Characteristics of oil pumps used in scroll compressors

The oil flow rates across the lubrication system in scroll compressors were experimentally measured in this study. Measurements were carried out through lubrication system elements such as shaft lengths, oil temperatures, oil levels, rotational speeds of the shaft, and oil pumps. An experimental device to impose the actual axial load on the main thrust was developed. A comparison between oil pumps shows that the system flow rate with the swing type displacement pump decreases as the oil temperature increases, while that with the pickup tube type centrifugal pump increases. The lubrication system with the spiral grooved pump on the main journal confirms the superior pumping performance, in comparison with that with the straight grooved pump.