Heavy Duty Balanced Opposed Compressors - Ariel Corporation

FOR MODELS: JGZ AND JGU SECTION 4 LUBRICATION
ratings of Ariel filters. For this reason, Ariel does not recommend after market filters. Exercise
caution if an after market filter is installed. Do not use a by-pass type filter.
Pressure gauges are provided for monitoring pressure drop across the filter. Differential pressure
is the primary indication of a plugged filter.
Compressor Prelube Pump
An automated compressor pre-lube system is strongly recommended for all Ariel compressors
to extend bearing life and reduce operating costs. Compressors that meet any of the following
criteria are required to have an automated pre-lube system to provide oil flow prior to start-up:
1. Electric motor driven compressors.
2. Unattended-start compressors, regardless of driver type.
3. All large frame compressor models (JGC, JGD, JGZ, JGU, JGB, JGV, KBB and KBV).
Automated compressor pre-lube systems must be designed and sized to provide 10 psig (0.7
bar g ) minimum pressure for a minimum of 30 seconds prior to starting, at the inlet to the oil
gallery (after the filter), with minimum start-up oil viscosity and maximum allowable filter differential
pressure. It is suggested that the prelube pump be sized at approximately 25% of the
frame oil pump capacity. Reference Technical Manual, Section 1, Frame Specification Tables
for frame oil pump flow rates, or see the Electronic Databook in the Ariel Performance Program.
The purpose is to be sure there is oil flow to all bearings and bushings, and the clearances
are filled with oil prior to start-up. A start permissive is desirable to sense for minimum
required pressure/time at the inlet to the oil gallery.
Automated systems are to provide for shutdown if 35 psig (2.4 bar g ) oil pressure is not
achieved within 10 seconds after the initiation of start-up (from when crankshaft starts to turn).
If a compressor will not start or shuts down at start-up due to low oil pressure, do not
attempt to re-start until the cause of low pressure is corrected.
Engine driven compressors with manual pre-lube pumps are to be adequately pre-lubed prior
to starting. If 35 psig (2.4 bar g ) oil pressure is not achieved within 10 seconds after reaching
engine idle speed, shutdown the compressor and correct the cause. Repeat manual pre-lube
prior to each cranking for start-up.
Pre-lube pumps are to be located prior to the oil filter. When oil pressure exceeds 35 psig (2.4
bar g ) at start-up, a low oil pressure shutdown set at 35 psig (2.4 bar g ) must be active for all
compressors.
Oil Heaters
Frame oil heaters may be needed if the compressor must be started in cold weather applications.
Depending on the operational aspects of the compressor, one possible heating mode is
to maintain the temperature in the compressor frame to a minimum temperature so that the
compressor can be started immediately if needed, see Table 4-1. Another mode is to heat the
oil from ambient to a minimum temperature prior to starting, see Table 4-2. The specific application
requirements will determine which heating mode is necessary.
Circulation type heaters are recommended. All compressor models have at least one connection
for a heater. Four and Six throw frames have two locations. The maximum allowable wattage
per unit area for an immersion heater is 15 W/in 2 (2.3 W/cm 2 ). This limit will prevent oil
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