Oil Analysis

Question: What is oil analysis, and am I required to do it?

Answer: Oil analysis refers to when an oil sample is taken out of an ammonia compressor and sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the analysis indicate whether the compressor oil has degraded to a point where it needs to be replaced, or whether it is suitable for continued operation. 

Facilities have three options when it comes to compressor oil:

1. Compressor oil can be replaced annually
2. Compressor oil can be replaced based on runtime hours (per the manufacturer’s recommendation)
3. Compressor oil samples can be sent for oil analysis annually, or based on runtime hours

The inspection, testing, and maintenance table in ANSI/IIAR 6-2019 Table 6.1 states that oil analysis is not required if the oil is changed on an annual frequency or a determined runtime hours frequency.

Oil analysis is typically only performed on screw compressors. Since these compressors contain such large amounts of oil, it would become expensive to replace the compressor oil on an annual basis. For this reason, facilities typically utilize oil analysis on screw compressors to save money in the long-term.