Recent Blog Posts
Most refrigeration systems are subject to variable system loads caused by weather and product load fluctuations. For this reason, refrigeration systems must be capable of operating at “part load”. Engineers and plant operators achieve this, in part, by utilizing capacity control in compressors. In reciprocating compressors, capacity control is accomplished by what is called “cylinder […]
Most compressors are configured with an oil separator downstream of the compressor. An oil separator is a vessel that is specially designed to “separate” any oil in the discharge vapor and return it back to the compressor where it is wanted. Oil that escapes the separator is unwanted and results in fouling on heat exchange surfaces and […]
Because of their rotating components, all compressors require lubrication. Early designs of reciprocating compressors utilized a “splash system” in which the “throw” on the crankshaft would dip into an oil pool in the crankcase and splash it over the moving parts as the shaft rotated. Today, reciprocating compressors used in industrial refrigeration utilize “internal force feed” lubrication […]
Another way compressors are categorized is by the way the motor and compressor are mounted and contained. With “open drive” compressors, the motor and the compressor are mounted separately. The shaft that connects the motor to the compressor must be sealed to prevent refrigerant leakage from the compressor. Open-drive compressors are widely used in industrial applications. An […]