In a gas compression system, lube oil is used to lubricate the compressor’s moving parts and prevent friction and wear. The lube oil is typically circulated through the compressor’s internal lubrication system and is exposed to the gas being compressed. If the gas contains hydrocarbons, there is a risk that the lube oil will become saturated with these hydrocarbons, which can lead to several problems.
The saturation of lube oil with hydrocarbons is directly related to the dew point of the gas. The dew point is the temperature at which the gas begins to condense into a liquid, and this liquid can contain hydrocarbons. When the gas and lube oil come into contact, the hydrocarbons can dissolve into the lube oil, gradually increasing its hydrocarbon content until it becomes saturated.
If the lube oil becomes saturated with hydrocarbons, it can lead to several problems, including:
- Reduced lubrication effectiveness: When the lube oil is saturated with hydrocarbons, its lubricating properties are reduced, leading to increased friction and wear in the compressor’s moving parts. This can lead to premature failure of the compressor and other components in the system.
- Formation of varnish and sludge: As the lube oil becomes saturated with hydrocarbons, it can also start to form varnish and sludge deposits. These deposits can accumulate in the compressor and other components, reducing their efficiency and causing additional wear.
- Reduced system efficiency: When the compressor and other components are not operating at their full efficiency, the overall system efficiency is reduced, leading to higher operating costs and lower performance.