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, frame or drip pan is used when required by the customer or as when a mounting platform is need for system components. They are normally constructed of carbon steel plate and structural shapes. Smaller systems normally do not require a baseplate, frame or drip pan as components can be oil reservoir mounted.
- Reservoir: This is also commonly called the tank, sump or vessel. It can be separate or integral to a piece of rotating equipment. The volume requirements are minimally defined by API and needs to be sufficient for all system functions including shutdown when all fluid is returned. We have seen customers with operation difficulties due to competitors who undersize the reservoir. 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 and/or the rotating equipment to circulate the required volume of fluid from the oil system to the lubricated equipment and then back to the oil reservoir. Lube-Power, Inc. correctly sizes the pump and driver in addition to the minimal API specified requirements.
- Filter: A replaceable cartridge type filter is normally 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. Single or duplex filter arrangements are provided. Single filters are provided when the equipment can be shut down for maintenance. Duplex (dual) filters are provided when 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. commercial standard, 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. Single or duplex heat exchanger arrangements are provided. Single heat exchangers are provided when the equipment can be shut down for maintenance. Duplex (dual) heat exchangers are provided when 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.
- Flow capacities up to 210 GPM/47.7 M3/HR