NGL Plant Compression: Matching Lubricant to Position, from Inlet to Fractionation
Technical Article NGL Plant Compression: Matching Lubricant to Position, from Inlet to Fractionation A natural gas processing plant operates several compressors on streams that vary significantly. Feed gas is rich and mixed, residue gas is primarily methane, and fractionation overheads are nearly pure single components. Mechanical refrigeration compressors run a closed refrigerant loop—typically propane—for refrigeration, […]
Wet and Rich Gathering Gas: How Composition and Water Decide Compressor Lubricant Selection
Technical Article Wet and Rich Gathering Gas: How Composition and Water Influence Compressor Lubricant Selection Gathering compressors handle raw wellhead gas containing the full hydrocarbon range, water at saturation, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and often hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Lubricant selection depends on two variables. First is the concentration of propane and heavier hydrocarbons (C3+), as these […]
How to Select an Ammonia Compressor Lubricant: HTMO vs PAO
Technical Article How to Select an Ammonia Compressor Lubricant: HTMO vs PAO Ammonia compressor lubricant selection depends on three factors: its viscosity at the lubrication point once ammonia has dissolved into it, its behavior at the system’s coldest point, and its ability to withstand discharge temperature. Ammonia and hydrocarbon lubricants have limited miscibility in the […]
Severe VRU Compressor Oil Dilution: Causes and Solutions
Technical Article Severe VRU Compressor Oil Dilution: Causes and Solutions Vapor recovery unit (VRU) compressors handle the vapor from crude oil and condensate storage tanks. This vapor is rich in propane and heavier hydrocarbons (C3+), components that readily dissolve into compressor oil, leading to severe oil dilution. The cause is often misunderstood. Dilution depends on […]
CO₂ Refrigeration Lubricants: POE vs PAG for R-744 Systems
Technical Article CO₂ Refrigeration Lubricants: POE vs PAG for R-744 Systems Lubricant selection for R-744 (carbon dioxide) refrigeration systems hinges on three factors: how the system returns oil to the compressor, the lubricant’s behavior in contact with CO₂, and its viscosity after CO₂ dissolution. Polyol ester (POE) is the most common choice in transcritical booster […]
Biogas Lubricant: Compressor Lubrication in Upgrading and CO₂ Recovery
Biogas Lubricant: Compressor Lubrication in Upgrading and CO₂ Recovery Biogas lubricant usually means a specialized compressor oil for biogas upgrading and CO₂ recovery duty, formulated to keep working when the gas stream still contains CO₂, moisture, H₂S, siloxanes, and other trace contaminants. Biogas places its hardest demands on the compressor at the point where it […]
Gas Dilution in Compressor Lubricants: How Dissolved Gas Reduces Operating Viscosity
Technical Article Gas Dilution in Compressor Lubricants: How Dissolved Gas Reduces Operating Viscosity The lubricant inside a running compressor differs from the lubricant poured in. Process gas or refrigerant dissolves into it, proportional to partial pressure. This dissolved gas—typically hundreds to thousands of times less viscous than the oil—reduces the working viscosity. Heat further contributes […]
Requirements for an Air Compressor Lubricant
Requirements for an Air Compressor Lubricant Air compressors are a punishing environment for any lubricant — high temperatures, continuous contact with atmospheric air, and heavy contamination loads. The right compressor lubricant has to perform four critical functions at once: protect against wear, seal compression clearances, transfer heat, and resist oxidation over a long service life. […]