Posts by Fluid Metrics
Compressor Oil Management Strategies for Extended Service Life and Cost Savings
Effective oil management is critical for optimizing the service life of rotary screw air compressors and ensuring equipment reliability. By adopting best practices for oil monitoring and maintenance, industrial maintenance teams can reduce downtime, minimize repair costs, and enhance overall system efficiency. The following strategies outline key approaches for managing compressor oil to extend its…
Read MoreWhy Monitoring and Controlling Particles is Crucial for Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Rotary screw air compressors are vital in many industrial processes, providing reliable compressed air for everything from powering tools to supporting manufacturing operations. However, these high-performance machines are not immune to wear and tear, particularly when contamination sneaks into their lubricants. For engineers responsible for maintaining rotary screw compressors, understanding how particles impact performance—and how…
Read MoreAn Unvarnished Look at Synthetic Lubricants for Compressors and Turbines
This article, published in Tribology & Lubrication Technology (February 2025), explores the role of synthetic lubricants in compressors and turbines, focusing on varnish formation, oil oxidation, and the benefits of oxygen-containing synthetic oils. Key Topics Covered: This resource is valuable for engineers and maintenance professionals seeking to enhance efficiency and longevity in industrial equipment. Please download…
Read MoreProperties and Performance of Rotary Screw Air Compressor Oils
The performance, reliability, and maintenance cost of a rotary screw air compressor are heavily influenced by its oil. Both the condition of the oil while in service and the specific type of oil or base stocks used are critical to compressor operation and longevity. Compressor Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and oil suppliers offer a variety…
Read MoreFlush Procedures for Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Oil-injected rotary screw air compressors are one of the toughest applications there is for any type of lubricant or coolant. But when you try to perform both critical functions with a single fluid, and continuously pump large volumes of reactive air and contaminants directly into it, it is no wonder that oil-related reliability problems are…
Read MoreAcid Gas Ingestion in Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Acid gas ingestion in rotary screw air compressors is a frequent problem that poses significant challenges, primarily due to the destructive nature of these gases and their impact on both the compressor’s mechanical components and the lubricant. Acid gases, like those contained in combustion exhausts, cooling tower emissions, welding fumes, process vapors, herbicides, pesticides, and…
Read MoreThe Evolution and Excellence of Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) Lubricants in Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) lubricants have a rich history and a prominent place in the world of industrial lubricants, particularly in the realm of rotary screw air compressors. Known for their exceptional performance and versatility, PAG lubricants have become a preferred choice across a wide variety of applications. This blog highlights the origins, history, applications, and…
Read MoreHow Temperature Affects Oil Performance and Service Life in Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Rotary screw air compressor oils must maintain their ability to lubricate, cool, seal, clean, and protect compressor internals across a wide range of ambient and operating temperatures. From freezing cold start-ups to scalding hot full load operation, these variations in temperature cause both temporary and permanent changes to the oil’s physical, chemical, and performance properties.…
Read MoreSeven Essential Oil Analysis Variables for Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Oil analysis stands as a cornerstone in the arsenal of tools for monitoring and ensuring the reliability of rotary screw air compressors. This practice not only saves costs but also optimizes oil change intervals, detects potential issues early on, and allows for corrective actions before they escalate into expensive repairs and downtimes. However, it’s crucial…
Read MoreOil Purification is Key to Reducing Compressor Operating Costs
Compressed air is often hailed as the “fourth utility,” indispensable to manufacturing operations much like electricity, water, and natural gas. In this realm, oil-flooded rotary screw compressors reign supreme for their cost-effectiveness despite their operational and maintenance expenses. The annual operating costs of rotary screw compressors stem from various factors: high energy consumption, pricey replacement…
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