Compressor Lubrication

Compressor Lubrication

An adequate supply of oil must be maintained in the crankcase at all times to insure continuous lubrication.  The normal oil level should be maintained at or slightly above the center of the sight glass while operating. An excessive amount of oil must not be allowed in the system as it may compressor valves.

Compressors leaving the copeland factory are charged with suniso 3G.  150 viscosity refrigeration oil,  and the use of any other oil must be specifically cleared with the copeland aplication Engineering Department. The naphthenic base oil has definite advantages over paraffinic base oils occurs at substantially higher temperatures with the same oil-refrigerant concentration. When this oil floats on top of the refrigerant and the oil pump inlet at the botton of the sump is fed almost pure refrigerante at start up. The resulting imprroper lubrication can result in bearing failure. Because of the lower separating temperature of suniso 3G oil, the possibility of two-phasing is greatly reduced.

Copetametic compressors are shipped with a generous supply of oil in the crankcase. However the system may require more or less oil depending on the refrigerant charge and the system desing. On field installed systems, after the system stabilizes at its normal operating conditions, it may be necessary to add or remove oil to maintain the desired level.