SULLUBE
The Next Generation Rotary Screw Compressor Fluid
At last: a reliable, extended-life synthetic fluid,
specially formulated for use in rotary screw
compressors.
Problem free performance
Sullube fluid has been used in over 20,000
compressors for more than 50 million hours,
including extremely adverse conditions. Its
benefits have been proven in both laboratory
tests and field applications.
Since Sullube is not petroleum-based, it is
highly resistant to sludge and varnish formation.
In fact, it has been shown to diminish varnish
buildup in older machines that have been
converted to Sullube.
Sullube is compatible with a wider range
of elastomeric seal materials than many other
synthetics.
Reduced maintenance costs
Using Sullube as part of a regular compressor
maintenance program can cut downtime and
maintenance costs. Because test results have
shown that you can run Sullube continuously in
your machine for 8,000 hours*, fluid-related
labor and downtime costs are virtually eliminated
during this time.
All fluids require that you top-off regularly.
But since Sullube has a lower make-up rate than
most other synthetic fluids, you can keep fluid
expenses at a minimum.
*8,000-hour life under normal use conditions, and in
accordance with Sullair recommendations.
Biodegradable
Unlike petroleum-based fluids, traces of Sullube
present in compressor condensate have been
™
shown to be biodegradable in a sewage treatment
plant environment (EPA test method
796.3100…82% degradation in 28 days). Prior
to disposal of condensate in a POTW, written
permission must be obtained from your local
authority.
Recyclable
Sullube is a recyclable material. Check to
see if recycling facilities exist in your area by
contacting your local Sullair dealer.
Increased operating efficiency
The search for a true long-life fluid for rotary air
compressors ended with the development and
introduction of Sullube non-petroleum-based
fluid, which is specially formulated for extended
life. Developmental trials plus more than ten
years of actual field experience show that this
type of synthetic product is indeed the answer to
industry's demand for a fluid capable of 8,000
hours of continuous operation without varnishing
or causing detrimental side effects to the
compressor.
Sullube synthetic fluid has the high oxidative
stability necessary for extended life in rotary
screw air compressors under a wide range of
operating conditions.
Sullube meets the SAE 5W-20 classification.
As a result, cold weather startups are easier with
Sullube, and less energy is required to operate
compressors. In addition, the combination of low
viscosity and the high thermal conductivity of
Sullube enhances heat transfer in operating
compressors, enabling the units to run cooler
with lower bearing temperatures.
On the other hand, the high viscosity index
of Sullube makes it equivalent to a 20-weight
fluid at normal compressor operating tempera-
tures, allowing it to be an excellent fluid for hot
climates.
The highest performance fluid
Sullube fluid has proven to be superior to
both hydrocarbon oils and other synthetic
fluids. It exhibits a number of unique
characteristics which provide measurable
benefits for end-users:
• High oxidative stability for long life
• High resistance to sludge and
varnish formation
• The ability to dissolve residual hydrocarbon
varnish to clean up old machines
• Inherently high viscosity index
for shear stability
• Excellent elastomeric seal compatibility
• Low volatility for low makeup rates
• Higher flash point than hydrocarbon fluids
• Higher thermal conductivity than
other synthetics
• Very high hydrolytic stability
Extended life for greater economy,
reduced downtime
Sullube fluid—which is a synergistic blend of a
polyglycol, pentaerythritol ester, and selected
inhibitors1—is a unique type of synthetic fluid.
As a result, it is highly resistant to varnish and
sludge formation. Extensive field testing with
Sullube showed that this type of synthetic fluid
could operate continuously in rotary screw com-
pressors for more than 8,000 hours without fluid
change or fluid-related maintenance, a signifi-
cant improvement over the 1,000-hour life typi-
cal of the best hydrocarbon fluids.
This eliminates frequent oil changes, and
Sullube Rotary Screw
Compressor Fluid

Comparative trials in a Sullair Series 10 Compressor results in substantial economies with continu-
run at maximum air output
ously operating compressors. All users can
reduce downtime and maintenance costs with
120
70 sullube fluid.
R & O Mineral Oil
65 1 U.S. Patent 4302343

60

55 Inherently high viscosity index

50 Sullube compressor fluid does not require
Viscosity Increase, %

45 additives to achieve an initially acceptable

40 viscosity/temperature profile. Since no
35 supplemental viscosity improvers are needed,
30 the fluid is shear stable.
25 As a result, the fluid does not exhibit the
20 rapid and irreversible drop in viscosity during
15 use characteristic of fluids containing
10 shearunstable polymeric additives. In addition,
Sullube
5 Sullube provides an excellent film thickness
0 for lubricating bearings without sacrificing l
0 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
Hours of Operation
ow temperature properties needed for cold
weather startup.

