SPX 5000, 7100, 7000 and 7220 are unique products specifically formulated for lubricating and cooling reciprocating and rotary screw compressors handling hydrocarbon gases, such as propane and natural gas. Unlike mineral oils, the SPX series PAG lubricants have a much lower gas solubility, which reduces dilution and the amount of decrease in viscosity and greatly improves separation of the lubricant from the hydrocarbon gases. These PAG based fluids are incompatible with all other oils; both mineral and synthetic based. Due to differences in base stock and additives between SPX 5000 and SPX 7000, these products should not be mixed. There are no compatibility issues but mixing will alter the characteristics and performance of the products. By contrast, SPX 7000 and SPX 7100 compressor lubricants are designed for use where heavier hydrocarbons or some natural gas liquids may be present alongside methane and ethane. SPX 7000 and SPX 7100 can be used for the compression of sour natural gas. SPX 5000 is intended for propane compression in refrigeration systems.

SPX 7000 and SPX 7220 are available for once-through rod packing and cylinder lubrication (not crankcase) in reciprocating compressors at high pressures.

SPX 7000 and SPX 7220 are recommended for:

• Compression of heavy hydrocarbon and water contaminated natural gas streams
• Compression of dry Natural gas with CO₂
• Compression of dry Natural gas with H₂S

• SPX 7000 and 7100 are recommended for screw compressor applications such as:
• Compression of hydrocarbon mixtures containing butane and other hydrocarbon gases where the expected dilution by gases other than natural gas is greater than 10 wt%
• Sour natural gas and acid gas compression:
  • –  SPX 7100 and SPX 7000 will dissolve high levels of water at temperatures below 70°C / 158°F, helping to prevent corrosion during compressor shutdown
  • –  SPX 7100 is an ISO Viscosity Grade 100 and SPX 7000 is an ISO Viscosity Grade 150

SPX 5000 is a PAG recommended for use in screw and reciprocating compressor applications for:

• Compression of propane in refrigeration systems
• Compression of sweet, dry natural gas where <10% dilution is expected
• SPX 5000 is an ISO Viscosity Grade 150

Typical characteristics are shown below:

Petro-Canada Lubricants NG CompOil AW 150 and 220 are mineral oil compressor fluids specially designed for use in reciprocating compressors. These products are for sweet, mostly light natural gas service operating at low pressure and employ a non-detergent formulation.

NG CompOil AW can be used in natural gas compressor skids where the engine and compressor lube oil feeds are from separate tanks. This low pour point formulation is suitable for remote locations where climate control is not practical.

NG CompOil AW compressor oils are recommended for use in:

• Lubrication of cylinders / packings of reciprocating compressors in sweet, light natural gas service at low pressure. Both the ISO VG 150 as well as the ISO VG 220 product.

• Crankcase of natural gas reciprocating compressors where an R&O type oil with anti-wear is recommended. ISO VG 150 product only.

Typical characteristics are shown below:

Petro-Canada Lubricants NG Screw Compressor Oil fluids are designed for use in flooded screw compressors in natural gas production and service and are intended for the compression of the lightest hydrocarbon gases at moderate discharge temperatures.

These mineral oil based fluids include select additive chemistry to help protect metal surfaces against corrosion and to provide excellent performance in harsh natural gas streams. The additive system is compatible with sour (H₂S) hydrocarbon gas systems.

NG Screw CompOil compressor fluids are used for flooded screw compressors in natural gas field booster service. Although these fluids are primarily intended for dry, light and clean natural gas service, at moderate temperatures and pressures, they can be used in select applications where water, H₂S and/or CO₂ contaminate the natural gas streams.

NG Screw CompOil fluids are specifically recommended for:

• Compression of the lightest hydrocarbon gases (methane and ethane) where the expected dilution is <10 wt%, and discharge temperatures are moderate (<99 °C / 210 °F)

• Compression of sour natural gas streams

• Available in ISO 100 and ISO 150 viscosity grades

For more difficult gas streams, where heavy hydrocarbons and/or high CO₂ are present, the SPX 7000 series of PAG screw compressor fluids may be a better fit.

Please contact a Technical Services Advisor, who can recommend an appropriate fluid for your application.

Typical characteristics are shown below: