In getting the optimum use from Chemlube® Synthetic Compressor Oils, it
is important to recognize less than ideal conditions which can contribute to
shorter oil life.
Following are some conditions we have encountered in
the field that have necessitated more frequent oil change
intervals.
Contaminants
1. Other lubricants or
“performance additives”
2. Airborne dust or particulate
matter - examples of this include chicken feathers, cement dust, tobacco
dust, etc. If these conditions exist, proper air intake filtration must be
maintained. Excessive amounts make it necessary to change oil and filters more
frequently.
3. Solvent fumes - including ammonia, ink solvents,
chlorinated degreasers, plastic molding fumes, etc. These can shorten oil life
considerably.
4. Strong acids and oxidizers - various acids,
chlorine, ozone, exhaust from forklifts, boilers, or air craft, welding fumes,
etc. will lead to decreased oil life.
Heat
Petroleum oils
may begin to varnish at 180-190°F. Chemlube Synthetic Compressor Oils are
designed and manufactured to withstand a much wider temperature range. However,
heat is still an important factor to consider.
One reason many choose
Chemlube 501 and 751 for use in reciprocating compressors, is the ability
of these oils to withstand the high temperatures found on valves that would
cause petroleum oils to varnish rapidly.
It is best to keep the
compressor as cool as possible to allow for optimum oil change intervals. High
heat will reduce the time available between oil change intervals for both
petroleum and synthetic oils.
USEFUL LIFE RECOMMENDATIONS (NORMAL
OPERATING CONDITIONS)
Rotary Compressors
Chemlube
215, 221, 228, 229, 230, and 268 can be expected to give a useful service
life of 8000 hours in rotary screw machines under normal operating
conditions. Useful life in rotary vane machines can be expected to be
approximately 4000 hours, primarily because of higher tempera- tures associated
with vanes. Chemlube 501 is highly recommended for vane machines and has
proven successful.
Chemlube Plus 10 has increased thermal and
hydrolytic stability and can give up to 10,000 hours of life under good
operating conditions.
Omnilube® H-1 food grade oils can be
expected to give a useful service life of 2000 to 4000 hours in rotary screw
machines under good operating conditions.
Reciprocating
Machines
Chemlube 501 and 751 can be expected to give useful
service life of 8000 hours in reciprocating compressors and vacuum pumps in
crankcase use. As an upper cylinder lube, they are excellent for reducing and
eliminating valve deposits and the formation of varnish.
are in
themselves fully formulated products and do not require any graphite,
molybdenum, teflon, viscosity improvers or other type of additive to perform the
way they were intended. In fact, additives or other lubricants can cause
premature oil failure or breakdown.