Using of higher grade lube oil for reciprocating compressor
Using of higher grade lube oil for reciprocating compressor
(OP)
Hello,
Happy new year to all!!!
we are going to replace the existing lube oil in our compressor with a higher grade (150 vs. 100). The lube oil circulates between crankcase and lube oil cooler (air h-xchanger). Basically, we want the lube oil that leaves the crankcase to have higher temperature. The control system is set up to give permission to load the compressor only when the lube reaches 65 degC at the exit from the crankcase.
It's difficult to contact vendor now as long time elapsed since purchase. The compressor manual allows using both grades.
Can you please advise if we use higher grade (more viscous) lube it will have higher temperature at the exit from the crankcase? (assume circulation flowrate is the same)
thanks in advance
Happy new year to all!!!
we are going to replace the existing lube oil in our compressor with a higher grade (150 vs. 100). The lube oil circulates between crankcase and lube oil cooler (air h-xchanger). Basically, we want the lube oil that leaves the crankcase to have higher temperature. The control system is set up to give permission to load the compressor only when the lube reaches 65 degC at the exit from the crankcase.
It's difficult to contact vendor now as long time elapsed since purchase. The compressor manual allows using both grades.
Can you please advise if we use higher grade (more viscous) lube it will have higher temperature at the exit from the crankcase? (assume circulation flowrate is the same)
thanks in advance





RE: Using of higher grade lube oil for reciprocating compressor
With all this said, if the original manufacturer's documentation allows for the higher viscosity oil, then it is a suitable substitute and can be used. If you do not change anything with the cooler, but only change to the heavier oil, I would expect your oil temperature to increase slightly. Without more information, I cannot even speculate how much increase you might see.
Johnny Pellin