Detailed tribological analysis of compressor lubricants used in electrical technology

Abstract

AbstractThis work presents a comprehensive tribological analysis comparing the performance of two types of lubricants—a synthetic and a natural ester—used in industrial reciprocating air compressors. A comprehensive tribological analysis comparing the performance of two types of lubricants—synthetic and natural esters—used in industrial reciprocating air compressors were carried out using surface characterisation methods and lubricant analyses. The formed and detected tribo‐films were not efficient to avoid the wear observed on the cylinders, although they may have been to avoid the wear on the rings. Regarding the lubricant analyses, particle analysis showed that none of the lubricants favoured solid particle leaching to a greater extent. A biolubricant such as the one employed in this study would be suitable for replacing a mineral lubricant in situations like the ones observed in this work.