Control of wear applied to compressors: trends in lubricant analysis

The normal function of equipment produces a big quantity of particles of di fferent sizes, as a result of the different kinds of wear. To control the q uantity of wear the most important parameter in analysis of lubricant is th e concentration of wear particles. The trends in lubricant analysis are use d to optimised the maintenance in compressors. In this way, we can decrease the maintenance cost, save money, and to obtain a better description of th e state of machines. In the laboratory, the trends in wear of screw compres sors are compared with the normal behaviour of compressors in the industria l plant. This comparison can be used to obtain the dysfunction in the runni ng. In the present research we describe those parts of the compressor which are contributing to the total wear. Moreover, we have developed applied si mulation considering the special environmental conditions of the zone. Rela ted model let us know the relation between the failure and the environment. Also, we can know the indirect failures (second failure modes) that procee ds from primary failure wear. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights res erved.