Heavy Duty Balanced Opposed Compressors - Ariel Corporation

For Models: JGH:E:K:T Section 4 Part Replacement
Ethylene Glycol Contamination
Compressor ethylene glycol contamination can result from water-cooled compressor rod packing or
oil cooler.
Ethylene glycol anti-freeze coolant mixture leaking into the compressor crankcase oil can cause
crankshaft seizure due to lack of adequate lubrication. Change crankcase oil as recommended in
Section 3, and routinely sample it and have a qualified lab analyze it for suitability for continued use
and ethylene glycol contamination.
Even small quantities of ethylene glycol in the oil can be detrimental. For contamination less than
5%, drain oil, replace filters, and flush oil system with a 50-50 mixture of butoxyethanol (Dow Chemical
Co. Dowanol EB or equal) and 10W oil using a motor driven pump. Flush only warm compressors.
Flush bearings continuously for 1/2 hour while barring over compressor. Flush all surfaces that
contact crankcase oil, which includes spraying all interior surfaces in the crankcase. Completely
drain cleaning mixture, including all oil system components. Repeat flushing with a 60/40 mixture of
10W oil and kerosene or fuel oil. Completely drain system, install new filters, and fill crankcase with
proper oil. Find and repair the coolant leak.
If sampling indicates glycol contamination greater than 5% or compressor seizes due to contamination,
tear down the unit, clean it with 100% butoxyethanol, flush it with kerosene or fuel oil, and repair
it. Clean all surfaces that contact crankcase oil with butoxyethanol, including all passages and piping,
and then flush with kerosene or fuel oil. Change oil and filters. Find and repair the coolant leak.
CAUTION: Butoxyethanol presents health and safety hazards. Use proper eye and skin
protection and adequate ventilation. Do not use near open flame or sparks. See manufacturer
Material Safety Data Sheet for complete details. Use a chemical disposal service to
properly dispose of ethylene glycol, butoxyethanol, contaminated oils, and solvents.
Component Cleaning and Thread Lube for Non-
Lube Compressor Cylinders
Ariel cleans and protects complete non-lube cylinders to non-lube service requirements. Clean all
internal parts shipped loose, contaminated internal surfaces, and repair parts prior to installation, to
extend the life of rings and non-lube compressors.
Clean cylinder bore thoroughly with denatured alcohol until a clean, alcohol-soaked, white paper
towel removes no more debris. This includes all surfaces of the bore, counter bore, valve pockets,
etc. Do not use Never-Seez on steel gaskets. Apply only a very light film of oil to cylinder seating surfaces
to seal O-rings.
CAUTION: Denatured alcohol presents health and safety hazards. It contains methyl alcohol
and is poisonous if ingested. Avoid eye and skin contact. Keep alcohol away from heat,
sparks, flame and all other ignition sources. Use adequate ventilation, neoprene or butyl
gloves, mono-goggles or face-mask and impermeable apron. Handle and dispose of materials
resulting from clean-up in a proper manner. See manufacturer's Material Safety Data
Sheets for more details.
Do not use any lubricants or anti-seize compounds on parts that may contact the gas stream.
Use very small amounts of Never-Seez regular grade on nut and collar when assembling piston
assembly. Thoroughly clean piston (especially the ring grooves) with denatured alcohol until a clean,
alcohol-soaked towel removes no more debris.
Disassemble packing case. Wipe all surfaces clean with denatured alcohol. Re-assemble. When the
packing case is water cooled, re-assemble and test to “Water-Cooled Piston Rod Packing” on page
4-23. Handle cleaned parts with new or clean "rubber" or new white cotton gloves.
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