Texaco VARTECH technology is now available for use in compressors and provides two-step process to help mitigate varnish deposits
Varnish deposits are a widespread problem in rotary screw air compressors (RSACs), leading to unexpected downtime, increased maintenance costs, and potential lost revenue. While most products focus on cleaning when issues arise, Texaco VARTECH technology utilises a holistic clean-and-control solution to help prevent varnish buildup and optimise compressor performance.
Varnish is a wide-ranging term encompassing various types of deposits in oil systems. Varnish forms gradually in compressors due to high temperatures and oxidation. It acts like an insulator, reducing heat transfer and causing further temperature increases. This vicious cycle accelerates varnish formation, which can ultimately lead to compressor failure.
While cleaning seems like the obvious choice, traditional cleaners can prove to be ineffective. They may simply move varnish around, leaving deposits in critical areas, or be unable to handle severe buildup.
Technology at the forefront
Texaco’s VARTECH technology helps tackle varnish from multiple angles with a two-step process designed to help promote long-term system cleanliness. The first step is to utilise VARTECH Industrial System Cleaner (ISC), which works to remove existing varnish deposits and prepare the system for fresh oil. Step two introduces one of Texaco’s premium compressor oils, such as Cetus VDL, Cetus HiPerSyn, or Cetus PAO. Cetus HiPerSyn and Cetus PAO have been specially designed to offer protection against the formulation of oxidation byproducts, which may eventually cause varnish deposits. While Cetus VDL contains varnish deposit control technology which enhances oxidation resistance and corrosion protection, to help limit varnish formation.
Finally, customers may also choose to implement an oil analysis programme, for example Texaco LubeWatch, to provide regular in-depth oil analysis, allowing engineers to proactively address potential varnish issues before they can cause a problem.
Technical Manager confirms it
Speaking of VARTECH ISC, Guus Volkstedt, Field Technical Manager – Europe said, «In extensive field testing, we have found that varnish formation, while it usually takes place over a long period, can also occur within months, depending on variables such as the installation (design), operation of the compressor and type of oil used. Varnish on the oil check valve for example, can cause a blockage, resulting in a loss of oil and the need to shut down the compressor for immediate maintenance. Varnish deposits on the oil cooler can reduce the dissipation of heat, resulting in a higher oil temperature and again necessitating an emergency shut down. Additionally, higher oil temperatures can contribute to an increased speed of oxidation within the oil, with potentially more varnish formation and viscosity increase. This can eventually have a negative effect on the lubricity of the oil, leading to potential damage and unexpected downtime».
Guus continued, «We understand that for maintenance engineers, achieving reliable equipment operation while keeping maintenance costs as low as possible is a constant balancing act. That is why Texaco’s holistic solution against varnish was designed, not only to help clean a running system, but also to aid in keeping it clean and deposit-free over time, thereby helping to achieve optimum productivity».
Texaco’s two-step solution against varnish – VARTECH Industrial Cleaner and compressor oil with varnish deposit control technology, helps to avoid many of the issues caused by varnish formation and can provide a number of key benefits for customers, including reduced cleaning costs, extended oil life, optimised compressor performance, improved uptime and the potential to extend equipment life.
