The most common blower failure is due to

lack of lubrication or improper lubrication.

Roots Blower Lubrication

The recommended oil for all Roots’ products is ROOTS™ Synthetic Oil. It is a long life, high
film strength, energy efficient, synthetic lubricant that significantly increases bearing life
and equipment reliability. It gains its performance advantages over competing mineral and synthetic oils through its superior
blend of synthetic base oils plus proprietary additive technology. This unique additive technology is proven to make equipment
run smoother, cooler, quieter, longer and more efficiently.

Refer to your operating manual for detailed instructions and lubrication intervals. Oils must be premium grade and non-
detergent with rust, oxidation, and foam inhibitors.
ISO 320 Roots PN ISO 220 Roots PN ISO 150 Roots PN
Quart 13106004 Quart 13106001 5 Gallon 13106022
Gallon 13106005 Gallon 13106002 Case 4-1 Gallons 13106024
5 Gallon 13106006 5 Gallon 13106003 Case 12-32 oz Qts 13106023
Case 4-1 Gallons 13106010 Case 4-1 Gallons 13106009 55 Gallon Drum 13106025
Case 12-32 oz Qts 13106007 Case 12-32 oz Qts 13106008
55 Gallon Drum 13106018 55 Gallon Drum 13106019

ROOTS Synthetic Oil is NSF approved for ISO-VG 32, 150, 220 and 320. Oil viscosity is dependent on the expected ambient
conditions surrounding the blower and driver. The required viscosity is as follows:
Splash Lubricated Blowers Pressure Lubricated Blowers
ISO Viscosity ISO Viscosity
Ambient Temperature Ambient Temperature
90°F to 120°F (32°C to 48°C) 320 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 48°C) 220
32°F to 90°F (0°C to 32°C) 220 0°F to 32°F* (-18°C to 0°C) 100
0°F to 32°F* (-18°C to 0°C) 150
below 0°F* (-18°C) 100

Other oils listed below are recommended by the oil manufacturer as their product that satisfies Roots’ lubrication specifications.
NOTE: Not all of these oils are synthetic and may not have the same operating life as Roots synthetic oil.
Due to sludge build-up and seal leakage problems, do NOT use Mobil SHC synthetic oil.
ISO 320 ISO 220 ISO 100
Sunoco Sunvis 9320 Sunoco Sunvis 9220 Sunoco Sunvis 9100
Mobil DTE AA Mobil DTE BB Mobil DTE 18M
Exxon Teresstic 320 Exxon Teresstic 220 Exxon Teresstic 100
CITGO Pacemaker 320 CITGO Pacemaker 220 CITGO Pacemaker 100
Texaco Regal R&O 320 Texaco Regal R&O 220 Texaco Regal R&O 100
Roots Synthetic 320 Roots Synthetic 220 Roots Synthetic 100
Grease Lubrication
IMPORTANT: Shell clay-based grease and the Roots Synthetic aluminum-complex grease are not compatible and that they
should not be interchanged or mixed. Also, lithium-based grease is not approved for any ROOTS blower.
Any URAI or Whispair MAX blowers built on or after August 1st, 2016 (serial
numbers beginning with 1608A and later) require Roots Synthetic grease. It Roots Synthetic Grease Roots PN
is purple in color and should not be mixed with any other grease. 14.5 oz. Tube T200019001
Case (30 tubes) T200019002
Any URAI and Whispair MAX blowers built previous to August 2016 have 5 Gallon Pail T200019003
Shell clay-based grease and should continue to be serviced with Shell Gadus
S2 U1000 (NLGI grade #2, PN 71522 or Shell Darina SD 2 NLGI grade 2, PN 5067628). It is tan in color and should not be mixed
with Roots Synthetic grease.

Visit www.jlcomponents.com or call 816-207-0090 for more information on which type of oil or grease to use with your blower.
 ROOTSTM Synthetic Oil

ROOTSTM Synthetic Oil

Synerlec® additive technology makes

the difference!
Synerlec® additive technology forms a tough,
slippery, synthetic film on all metal surfaces.
This proprietary film significantly improves
lubrication: first, by increasing the oil’s film
thickness, and second, by increasing the oil
film’s toughness, both of which help to prevent
metal-to-metal contact. It displaces moisture
from metal surfaces and protects all metals
against rust and corrosion. It also fortifies the oil
against the detrimental effects of heat, which
causes oil to oxidize.

