Introduction to Oil Collector in Refrigeration System

In the refrigeration system, the oil collector is often used in conjunction with the oil separator. It is used to collect the lubricating oil in the oil separator and other equipment and release the oil at low pressure. Also known as an oil drainer or oil reservoir. It is mostly used in ammonia refrigeration systems. By collecting the lubricating oil separated in the system and discharging it in time, ammonia loss is reduced, system safety is ensured, and the heat exchange efficiency of equipment is improved.

The oil collector used in ammonia refrigeration systems is a cylindrical container welded with steel plates. The structural form is generally vertical. There is an oil drain pipe at the bottom, and there are also a pressure gauge and a liquid level indicator. The oil inflow does not exceed 70% of its volume.

Some large Freon refrigeration systems are also equipped with oil collectors (oil reservoirs) for storing lubricating oil that does not remain in the compressor crankcase, is not in the oil separator, and does not circulate in the system. When installing, it is recommended that the oil outlet at the bottom of the oil collector be about 0.

5m higher than the compressor oil sight glass. In addition, an oil filter needs to be installed in the oil pipeline to prevent debris from causing the oil level controller to malfunction; an oil level differential pressure check valve also needs to be installed on the oil collector.

The amount of oil stored in the oil collector is between the upper and lower oil sight glasses. During operation, it is necessary to observe the oil level. Generally, it is in a state where the lower oil sight glass is full of oil and the upper oil sight glass has some oil.

During each system maintenance, check the oil level of the oil collector. When the oil level is lower than the bottom sight glass, oil needs to be added.

When it is higher than the top sight glass, oil needs to be drained. In the oil collector, the refrigerant mixed in the lubricating oil is evaporated, and the lubricating oil is cooled at the same time.

For the oil collector in the ammonia refrigeration system, in order to ensure the refrigeration effect, it is necessary to drain oil regularly. Before draining oil, the operator needs to wear rubber gloves. When draining oil, operate in strict accordance with the safety operation procedures of the oil collector. During the oil draining period, the operator must not leave and stand on the side and upwind of the oil drain pipe, and closely pay attention to the changes in the oil level in the oil separator and the oil collector. After the oil draining is completed, record the time of oil draining and the amount of oil drained.