GE H301 Series Operating Manual page 96

86 | Chapter 6: Lubrication
The gas type, quality and operating conditions being compressed, determine the
viscosity and type of oil used to lubricate the cylinders and piston rod packing.
Use quality, properly inhibited oil. See
ability, high film strength, be of low carbon content, good chemical stability, and
be resistant to sludging. Use oils that produce flaky or soft carbon, rather than
hard carbon. Fire resistant type synthetic fluids may also be used:
a. In air compressors where resistance to flashes or fires is paramount.
b. Where it is essential to minimize deposit formations.
Consult the oil supplier for compatibility of the synthetic oil
with machine parts (paint, packing, gaskets, O-ring's etc.)
Lubrication of gas compressor cylinder and piston rod packing is divided into the
four types:
Type 1: Dry gasses, not carrying suspended liquids but may carry liquids that
remain in the superheated state during the compression cycle, CO
neon, and other inert gases, air, ammonia, hydrogen, methane.
Type 2: Hydrocarbon gases such as butane, propane, natural gas, butadiene,
ethylene, and nitrous oxide. Some liquids or condensables tend to wash away the
lubricant. If compounded oils with rust fortification properties are required, consult
the oil supplier engineer.
Type 3: Compressors where water carry-over is a problem or where wet gases,
hydrogen sulphide and/or carbon dioxide are compressed.
Type 4: Methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, Freon, Sulfur dioxide. These gases are
capable of being mixed with water and lubricating oil and dilute the oil. The
chemical reaction of Methyl or ethyl chloride and the lubricating oil may form
sludge and deposits when moisture is present. Sulfur dioxide has a selective
solvent action on oil that results in formation of sludge.
Trouble Shooting
Typical causes of lubrication blockage in divider block systems include:
1. Air or gas in the system – can cause system lockup, inadequate lubrication, or
intermittent (phantom) lubrication shutdowns.
2. Contamination blockage - dirt or foreign material.
3. Incorrect magnetic housing assembly installation, causing divider block
piston(s) to over travel and jam.
4. Crushed or pinched oil tubing lines.
5. Blocked oil injection point(s).
6. Improperly drilled oil passage.
"Table 22". The oil should have good wetting
Complies with ANSI Z535, ISO 3864, OSHA 1910.145 (f) (9)
, N , helium,
2 2