Lubrication is very important in any rotating equipment such as pumps, motors, blowers, fans and many more. The main function of lube oil is to provide lubrication to the internal parts to reduce friction and wear and tear.
Today, in this post, we are going to learn about the lube oil system in compressors, what are the components and how it works. So without wasting more time, let’s proceed.
Table of Contents
What is a lubrication system? and Importance
A lubrication system is a mechanical arrangement designed to reduce friction, wear, and heat between moving parts in machinery by introducing a lubricant (oil, grease, or synthetic fluids). Its primary functions include:
- Friction Reduction: Forms a thin film between surfaces to minimize direct contact and resistance.
- Heat Dissipation: Absorbs and transfers heat away from components to prevent overheating.
- Wear Protection: Prevents surface degradation by reducing metal-to-metal contact.
Main Components of a Lube Oil System
The lube oil system comprises different components, which are given below in brief.
Main Lube Oil tank
The tank, that stores lube oil is called the main lube oil tank, it is also known as oil reservoir or sump. Electric heaters or steam coil heaters are provided in the tank to maintain the temperature of the lube oil.
Oil Pump:
A lube oil pump (LOS) is present which takes suction from the main tank, and circulates the oil throughout the system. These are mostly reciprocating pump and if the compressor is steam-driven, then Steam-driven pumps are also used.
Oil Cooler:
Oil coolers are present in the pump discharge, which Maintains optimal oil temperature by dissipating excess heat. Mostly cooling water is use as a utility in the cooler.
Oil Filter:
Filters are present after the oil cooler, which filters the oil and removes contaminants to prevent damage to internal components.
Pressure Regulating Valve:
These ensure proper oil pressure is maintained within the system. As low pressure can result in low supply of lubrication to the gear and bearing, and sensing line is given between oil cooler outlet and the pump recirculation line to the main oil tank to properly regulate the pressure of the lube oil.
Lubrication Lines:
There are the Channels through which oil flows to different compressor parts like gears and motors.
Accumulator
An accumulator in a lube oil system serves as a backup reservoir that helps maintain consistent oil pressure during fluctuations in demand. It stores pressurized oil and releases it when the system experiences a drop in pressure, ensuring continuous lubrication to critical components.
Run down tank
This tank is a storage tank that is positioned at ca ertain height from the compressor filled with lube oil. During compressor trip or coast down,oil from the rundown tank, flow due to gravity and lubricate machine components
Working Principle of the Lube Oil System
The lube oil system operates on a closed-loop mechanism, where oil is drawn from the reservoir by the oil pump and circulated to lubricate the compressor’s bearings, gears, and other moving parts. The oil is then filtered, cooled, and returned to the reservoir, completing the cycle. Proper oil pressure and temperature regulation are essential for effective lubrication.
1. What is the lube oil system in a compressor?
Moving point need lubrication as wear and tear can occur and it can even leads to equipment damage. Lube oil system is to provide lubrication to the machine/equipment and reduce friction.
2. How does temperature affect lubricating oil?
It is important to maintain the temperature of lube oil to maintain viscosity. High temperature can decrease the lubrication and low can increase the viscosity. That why, a heating coil is provided in the main oil tank and cooler in the pump discharge.
3. What will happen in the lube oil temperature increases?
When the temperature of lube oil increases, its viscosity decreases, making it thinner and reducing its lubrication efficiency. This can lead to increased friction, wear, and potential damage to machine components. Higher temperatures also accelerate oxidation and thermal degradation. Overall, prolonged high temperatures can result in overheating, reduced equipment efficiency, and potential system failure.
Wrapping Up
This was a detailed article on what is lubrication system in a compressor and what are the components of a lube oil system. If you have any doubt regarding it, or in case you want us to cover any specific topic, feel free to use the comment section. Till then, do read other useful articles
