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Smoke from tank breather

T teodyMember
Hello!!

We have observed an alarming smoke coming out from the tank through the breather at Recycle Gas Compressor. This phenomenon had been on the system for quite sometimes now. This observation probably hinted an abnormality on the performance/ property of the oil, however recent oil analysis results of this oil reveals oil is in good condition. The oil used on this system is DTE Oil light, a turbine oil . Tank capacity is about 2600 liters. Oil temperature coming from the compressor going to the tank is more or less 60 deg. C. The temperature of the oil goes to the compressor after cooling system is about 45 deg. C.

can anybody give us an in-depth analysis/ clarification on this disturbing phenomenon displayed by the present oil on the tank?.

Thanks
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R renewaMember
Teody,

I think Michael is right - it may be oil mist and not smoke.

I've had one situation with misting on a steam turbine system - it was coming out of the vents in the bearing housing. We collected the mist and tested it - it was 100% oil (ISO VG 46 turbine oil) and no water - the KF water test come back at 5ppm or 0.0005%. For the oil to mist - the temps would have to be higher than what you stated.

Have you recently done an oil change?? Sometimes not doing a proper flush and clean before change out can cause problems later. The new oil acts as a flushing oil - dislodging all the build up (this build up sometimes act as a seal or block). Once the build up is cleaned off - the sealing goes and the oil finds it's way out.
M micbialMember
One option "IF" it is oil mist is to install a oil catch can system. Basically a can plumbed into the breather that is full of a wire mesh. The oil mist sticks to the mesh and drains to the bottom of the can which can either be drained or routed back into the oil sump. Similar systems are used on many over the road truck diesel engines these day's since blowby tubes were outlawed.
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