Compressor Cooling And Lubrication System, Functional Description - Sullair LS-100L Operator's Manual

Section 2
DESCRIPTION
Figure 2-2 Sullair Rotary Screw Air Compressor- Water-cooled Model
The LS-100 Series compressors are factory-filled
with Sullube lubricant. For more information on fluid
fill, consult Section 3,
Fluid is injected into the compressor unit in large
quantities and mixes directly with the air as the
rotors turn, compressing the air. The fluid flow has
three basic functions:
1. As coolant, it controls the rise of air temperature
normally associated with the heat of compres-
sion.
2. Seals the clearance paths between the rotors
and the stator and also between the rotors them-
selves.
3. Acts as a lubricating film between the rotors
allowing one rotor to directly drive the other,
which is an idler.
After the air/fluid mixture is discharged from the
compressor unit, the fluid is separated from the air.
At this time, the air flows through an aftercooler and
separator then to your service line while the fluid is
being cooled in preparation for reinjection.
2.4 COMPRESSOR COOLING AND LUBRICATION
SYSTEM, FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Refer to Figures 2-3A
6
Specifications.
and 2-3B. The Cooling and
Lubrication System (air-cooled version) consists
of a fan, double shaft drive motor, radiator-type
aftercooler and fluid cooler, full flow fluid filter,
thermal valve, and interconnecting piping and
tubing. For water-cooled models, two shell and
tube heat exchangers and a water-flow regulat-
ing valve are substituted for the radiator-type cool-
er listed above.
The pressure in the receiver/sump causes fluid flow
by forcing the fluid from the high pressure area of
the sump to an area of lower pressure in the com-
pressor unit.
Fluid flows from the bottom of the receiver/sump to
the thermal valve. The thermal valve is fully open
when the fluid temperature is below 145ºF (63ºC)
[165ºF (74ºC) for 24KT]. The fluid passes through
the thermal valve, the main filter and directly to the
compressor unit where it lubricates, cools and seals
the rotors and the compression chamber.
As the discharge temperature rises above 170ºF
(77ºC), due to the heat of compression, the thermal
valve begins to close and a portion of the fluid then
flows through the cooler. From the cooler the fluid
flows to the main filter and then on to the compres-
sor unit.