Chapter 2 - Special Purpose

Lube-Power, Inc. supplies affordable Oil Lubrication Systems in accordance with API (American Petroleum Institute) / ISO (International Organization for Standardization) ISO 10438:2008 Part 2 or ANSI/API 614 Fifth Edition Chapter 2 for your application. API defines these as special purpose and designed for uninterrupted, continuous operation in critical unspared service. We also supply API – Lite versions for customers that need more than an API Part 3/Chapter 3 system but less than the API Part 2/Chapter 2 requirements. Each system will provide oil at the correct volume, pressure and temperature to single or multiple rotating equipment components (e.g. API 612 turbine, API 617 Compressor, etc.).

API 614

Each rotating equipment component has a flow restriction method to meter-in the correct amount of oil for that lubricated bearing. Drainer modules and/or a degassing drum is available as needed depending upon process equipment. The bearing oil outlets are then combined and returned to the oil system or to a reclamation process. Contamination and excess heat is removed while the oil is circulating by using a heat exchanger. A correctly engineered and fabricated system keeps the rotating equipment operating properly without unscheduled downtime.

Lube-Power, Inc. has pre-engineered ISO 10438:2008 Part 2 or ANSI/API 614 Fifth Edition Chapter 2 systems for customers that do not have additional requirements. We also modify a standard system or start with a custom engineered solution depending upon the customer requirements at no additional cost. Our experienced staff routinely reviews customer specifications and we work through simple to complex applications while educating the customer when needed as part of our engineered solutions service. This product is very customizable to suit your specific needs.

Description

Each system typically includes these major components. Many additional details, options and features are available for each item but not mentioned here. Contact Lube-Power, Inc. for more information:

Mounting Method: A baseplate is used as a mounting platform for system components. They are normally constructed of carbon steel plate and structural shapes.
Reservoir: This is also commonly called the tank, sump or vessel. It can be separate or integral to a piece of rotating equipment in addition to the main reservoir. The volume requirements are minimally defined by API and needs to be sufficient for all system functions including shutdown when all fluid is returned. Lube-Power, Inc. correctly sizes the reservoir by considering the lubricated equipment, mounting arrangement, system equipment, de-aeration and particulate settling requirements in addition to API requirements.
Pump & Driver: A screw pump is normally driven by an electric motor or turbine. This circulates the required volume of fluid from the oil system to the lubricated equipment and then back to the oil reservoir. Lube-Power correctly sizes the pump and driver in addition to the minimal API specified requirements.
Filter: A replaceable cartridge type filter is used to remove particulate contamination and extend rotating equipment bearing life. The filter cartridge traps particulate that are larger than the clearance range of the rotating equipment requirements. Duplex (dual) filters are provided as the equipment cannot be shut down for filter changes. Lube-Power, Inc. correctly sizes the filtration arrangement in addition to the minimal API specified requirements.
Heat Exchanger: The heat exchanger removes heat generated from the rotating equipment process conditions. This keeps the fluid in the correct temperature range to avoid oil breakdown and extend rotating equipment bearing life. Normally a shell and tube (e.g. TEMA, API 660, etc.), air to oil (e.g. commercial standard, API 661) or plate and frame (e.g. commercial standard, API 662) heat exchanger is used. Duplex (dual) heat exchangers are provided as the equipment cannot be shut down for maintenance. Lube-Power correctly sizes the heat exchanger arrangement in addition to the minimal API specified requirements.
Piping & Valves: Pipe, valves and fittings are used as a conduit for the fluid throughout the oil system and rotating equipment circuit. These items must be properly selected to minimize restrictions and avoid leaks. Special valves are also included to control system pressure and temperature to maintain optimum conditions. Stainless steel piping, fittings and flanges with carbon steel valves are the minimum requirements. Lube-Power, Inc. correctly selects the piping and valve arrangement in addition to the minimal API specified requirements.
Instruments: Pressure, temperature and level monitoring gauges, switches or transmitters are used to evaluate the oil system performance. Lube-Power, Inc. correctly selects the instruments arrangement in addition to the minimal API specified requirements to ensure proper system operation and control.