Analysis of Flow Rate Distribution in Progressive Divider for Reciprocating Compressor Lubrication

Abstract

Reciprocating compressors require a correct fluid delivery to each lubrication point. Lubricant defeat means higher component wear and damages, whereas lubricant excess leads to undesired contamination of the processed gas, energy waste and ambient pollution. Two main lubrication systems are used for reciprocating compressors, namely “Pump To Point” (PTP) and “Progressive Divider” (PD) systems. In the first one, there are as many pumps as lubrication points and on each pump unit it is possible to adjust the flow rate delivery. In the second one, a single pump delivers the lubricant to a volumetric flow divider, which provides the metered amount to each lubrication point. A Progressive Divider is modelled under lumped parameter approach, with the aim to highlight its sensitivity to the main operating parameters and to provide awareness about its available operating range. The model is built in Amesim environment and validated thanks to a specific experimental activity that allows to relate the distributed amounts to the lubrication points. The model allows to simulate the PD system under the typical conditions of reciprocating compressors, pointing out its sensitivity on the pressure unbalance among the lubrication points and on the fluid properties. The lumped parameter modelling of PD systems is found to provide reliable information on fluid distribution, effective for design and diagnose activities and for research and development in the field of hydraulic progressive dividers.