Compressor Oil Control Rings: Core Technology for Efficient Lubrication Management

Core Functions & Operational Challenges​

Oil Control Rings act as the "blood purifier" in reciprocating compressors, performing two critical tasks:

1. ​Oil Scraping Precision: Removes excess oil (film ≤3μm) from cylinder walls during piston downstroke to prevent contamination (ISO 8573-1 oil content ≤0.1mg/m³).
2. ​Sealing Control: Retains 0.8-1.5μm oil film during upstroke, reducing friction power loss by 15-20%.

​Extreme Condition Challenges:

• Axial vibration (>500N side force)
• Thermal degradation (180–220°C in Stage 2)
• Acidic emulsion corrosion (oil + condensate)

​Material Revolution: Nano-PTFE Composite​

​Material Innovations:

• Base: PTFE + 25% carbon fiber (modulus ↑ to 5.2 GPa)
• Lubrication: MoS₂ nanosheets (80nm)
• Anti-corrosion: FFKM edge coating (pH 2–12 resistant)

​Structural Optimization: Dual-Gradient Edge Tech​

1. ​Asymmetric Dual-Edges:

   • Upper edge: 5° negative rake, 0.3MPa contact pressure → ​efficient scraping​
   • Lower edge: 12° positive rake, 0.08MPa → ​uniform oil distribution​

2. ​Drainage Channels:

   • Laser-etched micro-holes (Φ0.3mm×120) → 3× faster drainage
   • R=0.05mm curved grooves (EDM machined) → prevent oil retention

​Performance Data (55kW Screw Compressor)​​

8,000h/year operation; electricity ¥0.8/kWh; lubricant ¥150/kg

​Industry Applications​

1. ​Oil-Free Compressors: Achieves Class 0 without oil separators (-30% weight).
   Case: Medical O₂ generator oil content: 0.5ppm → 0.01ppm.
2. ​35MPa H₂ Compressors: 5,000h test passed (no hydrogen embrittlement).
3. ​High-Speed VFD Compressors: Supports >6m/s piston speed (vs. 4m/s limit).

​Maintenance Guidelines​

​Failure Thresholds:

​Installation:

• Cryogenic assembly (-40°C with LN₂)
• 120°±5′ seam alignment (laser alignment)

​Next-Gen Tech:

• Smart rings with piezoelectric sensors (±0.1μm oil film monitoring)
• Self-healing coatings (fluorinated lubricant microcapsules)

Advanced oil control systems redefine compressor efficiency frontiers, enabling near-zero-loss compression.

[DLSEALS kindly Reminder] Sealing issues? Turn to DLSEALS! As a sealing component manufacturer, we specialize in customizing sealing components, providing a full range of services from design, research and development, production, testing, and more. If you have more information you'd like to know, feel free to contact us directly. DLSEALS's product experts are dedicated to serving you!