Air Compressors

&
LE Industrial Oils

LE International AG
Product / Sales Training Manual
 Air Compressors
This application is “Big Business for LE”
Why?
 Large/small compressors at most calls
 Critical application re: production
 Compressors & spares are expensive
 Energy costs are high & getting higher
 LE Compressor Oils really perform
 Types of Air Compressors
Compressors are machines for squeezing air
(or gas) into a smaller volume
 There are many types but only 2 main types
are used for compressing air:
Reciprocating & Rotary
 They maybe water or air cooled
 They may range in size from few cubic feet per
minute to thousands of cubic feet per minute
 They range in pressure from few PSI to
100’s PSI
 Types of Air Compressors
Positive Displacement
 Reciprocating
(Piston Type)
 Rotary
Reciprocating Compressor
(Screw, sliding vane, lobe)
Dynamic
 Axial
 Centrifugal

Rack & Pinion

Axial Compressor
 Types of Air Compressors
Centrifugal
Compressor
Barrel Type

Splash Lubricated
Reciprocating
Compressor

Rotary Screw
Compressor
 Types of Air Compressors
Reciprocating Compressors
 Positive Displacement machines – they increase
the pressure of the air by reducing its volume

 Single stage compressors used for pressures in

range of 70-100 psi
 Two stage compressors used for higher pressures
in range of 100-250 psi
 Types of Air Compressors
Rotary Screw Compressors
 They are also positive displacement machines
consisting of helically-grooved rotors that mesh
together
 The volume of a trapped mass of air is decreased
along the rotor & the pressure is increased
 Capacity control for these compressors is
accomplished by variable speed & displacement
Double Helical Rotary Screw Compressor
 Types of Air Compressors
Centrifugal Compressors (Dynamic)
 They produce high-pressure discharge by converting
angular momentum imparted by the rotating impeller
(dynamic displacement) as illustrated below
 In order to do this efficiently, centrifugal compressors rotate
at higher speeds than the other types of compressors
 They are also designed for higher capacity because flow
through the compressor is continuous
 Air Compressors
Study this LE Literature:
Techni-Tip 42:
42 Compressor Manifold / receiver fires
and/or explosions
Techni-Tip 48:
48 Refrigeration Systems
Techni-Tip 78:
78 Lubricant requirements for special
warranty Ingersoll-Rand & Sullair Compressors
Techni-Tip 106:
106 Compressor changeover procedures
for LE lubricants
Product Flyers / TDB’s for LE Air Compressor Oils
 Air Compressor Oils
Functions of an Air Compressor Lubricant?

Reduce friction (lubricate)

Reduce heat (cool)

Reduce wear (increase equipment life)

Reduce carbonisation (clean)

Reduce leakage (seal)

 Air Compressor Oils
4 basic elementals of lubrication for any applications are:
LETS Investigate!!!

LOAD (Torque, Thrust, Radial etc)

ENVIRONMENT (Wet, Dirty, Hot etc)

TEMPERATURE (Ambient, the installation etc)

SPEED (Fast, Slow, RPM etc)

L.E. Compressor Oils
&
Air Compressors
 AIR COMPRESSORS
Basic Suffering Points for
Reciprocating Compressors
Valve Deposits from: Wear from:
 Dirt  Contamination (dust,
 Water dirt, carbon, acid)
 Excessive oil feed  Lack of quality
rates (carbon) lubrication
Heat from:
 Ineffective lubrication
 High pressure
differentials
 Inefficient cooling
 AIR COMPRESSORS
Basic Suffering Points for
Rotary Compressors

 Foaming
 Emulsification with
water (demo)
 Rapid Oil oxidation at
high temps
 Contamination
(internal & external)
 Air/oil separator
failure
 AIR COMPRESSORS
Basic Suffering Points
The results?

High Maintenance & Operating Costs,

+
Lower Productivity
=
LESS PROFIT
 AIR COMPRESSORS
How do LE Compressor Oils solve these Problems?

Non-foaming additive package

 Maintains high oil film strength to reduce wear
 Lower oil temperatures (holds viscosity, low rate of
oxidation, extended oil drain intervals, less oil consumption)
 Less seal damage & oil leakage
Excellent Water Separation (demo)
 Maintains high oil film strength & lubricity (less wear)
 Protects against rust & corrosion
 Excess water can be drained off – saving the oil
 Extended oil drain intervals (long oil life)
 Low oil consumption
 AIR COMPRESSORS
How do LE Compressor Oils solve these Problems?