Beyond SyntheticTM
ROOTS® Synthetic Oil is a long life, high film strength, energy efficient, • Excellent Corrosion Protection - ROOTS Synthetic Oil’s tough oil
synthetic lubricant that significantly increases bearing life and equipment film forms an ionic bond on metal surfaces, which acts as a
reliability. Roots Synthetic Oil gains its performance advantages over preservative oil during shutdown and provides instant lubrication at
competing mineral and synthetic oils through its superior blend of startup.
synthetic base oils plus proprietary additive technology. This unique
• Synthetic Solvency - ROOTS Synthetic Oil’s natural solvency cleans
additive technology is proven to make equipment run smoother, cooler,
up dirty equipment and keeps it clean.
quieter, longer and more efficiently.
• Compatible with Seals - ROOTS Synthetic Oil has excellent seal
ROOTS Synthetic Oil typically replaces conventional, low film strength.
compatibility.
R & O (rust and oxidation inhibited) oils that rely solely on their viscosity to
protect equipment against wear. ROOTS Synthetic Oil is NSF approved • Environmentally Responsible - ROOTS Synthetic Oil components
for ISO-VG 32, 150, 220 and 320. are TSCA listed and meet EPA. RCRA and OSHA requirements.
ROOTS Synthetic Oil extends oil drain intervals, eliminates premature
Performance advantages oil changes, decreases the amount of oil purchased and disposed of
• High Oxidation Stability - Contains oxidation-resistant additives and conserves energy.
that mean longer oil life and fewer oil changes. ROOTS Synthetic Oil
• Blower Protection - Protects blower through a wide range of
excels in ASTM oxidation tests, and in the field, where it counts.
operating temperatures.
Longer oil life means lower expenditures, and greater conservation.
• Pour Point - from -40°F (-40°C). Flash Point - at 500°F (260°C).
• Rapidly Separates from Water - ROOTS Synthetic Oil rapidly and
completely separates from water, which is easily drained from the • Range of Use - ROOTS Synthetic Oil can be used in any blower
bottom of the oil reservoir. application or operating environment.

• Saves Energy - ROOTS Synthetic Oil has an extremely low • High Film Strength - ROOTS Synthetic Oil carries up to 700%
coefficient of friction that is proven to save energy over conventional greater loads than other mineral and synthetic oils
oils. In rotating equipment these savings frequently exceed the total
• Compatibility With Other Oils - ROOTS Synthetic Oil is compatible
cost of the oil within several months, making what was once an oil
with, and can be mixed with, other mineral oils and most other
expense a profit.
synthetic oils No special cleaning is required at change out for blowers
• Reduces Bearing Vibrations - The tough oil film of ROOTS previously running on mineral oil. NOTE: It is NOT compatible with
Synthetic Oil coupled with its ability to micro-polish contacting silicone or glycol synthetics.
bearing elements provides superior bearing lubrication.
• ISO Grade Availability - Available in ISO Grade 100, 150, 220, or
• Longer Oil life - ROOTS Synthetic Oil has outstanding oxidation 320.
stability that greatly extends oil change intervals while keeping
• Container Sizes - Available in one-quart containers, 12-quart cases,
equipment clean.
one-gallon containers, 5-gallon pails, or 55 gallon drums.

S-Luboil www.howden.com

S-Luboil RootsTM synthetic lube oil.indd 1 31/08/2015 14:04:48

 ROOTSTM Synthetic Oil

For further information contact

Howden Roots
900 W. Mount St.
Connersville
Indiana
USA
47331
Tel: +1 765 827 9200
Web: www.howden.com

ISO Grade/AGMA Grade Specified lubricants

Typical Properties* 100 150*** 220 320
2"-8" Blower Recommended Oil Grades
AGMA Grade 3 4 5 6
Ambient Temperature ISO Viscosity Range
Viscosity
cSt @ 40°C 100 150 220 320 Above 90°F (32°C) 320
cSt @ 100°C 12.6 16.1 21.5 27.0 32° to 90°F (0°-32°C) 220
SSU @ 100°C 518 783 1153 1685
SSU @ 210°C 70 84 108 139 0° to 32°F (-18°-0°C) 150

