Page 122 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

Operation and Maintenance of Reciprocating Compressors 1 O9

necting rods dips into the oil and produces a spray that reaches all inter-
nal parts.
Where the splash method is employed, the level of oil in the reservoir
should be maintained within predetermined limits in order to prevent
either over or under lubrication.

Splash and Flood Lubrication

Many horizontal compressors use the flood system for bearing and
crosshead lubrication. Oil is elevated from the reservoir by discs on the
crankshaft and is removed from the discs by scrapers. Some oil is diverted
to the main and crankpin bearings, and the remainder is led to a large pock-
et over the crosshead from which a stream of oil flows to the crosshead pin
and crosshead bearing surfaces. In some designs, the main bearings are
lubricated from this pocket and the oil flows through external tubes.
In some compressors, the oil is thrown or splashed into the pocket
over the crosshead by scoops on the crank counterweights. In the com-
pressor shown in Figure 3-1, crankshaft counterweights and an oil
splasher dip into the oil reservoir and throw oil to all the bearings. Oil
pockets over the crosshead and over the double row tapered roller main
bearings assure an ample supply for these parts.

Enclosed Oil-Tight Frame -^ __—-— r Oil Splasher

V. Discharge Valve
Metallic Wiper Rings s?
Jacket Water In
^

FIGURE 3-1. Splash and flood lubrication applied to a single-cylinder, double-
acting compressor (Source: Dresser-Rand, Painted Post, New York),