What is the specific impact of oil film lubrication on the life of screw compressors?
The mechanism and importance of oil film lubrication
The working principle of a screw compressor relies on the relative rotation of two precision-machined spiral rotors to compress gas. In order to avoid wear and friction caused by direct metal contact, an oil film lubrication system is cleverly designed and applied in this process. When the rotors rotate at high speed, the oil injection system will accurately spray an appropriate amount of lubricating oil into the tiny gaps between the rotors to form a uniform and stable oil film. This oil film not only acts as a lubricant to reduce the friction between the rotors, but also plays multiple roles such as cooling, sealing and cleaning.
Effect of oil film lubrication on the life of screw compressor
1. Reduce wear and extend service life
Oil film lubrication significantly reduces wear caused by direct metal contact by reducing the friction coefficient between rotors. During the long-term operation of screw compressors, wear is one of the main reasons for the decline in equipment performance and shortened life. The existence of the oil film acts as a protective barrier, effectively slowing down the wear rate of key components such as the rotor and bearings, thereby extending the overall service life of the compressor.
2. Cool down to maintain efficient operation
During the compression process, the gas will expand due to the increase in temperature, increasing the difficulty of compression and energy consumption. By absorbing and taking away part of the heat, the oil film effectively reduces the temperature in the compression chamber and maintains good compressibility of the gas. This cooling effect not only improves compression efficiency, but also avoids equipment failure and damage caused by high temperatures, further extending the service life of the compressor.
3. Sealed and leak-proof, improving compression efficiency
The oil film also has a certain sealing effect, which can reduce gas leakage caused by excessive rotor clearance. In screw compressors, gas leakage not only reduces compression efficiency, but also increases energy consumption and operating costs. The formation of oil film effectively solves this problem, ensuring the continuity and stability of the compression process, improving compression efficiency and extending equipment life.
4. Cleaning and protection to reduce pollution
While the lubricating oil is sprayed into the rotor gap, it also plays a role in cleaning and protection. It can take away impurities and dirt on the rotor surface and keep the rotor clean and smooth. In addition, the additives in lubricating oil can also form a protective film on the metal surface to prevent corrosion and oxidation. This cleaning and protective effect helps keep the screw compressor in good operating condition and prolongs its service life.
Maintenance and management of oil film lubrication system
In order to ensure the normal operation of the oil film lubrication system and its positive impact on the life of the screw compressor, the maintenance and management of the system must be strengthened. This includes key steps such as regularly changing the lubricant, cleaning the fuel injection device and checking the oil film thickness. At the same time, the type and amount of lubricating oil need to be adjusted according to the operating conditions and working environment of the equipment to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the oil film.