Heavy Duty Balanced Opposed Compressors - Ariel Corporation

FOR MODELS: JGZ AND JGU SECTION 4 LUBRICATION
Oil Sampling
Oil samples should be collected on a regular basis and analyzed to verify suitability of oil for
continued service. Consistent oil analysis can identify when to change the oil on the basis of
need rather than on a scheduled interval. Depending on the service, the length of time between
oil changes can be significantly extended through oil analysis. Oil analysis should include:
• Viscosity testing should be performed at 100°F (40°C) and 212°F (100°C). This is to be
sure that the oil has not mixed with cylinder oils or process gas.
• Particle counting to the latest version of ISO 4406.
• Spectroscopy to determine wear metals, contaminants, and additives.
• FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to check for oxidation, water or coolant
contamination, and additive depletion. This is more important if a separate lube oil
is used for the force feed system.
Oil System Cleanliness
The compressor frame oil piping system and components are to be free of foreign matter including,
but not limited to dirt, sand, rust, mill scale, metal chips, weld spatter, grease and paint.
It is recommended that a commercial pipe cleaning service be used to clean the oil piping system.
If that is not practical, proper cleaning procedures using cleaners, acids, and/or mechanical
cleaning are to be used to meet the cleanliness requirements. Cleaning by-products are to
be properly disposed; a disposal service is recommended. It is also recommended that all oilpiping
systems be flushed using an electric or pneumatic driven pump and filtered clean production
oil. All compressor frame cavities are thoroughly cleaned prior to assembly and compressors
are test run with a filtered closed loop lube system at the Ariel factory.
NOTE: ARIEL RECOMMENDS THAT THE LUBE OIL PIPING DOWNSTREAM OF THE
INSTALLED OIL FILTER NOT BE DISTURBED AS CONTAMINANTS THAT
ENTER THAT PIPING OR OPEN PORTS WILL BE FLUSHED INTO THE BEAR-
INGS CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE. IF THE PIPING MUST BE
REMOVED OR ALTERED, GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO COVER THE
INLETS TO THE OIL GALLERY, THE ENDS OF THE PIPING, AND THE FILTER
OUTLET SO THAT NO CONTAMINANTS MAY ENTER. BEFORE REINSTALLA-
TION, CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL CLEANING IS REQUIRED. THE PIPE
MUST THEN BE FLUSHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARIEL’S STATED CLEANLI-
NESS REQUIREMENTS.
For all compressors that are installed with an electric or pneumatic powered pre-lube pump,
which have less than 50 feet (15 m) of oil piping are to be flushed as follows, prior to starting
the compressor. The cooler oil passages are to be included in the flushing loop. Oil systems
for compressors without an electric or pneumatic powered pre-lube pump, which have less
than 50 feet (15 m) of oil piping, must be clean and while oil flushing is desirable for these systems,
it is not a requirement.
Prior to assembling the lube oil piping remove scale, weld slag, rust and any other matter that
could contaminate the lube oil.
Confirm:
• The entire lube oil system is complete and closed.
• The crankcase is filled to the correct level with the appropriate oil.
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