Gas Compressor Oils

When it comes to gas compressors, one of the most important steps in selecting a lubricant is understanding the effect of the gas on the lubricant’s properties. Some gases—particularly heavy hydrocarbons— can dissolve in the lubricant. This effect, called dilution, can pose a major challenge in gas compression systems. Dilution significantly reduces lubricant viscosity, affecting performance and protection.

Several factors influence the degree of dilution, such as pressure, temperature, and the chemical affinity between the gas and the lubricant. These variables make selecting the optimal lubricant a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of lubricant chemistry.

To streamline this process, Next Lubricants has developed a calculator called the PVT Tool. This tool models and predicts gas dilution based on operating conditions and calculates the expected viscosity.