passes through the glass fibers. For this static electricity to be effective, it must spread to the outer shell of the compressor; its function is to attract very small, irregularly moving oil particles onto the fibers. As more and more such particles are attracted, larger oil particles are formed. Due to the fact that oil is heavier than air, these particles settle at the bottom of the oil-gas separation core and return to the lubrication system – this is a form of Brownian motion. If static electricity cannot be dissipated, the principle of Brownian motion cannot take effect; therefore, conductive sheets must be added to the gaskets of the oil-gas separation core. Static electricity is not the cause of combustion. 　　III. One of the conditions necessary for combustion in an oil-gas separation core is the presence of an oxidizing gas, namely compressed air. Another requirement is a source of ignition; there are 3 ways in which such a source of ignition can be generated: 1. Ignition is produced by the collision of objects. Objects refer to rusted iron, carbon deposits, weld spatter, or metal particles resulting from the wear of metal parts, etc. 2. The oil used in compressors. Compressor oil is crucial; its flash point must meet the required standards, as well as its antioxidant properties. The oil changes under pressure, and the amount of vaporization varies at 80 degrees and 100 degrees – the vaporization rate at 100 degrees is 10 times that at 80 degrees. Therefore, the greater the amount of compressor oil that vaporizes, the more carbon deposits are formed. As these carbon deposits are continuously affected by the temperature of the compressor, they heat up further until a spark is generated. 　　3. Is the pressure holding valve of the compressor damaged? If the damage occurs when several compressors are in use simultaneously, gas collisions are likely to occur, which is most prone to generating sparks.