Compressor lubricant oil foaming is not a trivial matter, and there are often hidden equipment risks behind it. The main sources of foam are as follows:
Mechanical agitation and air mixing, when the equipment is running, high-speed rotating parts (such as gears and bearings) will draw air into the oil to form tiny bubbles. Especially when the oil tank design is unreasonable or the oil level is too low, air is more likely to be brought in in large quantities.
The double-edged sword effect of additives Polar additives such as anti-wear agents and detergent dispersants in lubricants can improve performance, but they will reduce the surface tension of the oil, making bubbles more stable and more difficult to break. Just like detergent and water will foam when stirred, some additives are the "foaming agents" of lubricants.
Aging and contamination of oil products Water intrusion : Water mixed into the oil (even if it is only 0.1%) will emulsify the oil and form stubborn foam. Impurity accumulation : Metal debris, sludge and other pollutants will become the "skeleton" of the foam, prolonging the existence of the foam. Oxidation and deterioration: Old oil produces acidic substances due to oxidation, which further aggravates the foam problem.
The "magic" of temperature and pressure: At low temperatures, the viscosity of lubricating oil is high, and bubbles are difficult to release; at high temperatures, dissolved air suddenly precipitates (similar to opening a Coke bottle), which will also produce foam instantly.
