Compressor Cooling And Lubrication System, Functional Description - Sullair 12 Series Operator's Manual

Section 2
DESCRIPTION
Figure 2-2 Sullair Rotary Screw Air Compressor
Sullair recommends that a 24KT sample be taken at
the first filter change and sent to the factory for
analysis. This is a free service. The sample kit with
instruction and self-addressed container is to be
supplied by your Sullair dealer at start-up. The user
will receive an analysis report with recommenda-
tions.
Fluid is injected into the compressor unit in large
quantities and mixes directly with the air as the ro-
tors 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 leakage paths between the rotors and
the stator and also between the rotors them-
selves.
3. Acts as a lubricating film between the rotors al-
lowing one rotor to directly drive the other, which
is an idler.
6
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 Figure 2-3. The cooling system (air-cooled
version) consists of a fan, fan motor, radiator-type
aftercooler/fluid cooler, full flow fluid filter thermal
valve, fluid stop valve and interconnecting piping
and tubing. For water-cooled models, two shell and
tube heat exchangers and a water-flow regulating
valve are substituted for the radiator-type cooler
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 compres-
sor unit.
Fluid flows from the bottom of the receiver/sump to
the thermal valve. The thermal valve is fully open