DESCRIPTION Section 2 - Pg 02
2.3 Compressor Cooling and Lubrication System, Functional Description
Refer to Figure 2-1. The compressor cooling and lubrication system is designed to
provide adequate lubrication as well as maintain the proper operating temperature of the
compressor. In addition to the cooler and fan, the system consists of an oil filter, electric
fan switch.
The fluid in the system is used as both coolant and lubricant. It is housed in the
receiver/sump or sump (which will be referred to as the SUMP from hereon).
The cooler is a radiator-type that works in conjunction with an electric driven fan and
electric fan switch. The fan draws air across the cooler core removing the heat of
compression from the fluid. The fluid flows from the sump thru the oil filter, thru the
cooler core, and then is injected into the compressor chamber and bearings of the
compressor. Once the oil reaches approximately 165°F the fan switch will turn on the
fan to cool the oil.
The oil filter has a replaceable spin-on element and a built-in bypass valve which allows
the fluid to flow even when the filter element becomes plugged and requires changing or
when the viscosity of the fluid is too high for adequate flow. After the fluid is properly
filtered, it then flows on to the compressor unit where it lubricates, seals and cools the
compression chamber as well as lubricates the bearings and gears.
2.4 Compressor Discharge System, Functional Description
Refer to Figure 2-1. The Sullair compressor unit discharges compressed air/fluid
mixture. The air fluid mixture is directed to the combination sump. The sump has three
functions:
1. It acts as a primary fluid separation system.
2. Serves as the compressor fluid sump.
3. Houses the air/fluid separator.
The compressed air/fluid mixture enters the sump and is directed off the bottom of the
separator element. By change of direction and reduction of velocity, larger droplets of
fluid separate and fall to the bottom of the sump. The fractional percentage of fluid
remaining in the compressed air collects on the surface of the final separator element as
the compressed air flows through the separator. As more and more fluid collects the
element’s surface, the fluid descends to the bottom of the separator. A return line (or
scavenge tube) leads from the bottom of the separator element to the inlet region of the
compressor unit. Fluid collecting on the bottom of the separator element is returned to
the compressor by the pressure difference between the area surrounding the separator
element and the compressor inlet. A filter orifice and sight glass assembly is included on
this return line to help assure proper flow.
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