Compressor Lubrication Methods

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the main purpose of shaft seals in a compressor?

To improve the aesthetic appearance of the compressor

To reduce wear and tear on the compressor

To prevent or minimize leakage of compressed gases (correct)

To increase the speed of the compressor

In what scenario are labyrinth seals typically used?

With non-combustible gases

In air compressors where some leakage is acceptable (correct)

For combustible gases

With toxic gases

How do carbon ring seals differ from labyrinth seals?

Carbon rings trap escaping gases

Carbon rings are segments held together with a spring (correct)

Carbon rings have razor-sharp edges

Carbon rings present an intricate path for escaping gases

What happens when the carbon ring seal is worn or has broken segments?

The entire seal assembly can be removed from the compressor (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is there considerable wear on carbon ring seals?

Because of the near zero clearance (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does a liquid film seal work?

By using a thin liquid film between the seal and the rotating shaft (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of seal is used in hydrocarbon, refrigeration, and fertilizer applications to prevent leakage?

Oil film seal (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what situations are oil-free packing ring seals typically used?

Reciprocating gas compressors where maximum oil leakage containment is critical (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of bearings are commonly used in compressor crankshafts?

Sleeve/shell bearings (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of lubricating oil in a compressor?

To reduce the power loss caused by friction (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dry gas seal is specifically designed for non-hazardous gases at moderate pressure?

Single dry gas seal (B) Signup and view all the answers

What principle prevents compressed gases from leaking to the atmosphere in mechanical seals?

Contact between rotating and stationary surfaces (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which system does compressor lubrication provide a film around piston rings, vanes, and valves?

Splash system (D) Signup and view all the answers

What safety hazard is associated with using oil in high-pressure air or oxygen situations?

Risk of oil contamination in the compressed air (B) Signup and view all the answers

'Grooves machined into the face of the rotating ring' in dry gas seals are primarily intended for which purpose?

'Aerodynamic force creation' (A) Signup and view all the answers

'Oil drains away to an oil sump' in which type of seal design?

Oil film seal (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of internal lubrication in reciprocating compressors?

Lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why do dynamic compressors like centrifugal and axial flow types not require internal lubrication?

Their design prevents metal-to-metal contact (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is lubricating oil delivered to the rotor shaft bearings in rotary and dynamic compressors?

Via a pressure system pump (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why might some applications in the food processing and medical industries prefer oil-free compressors?

To avoid oil contamination in products (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of intercoolers and aftercoolers in a compressed air system?

Cool the gas between stages of compression (A) Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is commonly used to provide internal lubrication in reciprocating compressors?

Splash lubrication system (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does a pressure lubricator prevent metal-to-metal contact in sliding vane rotary compressors?

By creating a seal between vanes and casing (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might multistage compressors be necessary for oil-free compressors to attain the required pressure?

To compensate for reduced efficiency without internal lubrication (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of cooling systems are typically used in compressed air systems?

Shell and tube heat exchangers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using external lubrication in compressors?

Increased energy efficiency (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of passing air through the aftercooler in a compressor system?

To remove heat from the air (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential issue if water vapor is not removed from the compressed air?

Creating a fire hazard due to oil vapor deposits (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are intercoolers used in a compressor system?

To cool the air during compression (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of construction is typical for water-cooled intercoolers and aftercoolers?

Shell and tube (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is crucial to prevent freezing in instrumentation lines or plug nozzles in controllers and positioners?

Air dryer filled with adsorbents (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using adsorbents like silica gel in an air dryer system?

To attract moisture from the air (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it mentioned that adsorbents are very porous in an air dryer system?

To allow for a larger surface area to attract moisture (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an aftercooler separator in a compressor system?

To remove condensed moisture and particles from the air stream (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text suggest passing dehumidified air through a cooling coil after using adsorbents?

To reduce temperature after adsorption process heats up (B) Signup and view all the answers

What safety feature must an aftercooler have if there is a shut-off valve between the aftercooler and the receiver?