Viscosity Index 120 112 117 112 Below 0°F (-18°C) 100

Specific Gravity @ 60°F 0.863 0.869 0.874 0.880

Lbs./Gal 7.19 7.24 7.28 7.33
Flash °F 440 485 485 500 10"-20" Splash Lubricated Blower Recommended Lubricating Oils
Pour Point °F -53 -47 -35 -35 Ambient Temperature ISO Viscosity Range
ISO Cleanliness Level NA NA NA NA Above 90°F (32°C) 320
ASTM D-1401 Demulsibility 32° to 90°F (0°-32°C) 220
Pass Pass Pass Pass
(from 40/40/0/06 to 40/40/0/30) 0° to 32°F (-18°-0°C) 150
D-892 Foam Tests Sequences I, II & III — — — — Below 0°F (-18°C) 100
D-130 Copper Corrosion
3 hrs. @ 210°F 1A 1A 1A 1A
250 hrs. @ 210°F 1A 1A 1A 1A
Cincinnati Millicron “A”
10"-20" Pressure Lubricated Blower Recommended Lubricating Oils
72 hrs. @ 275°F Pass Pass Pass Pass
Ambient Temperature ISO Viscosity Range
D-665 Rust Test
Fresh Water Pass Pass Pass Pass 32° to 120°F (0°-49°C) 220
Salt Water Pass Pass Pass Pass
Below 32°F (0°C) 100
D-2893 Dry Air Oxidation
All RGS - Use ISO-VG-100
312 hrs. @ 203°F,
% Viscosity Increase 0 0 0 0
Precip. No. (% Solids) 0 0 0 0
See the manual provided with the blower for service intervals of the lubrications mentioned.
*All properties are typical and may vary.
Note:
ROOTS Synthetic Oil’s solvency cleans wear metals and deposits left behind by previous oils.
These wear metals and deposits can become soluble in the new oil, causing abnormally high
values on used oil analysis until equipment is clean.

Note: 
ROOTS Synthetic Oil is NSF approved for ISO-VG 32, 150, 220 and 320.

©Howden Group Limited. All rights reserved. 2015. S-Luboil www.howden.com

Howden and the flying H logo are registered trade marks belonging to Howden Group Limited.

S-Luboil RootsTM synthetic lube oil.indd 2 31/08/2015 14:04:48

 Rotary Blower Lubrication Recommendations
Howden Roots Recommended oil for all Roots’ products is Roots synthetic. Other oils listed below are
recommended by the oil manufacturer as the product in their line that satisfies Roots’ lubrication
specifications.

Oils are to be premium grade, non-detergent, with rust, oxidation and foam inhibitors.
O
Splash Lubricated Blowers: Ambient Temperature F** ISO Viscosity
90 to 120 320
32 to 90 220
0 to 32* 150
Below 32* 100
O
Pressure Lubricated Blowers: Ambient Temperature F** ISO Viscosity
32 to 120 220
0 to 32* 100
O
*Oil is to be heated to 60 F prior to starting the blower.
** Ambient temperature is the temperature in the space the blower is located not the outside air
temperature.

Blowers with Mechanical Seals:

On all 10” and larger blowers with Mechanical Seals (RGS, RGS-J & HVB), use ISO 100 oil. Oil is to be
O
heated to 60 F prior to starting the blower.

High Vacuum Blowers (RGS-HVB):

O
All HVB’s require oil with a vapor pressure of 0.1 micron of mercury or less at 180 F and 1.8 micron of
O
mercury or less at 250 F. Both Sunoco Sunvis and Roots Synthetic oil meet this requirement.

Oil Manufacturer’s Suggested Lubricant:

ISO-320 ISO-220 ISO-100
Sunoco Sunvis 9320 Sunoco Sunvis 9220 Sunoco Sunvis 9100
Mobil DTE AA Mobil DTE BB Mobil DTE 18M
Exxon Teresstic 320 Exxon Teresstic 220 Exxon Teresstic 100
CITGO Pacemaker 320 CITGO Pacemaker 220 CITGO Pacemaker 100
Texaco Regal R&O 320 Texaco Regal R&O 220 Texaco Regal R&O 100
Roots Synthetic 320 Roots Synthetic 220 Roots Synthetic 100

GREASE

Note: Lithium based grease is not approved for any ROOTS blower.

Shell clay-based grease and the Roots Synthetic aluminum-complex grease are not compatible and
that they should not be interchanged or mixed.

Any URAI or Whispair MAX blowers built on or after August 1st, 2016 (blowers with serial numbers
beginning with 1608A and later) have Roots Synthetic grease and must be serviced with Roots Synthetic
or other compatible greases going forward, PN T20019001, Tube 14.5 OZ.

Any URAI and Whispair MAX blowers built previous to August 2016 have Shell clay-based grease and
should continue to be serviced with Shell Gadus S2 U1000 or other compatible grease. Shell Darina EP
NLGI grade #2, PN 71522 or Shell Darina SD 2 NLGI grade 2, PN 5067628

Grease for XA seals: Dow Corning Silicon Grease #44