Unique LE Additive
 MONOLEC provides unmatched protection against
shock loads & high pressures – reducing Friction,
Heat & Wear
Less acid corrosion & wear
 Less sulphur content in LE’s paraffinic &
PAO base oils
Less carbon formation on valves

Longer filter & air/oil separator life

 AIR COMPRESSORS
How do LE Compressor Oils solve these Problems?

Less carbon formation on valves

Reduced feed / drip rates
(less consumption)
Good oil oxidation resistance
(less deposits, longer oil life)
Lower operating temperatures
Less energy (amps) required to drive them
 AIR COMPRESSORS
How do LE Compressor Oils solve these Problems?

The results of using LE Gear Oils?

Lower Maintenance & Operating Costs,

+
Higher Productivity
=
MORE PROFIT
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
Before making a LE recommendation check the following:
OEM Oil Specification
Compressor size & speed (rpm)
Operating conditions (temperature, load)
Operating environment (water, dust, dirt, chemicals)
Lubrication method (manual, automatic)
Relubrication frequency & compressor oil consumption
Average expected part life
Equipment replacement cost
Time required to replace parts (downtime & labour)
Energy required
Brief Introduction to
LE
COMPRESSOR OILS
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
PRODUCT KEY PROPERTIES KEY APPLICATIONS
MULTILEC A multi-functional, heavy-duty R&O and AW Air compressors, hydraulics,
Industrial Oil industrial oil. Outstanding rust & oxidation bearings, industrial turbines & R&O
resistance, excellent water separation ability. gear applications
6801- 6807
Anti-wear additive for increased gear/bearing
life

MONOLEC Contains Monolec, LE’s exclusive wear- Steam-turbo generators, smaller

R&O Compressor / reducing additive. Offers excellent oxidation industrial turbines, reciprocating &
Turbine Oil resistance. Separates readily from water, is rotary air compressors, vacuum
non-foaming & protects against corrosive wear. pumps, gear & bearing
6401- 6407
Extremely long lasting in service applications & circulating systems

MONOLEC The blend of synthetic base fluids are able to Reciprocating & rotary
Synthetic reduce the formation of hard carbon deposits, compressors, vacuum pumps,
Industrial Oil yet maintains excellent lubricity, water hydraulic systems, high
9032 - 9150 resistance & seal compatibility. Contains temperature non-EP gear drives &
Monolec. low temperature fluid power drives

QUINPLEX NSF & USDA H1 for food processing Food industry air compressors,
White Oil equipment. Excellent non-foaming & lubricating hydraulic systems, slides, guides,
characteristics. Use where incidental food chains & valves
4010 - 4030
contact can occur or where non-staining
lubricant needed

MONOLEC A special lubricant for use in refrigeration Refrigeration systems

Refrigeration Oil systems. Contains Monolec & special additives
to prevent sludge, assure low temp fluidity &
6723
provide longer oil life
 L.E.
COMPRESSOR OILS
IN DETAIL
 Multilec® Industrial Oil
 Multi-functional, heavy-
duty, R&O and AW Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken

industrial oil suitable for SAE ISO Point (°c)

(°c) Point (°c)
(°c) (Lbs)

air compressors, 6801 32 204 -33

hydraulics & bearings
 Outstanding R&O 6802 46 212 -36
resistance, water
separation ability 6803 20 68 218 -30
 Monolec® for great AW
 Formulated to combat 6804 30 100 224 -27

acid hydrolysis in rotary

6805 40 150 224 -24
screw compressors
 Compounded with 6806 50 220 218 -24
premium paraffinic base
stocks for greater 6807 60 320 216 -21
lubricity
 Monolec® R&O
Compressor/Turbine Oil
 For reciprocating & rotary Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken

compressors, vacuum SAE ISO Point (°c)

