GE H301 Series, Operating Manual

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74 | Chapter 6: Lubrication
The oil viscosity depends upon the ambient temperature when the compressor is
started cold.
Lowest ambient temperature °F (°C) SAE viscosity number
40°F (4°C) and above 40
40°F (4°C) and below 40 with crankcase heaters or supplemental heat
Table 20 Lowest ambient temperature vs. SAE viscosity
Non-Lube Cylinder Applications
Non-Lube applications require piston rings and rod packing specific materials.
In addition the cylinder bore requires a coating and a different piston is used for
clearance. See the parts book for details and part numbers.
Cylinder Lubrication System
A plunger type forced feed lubricator provides pressurized oil from the frame oil
system or alternate source, to the piston rings and rod packing. A typical cylinder
(and packing) lubrication system is shown in
“Figure 15”
A typical cylinder lubrication system includes:
• Check valves, to prevent oil from traveling in reverse direction
• Overpressure indicator (rupture disk) to prevent damage to the system by high
pressure
• A no flow switch, (DNFT or Kenco is the current standard) to trip the
compressor in situations when oil flow is inadequate
• Cycle pin indicator to provide visual confirmation of system cycles
Arrangements vary depending on the compressor configuration, and the
operating conditions of the compressors. Contact the "Technical Support" hot line
with specific questions about your compressor.
Variations of the cylinder lubrication system may include:
1. The cycle pin indicator replaced with:
a. A digital electronic no flow switch
b. A mechanical no flow switch
c. A flow meter
2. Check valves, installed at each divider block outlet, ensure oil delivery to the
end point.
3. Balance valves may be installed in the tubing from the lower pressure divider
blocks to ensure oil delivery to end points when process gas operating
pressures exceed 1200 Psid.
4. The oil supply to the lubricator pump comes from the pressurized frame
lubrication system or separate oil storage tank (day tank).