
8 AGL_HA_ST_Discus_A2L_A1_EN_Rev00
gauge should be connected to the oil pump. The second gauge should be connected to the
crankcase (oil service plug or any other crankcase connection plug).
NOTE:The pressure measured on the suction service valve, where the refrigerant enters the
compressor housing, does not correspond to the crankcase pressure and should not be used
as a reference for the indication of oil differential pressure.
2.5.8 Oil circulation
Oil returns with the suction gases through a suction strainer and separates in the motor chamber
reaching the crankcase by way of oil return relief valve in the partition between motor housing and
crankcase. This relief valve closes on compressor start-up due to the pressure difference arising
between motor side and crankcase, thus slowing down pressure decrease in the crankcase over a
certain period of time. It reduces the foaming of the oil/refrigerant mixture that would occur if the
pressure decreased rapidly.
The valve does not reopen until the pressure has been equalized by means of a crankcase ventilating
valve. This second valve connects the crankcase and suction side cylinder head. It reduces the
pressure difference by means of a very small bore in the plate of the valve so slowly that oil foams
less and only limited oil/refrigerant foam is transferred to the oil pump.
2.5.9 Oil level
The 2D*, 3D* and 8D* compressors are supplied with sufficient oil for normal operation – see
individual oil quantities in Select. The optimum oil level should be checked by operating the
compressor until the system is stable then comparing the sight glass reading with the corresponding
oil level in Figure 8 below. For 8-cylinder compressors, a higher oil level may be accepted if an oil
regulator is used.
2D*, 3D* 8D*
Figure 8: Oil level
2.5.10 System oil return
Inadequate lubrication! Bearing and moving parts destruction! Ensure
adequate oil return from the system into the compressor at any time. No liquid
refrigerant return to the compressor. Liquid refrigerant dilutes the oil, could
wash the oil off the bearings and moving parts and could lead to overheating
The system piping must be carefully designed to ensure sufficient refrigerant gas velocity, so that oil
returns to the compressor at all times and conditions. Individual piping diameter calculation depends
on the refrigerant properties, pressure level, mass flow, and density.
Once a new system design is set and assembled, a functional test is required. The functional test
includes a qualification for the general system oil return. Systems with multiple compressors (two,
three, or more) require additional oil balancing qualification between the parallel compressors.
System engineers should review the system design and operation to identify the critical conditions
and to check oil return and oil balancing. Typically, the following situations should be considered:
In single compressor systems:to check oil return, testing conditions shall be at minimum mass
flow and minimum density of suction gas in continuous and frequent start/stop-cycling.
In multiple compressor systems:to check oil return and oil balancing in the tandem or rack,
testing conditions shall be at the corner points of the system application envelope in continuous
and frequent start/stop-cycling.
The system shall also be tested with regards to liquid refrigerant flood-back and the superheat
level of the refrigerant gas at compressor suction.
These checks should be carried out for standard operation, but also for special conditions such as
compressor frequent start/stop, compressor start after long off time with migration, defrost, low load,
load changes, fans or pumps cycling at low load and more.