(°c) Point (°c)
(°c) (Lbs)

pumps, small industrial 6401 32 210 -30

turbines & pumps
 Offers excellent oxidation 6402 46 216 -24
resistance, separates
readily from water & 6403 20 68 224 -24

protects against corrosive

wear 6404 30 100 238 -15

 Extremely long lasting in 6405 40 150 246 -12

service (3-5 times longer)
 Contains Monolec® 6406 50 220 244 -12

 Up to 8,000 hours without

6407 60 320 246 -12
oil analysis
 Monolec® Synthetic
Industrial Lubricant
 Synthetic fluids for use in
reciprocating & rotary Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken
compressors, vacuum SAE ISO Point
(°c)
Point
(°c)
(Lbs)

pumps & hydraulic

systems 9032 32 246 -57

 The blend of synthetic 9046 46 248 -51

base fluids are able to
9068 20 68 244 -45
reduce the formation of
hard carbon deposits, yet 9100 30 100 244 -42

maintain excellent lubricity, 9150 40 150 244 -39

water resistance & seal
compatibility
 Contains Monolec®
 Quinplex® White Oil
 NSF & USDA H1 for Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken

food processing SAE ISO Point (°c)

(°c) Point (°c)
(°c) (Lbs)

equipment 4010 46 188 -36

 Excellent non-foaming &

4020 20 68 198 -33
lubricating properties
 Use where incidental 4030 30 100 210 -30

food contact can occur

or where clean non-
staining lubricant
required
 Compressors,
hydraulics, chains &
valves
 Quinplex® Synthetic Food Grade Oil
 NSF & USDA H1 for food
processing equipment
 Use where incidental food Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken
contact can occur or SAE ISO Point (°c)
(°c) Point (°c)
(°c) (Lbs)

where clean non-staining 4046 46 276 -54

lubricant required
 Superior low temperature
performance
characteristics
 Compressors, hydraulics,
chains, slides & valves
 Better long oil life than LE
4010-4030 (minimum
4,000 hours)
 Monolec® Centrifugal Compressor Oil
 High quality compressor
oil specifically for Product Grade Grade Flash Pour Timken
centrifugal air SAE ISO Point (°c)
(°c) Point (°c)
(°c) (Lbs)

compressors 6260 32 222 -36

 Formulated with select
paraffinic base stocks
synergistically blended
with additives that offer:
1. Excellent corrosion
protection
2. Superior thermal stability
3. Good water separation
4. Anti-foaming
performance
5. Oxidation resistance
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
 A special lubricant
for use in
refrigeration Product Grade
SAE
Grade
ISO
Flash
Point (°c)
(°c)
Pour
Point (°c)
(°c)
Timken
(Lbs)

systems & with 6723 68 182 -30

most refrigerants
 Contains Monolec®
and special
additives to prevent
sludge, assure low
temperature fluidity
& to provide longer
effective oil life
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
Change-Over Guidelines
1. LE oils should always go in clean systems

2. A flush period of up to several (2-3) weeks

should be prescribed in a changeover:
 Refrigerants can form very good cleaning agents
 If there is water present in the lube system it does
not need to be removed – flushing can do this
 Many sludges, varnishes & dirts are picked up by
the lube system. These will be present in the oil
now in the compressor.
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
Change-Over Guidelines
3. Filters are of prime importance:
 Abrasives seem to come from nowhere in
these ‘closed systems’
 No guidelines exist from OEMS
 Wear particles cause extensive damage if
not removed by the filter
 A 10 micron filter at a minimum appears to
do well. Monitor efficiency
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
Change-Over Guidelines
4. Periods of downtime in a refrigeration
compressor can allow migration of the
refrigerant. This will collect in the sump and:
 Dilute the lubricant
 Cause slugging (liquid refrigerant in compressor
chamber)
 Cause lube “boiling” on start up which can lead to
low lubricant level for a period of time. This can
cause damage
 Can be prevented by limiting the refrigerant
charge. Avoid over charging.
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
Change-Over Guidelines
5. Watch oil consumption closely
especially after start ups but never
overfill

