ABSTRACT
Process and natural gas compressors represent a major capital investment and their proper functioning is critical to successful operation of a plant or pipeline. Compressors/expanders for petroleum, chemical, and gas industry services are covered by the International Standards Organization by TC 118/SC 1. The lubrication of gas compressors encompasses many different types of gas, which can be categorized as inert, highly soluble, or reactive. There are three major areas of concern for the use of lubricated positive-displacement compressors in gas applications: solubility, reactivity, and effect of lubricant as a contaminant in the compressed gas. Reactions between the gas and the lubricant can result in premature failure of the compressor or, in more severe cases, fires and explosions, cause mechanical problems in the application, or plug areas of gas flow. Synthetic fluids provide a diversity of properties to enable the selection of a process and hydrocarbon compressor lubricant for a wide variety of applications.
