Continue to Site

Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet

Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals

  • Congratulations GregLocock on being selected by the Eng-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!

Synthetic oil leaks on air compressor piping

Status
Not open for further replies.

LenB

Electrical
Jan 31, 2003
6
Subject compressor is 250 hp sullair operating at approximately 120 psig line pressure. This is a new installation. We are using Sullair 24KT synthetic oil and are experiencing problems in sealing threaded connections in the piping system to the oil cooler. We originally used Locktite 567, and have since tried Locktite 518 with 7649 primer. Plumbing craftsmanship does not appear to be an issue, thread prep has been exceptional. Flex piping has been used to isolate piping at compressor and cooler connections. Can anyone help with a sealant solution or advise as to similar problems?
Thanks, LenB
 
Replies continue below

Recommended for you

Lenb, What type of thread are you using and to what size? Our pipe spec's. call for NPT (National pipe taper)for 2" and below. Everything above 2" is welded. As for threaded fit ups, the Fitters/Welders use either teflon pipe dope or teflon tape. Needless to say, we don't have leakage problems with either compressed air or fluids. If problems do develop, the threaded fitting is seal welded.

Hope this helps.
saxon
 
You need to check with Loctite and see if the materials you are using are compatible with your oil.
 
Lenb:
Your best bet is to use a high density, pure PTFE (TEFLON) pipe thread tape. Don't use the cheap stuff, as it contains plasticizers (its not 100% PTFE). Have your pipfitters practice putting on a sufficient number of wraps so you obtain the seal you require on the course threads.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Part and Inventory Search

Sponsor