6. Oil traps & return lines should be

maintained & functioning clean

7. Oil added to the system should be clean.

Clean & filter oil from the collection &
separation areas. Many do not reuse this
oil
 Monolec® Refrigeration Oil
Change-Over Guidelines
8. Sample at a frequent interval when first
establishing an LE refrigerant oil customer:
 Visual inspection of the lube is the only guide given
as a change out guide by a major OEM – “Change
when discoloured”
 Sample at 3-4 week interval at first to assure lube
integrity
 Sample from bottom of sump if possible to detect
sludge if it is forming
 Use Spectrowear / LEAP Oil Analysis
 Information Sheet for making LE
Compressor Oil recommendations
Make of Compressor: Operating Pressure:
Type of Compressor: Type of Oil used now:
Change Intervals:
Oil Consumption:
Age of Compressor: Operating Cycle (8-24hrs)
C.F.M. (Cubic Feet per Minute) Is standby available?
Discharge Temp: Water Cooler Inlet temp:
Ambient Temp: Water Cooler Inlet flow rate:
Oil Temp: Air Temp Into Cooler:
After Cooler:
HP of Electric Motor: Air Filter Type & condition:
Amps Drawn Change Intervals now:
Oil Air separator size:
Change Intervals:
 Information Sheet for making LE
Compressor Oil recommendations
Compressor Room Condition:
Clean & Painted Yes / No
Filter on all openings? Yes / No
Pipework Correct? Yes / No
Chiller? Yes / No
Manual Drain on all units? Yes / No
Automatic Drain? Yes / No
Is drained fluid visible when draining? Yes / No
Water cooling tower – water soft or hard? Yes / No
Spectro-analysis? Yes / No
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS &
ZAP!
ZAP! – LE’s Energy Saving
Programme
Objective:
Objective
Reduce customers
overall operating costs!
 Energy consumption is a
major concern for every
industry
 Friction in machines robs
electrical energy
 LE lubricants are able to
reduce friction, heat & wear
and therefore electricity
consumption due to unique
additives – Almasol / Monolec
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS &
ZAP!
100% Paraffinic Base Oils
(greater lubricity & oxidation resistance)
MONOLEC (reduces friction, heat & wear)

 LE lubricants therefore reduce friction & when it is

reduced less electricity is required to drive their
compressors
 LE customers generally see a 5% reduction in their
power requirements & some have experienced up
to 20%
Documented electricity savings in
air compressors average 12%
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS &
ZAP!
Typical $ Savings* with a 5% Amperage Reduction
Electric Motor Type of Operation
Rated HP
40 hrs a week Continuous
10 $52 $208
50 $260 $1040
100 $522 $2088
200 $1044 $4176
*$0.07 kWh Electricity Rate
L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
Demonstrations
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
Demonstrations 1
Monolec Additive  All that is needed is a
 The purpose of this demo handful of marbles / ball
is to show the prospect bearings!
the concept behind LE’s  Hint: Refer to the Monolec
proprietary additive flyer – it mentions Monolec
MONOLEC® working like chemical ball
 Prospects cannot be bearings
shown MONOLEC®, but
LE consultants can create
an image in their minds
with this demo.
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
Demonstrations
What to do:
 Ask prospect to rub hands
together hard & fast
 Ask what does he feel?
(answer should be friction & heat)
– just like metal surfaces
 Hand him 3 marbles & ask him to
repeat the above
 Now what does he feel?
 Answer should be no friction or
heat
 Monolec acts like chemical ball
bearings that separate the metal
surface – just like these marbles
separate the rubbing surfaces of
your hands
 L.E. COMPRESSOR OILS
Demonstrations
OIL / WATER SEPARATION
 Demo oil/water samples
 First:
Commercial oil/water sample;
Show emulsification, discuss R&O
problems, short oil life, poor lube
film strength, high equipment wear etc
 Second: LE oil/water sample;
show excellent separation, oil
“tackiness” on to paper clip, long
oil life, good lube film strength
 Conclusions
Not only must an air compressor oil reduce friction &
prevent wear but it must also perform the following
important functions:

 Remove heat by cooling & efficient heat transfer

 Suspend dirt & wear debris until filter can remove it
 Seal to allow efficient compression without leakage
 Coat the internal surfaces of compressor
to prevent rust & corrosion
 Minimize deposit & varnish formation
 Conclusions
LE Compressor Oils fulfil all these important
functions in air compressors…
AND more….

Help your customers to dramatically increase

their profits by converting their
Air Compressors to LE lubricants
They WILL thank you for it!