The Turbo Air® 3000 Centrifugal Compressor Compressor Handbook

Vantage Control of Compressor Lubrication
The Lubrication System
Throughout the lubrication cycle, the Vantage control system continuously monitors the compressor
lubrication system to guarantee safe and efficient operation. The oil pressure sensor [P] and oil
temperature sensor [T], shown in Figure B—1, ensure that all critical mechanical components are
being properly lubricated and cooled by the oil.
These sensors allow the operator to see present lubrication system conditions on the Vantage display
panel. When operating conditions warrant, the control system will initiate either a compressor Alarm
condition or a compressor Trip condition (depending on the severity of the problem).
Full discussions of Alarm and Trip messages and compressor setpoints are included in Section Six,
Troubleshooting.
In addition to monitoring the operation of the lubrication system, the Vantage control system controls
the action of the auxiliary oil pump for the following two circumstances.
Startup Operation
1. Prior to the starting of the compressor, the motor driven auxiliary oil pump is energized. This
pump [M] draws oil from the reservoir and cycles it through the lubrication system and the
compressor gearbox. Check valve [N] prevents oil from being pumped back into the reservoir
through the main oil pump.
2. The oil flows through the lubrication system and compressor gearbox as described earlier.
3. The compressor may now be started following routine procedures.
4. After the compressor reaches full speed, additional oil pressure is present because both the shaftdriven
main oil pump and the auxiliary oil pump are feeding the system. The Vantage control
system shuts down the auxiliary pump if the oil pressure transducer [P] senses oil pressure greater
than the Lube Oil System High Pressure Set Point.
5. After the auxiliary oil pump shuts down, the lubrication system functions as described under
Normal Operation.
Shutdown Operation
1. Upon initiation of normal shutdown, the Vantage control system starts the auxiliary pump.
2. The auxiliary pump remains on for a set period to maintain lube oil pressure as the compressor
coasts to a full stop.
Emergency Operation
When a malfunction occurs during operation that results in a loss of oil pressure, the Vantage control
system operates the lubrication system in the following manner:
1. The oil pressure transducer [P] senses a pressure value below the Lube Oil System Low Pressure Set
Point. This causes the Vantage control system to activate an alarm condition that starts the
auxiliary pump.
B—5