Ariel JGJ Series, Technical Manual

Page: 47 / 141

F
OR
M
ODELS
: JGW, JGR
AND
JGJ S
ECTION
4 - L
UBRICATION AND
V
ENTING
1/01 PAGE 4 - 3
enhance oil film strength to counter the affects of water, wet gases, solvents, etc. present in
the gas.
Animal Fats
Generally acidless tallow used as a compounding additive to petroleum lubricants to
improve “slipperiness” at higher pressures and resist dilution in wet or saturated gases.
They can solidify at low or high temperatures. Oils with these additives should not be used in
the compressor frame.
Vegetable Oils
Rapeseed oil is an example. Used as a compounding additive in petroleum lubricants to
improve “slipperiness” at higher pressures and resist dilution in wet or saturated gases.
These additives are not high temperature oxidation stable and therefore additive life
decreases rapidly above 170°F (77°C). Oils with these additives should not be used in the
compressor frame.
Synthetic Lubricants
Man-made materials with more consistent, controlled chemical structures than petroleum
lubricants. This improves predictability of viscosity and thermal stability. Synthetic lubricants
can be designed with better oxidation resistance, better lubricity, better film strength, natural
detergency, lower volatility, and results in decreased operating temperatures. These
attributes can help to decrease cylinder feed rate requirements. Justification for the use of
synthetic lubricants is based on energy savings, reduced lubricant usage, increased compo-
nent life, decreased equipment downtime, and reduced maintenance/labor. Some synthetic
lubricants can be used in the compressor frame. Consult with the lubricant supplier before
using these lubricants in the compressor frame.
•
Synthesized Hydrocarbons - polyalphaolefins (PAO) can be used as compressor
lubricants:
1.
Compatible with mineral oils.
2. Requires additives to improve detergent action and improve seal compatibility.
3. Soluble in some gases. Verify application with lubricant supplier.
•
Organic Esters - diesters and polyolesters:
1.
Compatible with mineral oils
2. Incompatible with some rubbers (O-rings), plastics, and paints. Compatible with
Viton.
3. Primarily used in air compressors.
•
Polyglycols - polyalkylene glycols (PAG), polyethers, polygylcolethers, and polyalky-
lene glycol ethers:
1.
Not compatible with mineral oils, some plastics and paints.
2. Requires complete system flush when changing to or from polyglycols.
3. Compatible with Viton and HNBR - Buna N (high end acrylonitrile-butadiene).