Safety valve (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of regenerating the adsorbent in air dryers?

To drive the adsorbed moisture off by evaporation (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are absorbents not commonly used in air dryers?

They are difficult to regenerate (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the two heat exchangers in refrigerated air dryers?

To prevent further condensing of moisture from the dry air (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are safety valves important in air receivers?

To prevent overpressurization and rupture of piping or equipment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to minimize corrosion in air receivers?

Draining the receiver regularly (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can result from an overpressure condition in a compressed gas system?

Rupture of piping or equipment (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of check valves in a compressed air distribution system?

To prevent high-pressure air from blowing back into the compressor (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why should ventilation be done after opening an air receiver for inspection?

To prevent carbon monoxide gas accumulation (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of air receiver failure?

Weakening of vessel material due to corrosion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should safety valves be located at various points on a compressed gas system?

To prevent rupture of piping or equipment due to excessive pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

Compressor Lubrication Methods

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of shaft seals in a compressor?

In what scenario are labyrinth seals typically used?

How do carbon ring seals differ from labyrinth seals?

What happens when the carbon ring seal is worn or has broken segments?

Why is there considerable wear on carbon ring seals?

How does a liquid film seal work?

What type of seal is used in hydrocarbon, refrigeration, and fertilizer applications to prevent leakage?

In what situations are oil-free packing ring seals typically used?

What type of bearings are commonly used in compressor crankshafts?

What is the purpose of lubricating oil in a compressor?

Which type of dry gas seal is specifically designed for non-hazardous gases at moderate pressure?

What principle prevents compressed gases from leaking to the atmosphere in mechanical seals?

In which system does compressor lubrication provide a film around piston rings, vanes, and valves?

What safety hazard is associated with using oil in high-pressure air or oxygen situations?

'Grooves machined into the face of the rotating ring' in dry gas seals are primarily intended for which purpose?

'Oil drains away to an oil sump' in which type of seal design?

What is the primary purpose of internal lubrication in reciprocating compressors?

Why do dynamic compressors like centrifugal and axial flow types not require internal lubrication?

How is lubricating oil delivered to the rotor shaft bearings in rotary and dynamic compressors?

Why might some applications in the food processing and medical industries prefer oil-free compressors?

What is the function of intercoolers and aftercoolers in a compressed air system?

What mechanism is commonly used to provide internal lubrication in reciprocating compressors?

How does a pressure lubricator prevent metal-to-metal contact in sliding vane rotary compressors?

Why might multistage compressors be necessary for oil-free compressors to attain the required pressure?

What type of cooling systems are typically used in compressed air systems?

What is the primary advantage of using external lubrication in compressors?

What is the purpose of passing air through the aftercooler in a compressor system?

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential issue if water vapor is not removed from the compressed air?

Why are intercoolers used in a compressor system?

What type of construction is typical for water-cooled intercoolers and aftercoolers?

Which component is crucial to prevent freezing in instrumentation lines or plug nozzles in controllers and positioners?

What is the purpose of using adsorbents like silica gel in an air dryer system?

Why is it mentioned that adsorbents are very porous in an air dryer system?

What is the primary function of an aftercooler separator in a compressor system?

Why does the text suggest passing dehumidified air through a cooling coil after using adsorbents?

What safety feature must an aftercooler have if there is a shut-off valve between the aftercooler and the receiver?

What is the purpose of regenerating the adsorbent in air dryers?

Why are absorbents not commonly used in air dryers?

What is the purpose of the two heat exchangers in refrigerated air dryers?

Why are safety valves important in air receivers?

What is recommended to minimize corrosion in air receivers?

What can result from an overpressure condition in a compressed gas system?

What is the function of check valves in a compressed air distribution system?

Why should ventilation be done after opening an air receiver for inspection?

What is a common cause of air receiver failure?

Why should safety valves be located at various points on a compressed gas system?

More Like This

Compressor Lubrication Methods

Air Compressor Maintenance

Compressor Lubrication Techniques

Plant Oil System Overview