Compressor oil performance has the single greatest impact on compressor maintenance cost and reliability; therefore, investing in a rigorous oil monitoring programme is fundamental to increasing operational productivity.
In compressors, lubricating oil is multi-functional, it protects the compressor from leaks, lubricates moving parts, and stabilises the temperature during operation. Compressors can typically run for an average of 3 years on the initial fill of the OEM specified lubricant but at the first sign of contamination, maintenance is essential. Undetected oil contamination can cause serious issues and failure to predict and mitigate these issues will increase operational and maintenance costs. At best, this will result in a few hours of unscheduled downtime for a part replacement; at worst, operators can lose days or even weeks worth of production, labour, and profit.
Equipment operators can use oil analysis to identify fluid degradation and monitor the health of the compressor. Operators can also gauge the optimal point at which to change the oil by assessing whether the inlet air is contaminated, if corrosion is present, if major wear is occurring, or the presence of water. Implementing a real-time oil condition monitoring programme can lower operating costs by:
By using traditional methods of manual oil sampling and lab testing for compressors, symptoms of degradation are easy to miss. Tan Delta real-time technologies are perfectly designed for compressor applications. The patented Oil Quality Sensor (OQSx) and display units can be easily retro-fitted to existing systems. Live data readings allow the operator to quickly identify a change in oil condition and direct action accordingly. Tan Delta’s Full Spectrum Holistic (FSH) monitoring technologies ensure that any change in oil quality is instantly detected, accurately measured and reported. This unique capability ensures that oil condition of compressors is optimally managed, giving you the peace of mind that your facility is always running efficiently.
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