Excellent elastomer compatibility

When compared with petroleum and
Sullube trial on Sullair Model 25-100L
Rotary Screw Air Compressor, 185°F diester-based fluids, Sullube offers improved
15 elastomeric seal compatibility. Extensive
Viscosity Increase,

laboratory testing with Sullube shows that

% at 100°F

10

5
most elastomeric seals do not suffer from the
2.5 shrinkage commonly encountered when using
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000 petroleum fluids; nor do they swell excessively,
Hours of Operation
as frequently is the case when diester fluids
are used.
Sullube is compatible with a variety of paint
and plastics formulations.
Viscosity-Temperature information for Sullube
Temperature, F°
-40 -20 0 20 50 100
2,000,000
50,000
10,000
Viscosity, Centistokes

1,000

100

10

5
0 50 100 212
Temperature, F°
 Elastomer recommendations lead to sludge formation and foaming under Run machine for 12 hours while monitoring
normal operating conditions. fluid filters and operating temperatures
Recommended Adhesive-backed labels stating, “Fill Only closely.
Buna N, High and Medium Nitrile With Sullube Fluid” are available from your 5. Drain entire cooling system making sure all
Viton® local Sullair office. This label should be placed flushing fluid is removed from coolers, piping,
Teflon® in clear view near the compressor fill point. and sump tank.
Silicone 6. Install new separator element if an increase in
Butyl Rubber Low volatility means low makeup rates differential pressure was noted during flush
Ethylene Propylene Rubber The excessive makeup required with many charge, and install new fluid filters.
Polyurethane Foams synthetic fluids in rotary screw air compressor 7. Fill machine with fresh Sullube and begin nor-
Acceptable service is not a problem with Sullube. Because mal operation. Take a fluid sample after 200
Neoprene of its inherent lower volatility, Sullube offers a hours of operation and submit for analysis to
Not Recommended substantial improvement in this area. determine if system was sufficiently cleaned.
Buna N, Low nitrile
Polyurethane Elastomers, Soft Filling procedure Methanol solubility test for petroleum oil
Viton® and Teflon® are trademarks of E.I. The following procedure is recommended for contamination
DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. installing Sullube in rotary screw air compressors After obtaining a representative sample of
that have been operated with petroleum-based Sullube fluid from a compressor, shake one part
Paint and plastics recommendations fluids. fluid with nine parts methanol (wood alcohol).
The fluid circulation passages of these The resulting solution should be clear, not hazy,
Acceptable compressors frequently contain significant levels indicating no significant presence of petroleum
Modified Alkyds of varnish and sludge, which will be solubilized oil in the Sullube.
Epoxies by the Sullube fluid. Most of the accumulated Formation of an opaque solution (as when
Phonolic Paints varnish and sludge will soften and dissolve cream is added to coffee) during this test signi-
Not Recommended during the initial 24-hour period after filling fies the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants,
Acrylic Paints with Sullube. For this reason, the initial fill since petroleum oils are insoluble in methanol.
Polyurethane Varnishes serves to clean the system, and the fluid should This test provides a rapid check of the effective-
ABS Plastics be flushed and discarded after the first 24 hours ness of the flushing procedure. It can also be
Polystyrene Plastics of operation. used occasionally to spot-check for
Polycarbonate Plastics petroleum oil contamination.
PVC Plastics Flush Procedure
1. Run machine up to normal operating tempera- Analysis
Note: Paint recommendations are based on cured films, not
ture, then drain the fluid from the main sump Your Sullair service technician can also perform
painting application. In spray painting applications, Sullube
has not been shown to be detrimental or cause paint defects. tank, fluid cooler, fluid lines, and fluid strain- in the field testing to immediately determine
Since processes and paints do vary, the individual user should ers (if equipped) while the fluid is still warm. the condition of the Sullube in a compressor.
verify suitability for use in each application.
(Caution: Depressurize system and take Further analysis is available through your Sullair
precautions to avoid thermal burns.) distributor.
Compatibility with other fluids
2. Replace fluid filters and fill compressor with
Large amounts of petroleum-based oils added to
1/2 charge of Sullube. Maintenance
Sullube may result in separation of the mixture.
3. Operate compressor under normal conditions Sullube fluid may be changed at 8,000 hour
Five to ten percent of non-detergent petroleum
for 12 hours while paying close attention to intervals unless otherwise indicated by analysis.
oils are soluble in Sullube, but the inherent var-
operating temperatures. Monitor fluid filter(s) However, the air filter, main oil filter, and bear-
nish formation tendency of petroleum oils could
and replace if contaminated. ings filter should be changed and/or cleaned
reduce the extended life normally expected.
4. Drain initial charge from sump and refill periodically as recommended in your owner's
Avoid the addition of detergent oils to Sullube,
machine with another 1/2 charge of Sullube. manual.
because the dispersant/detergent present may
Sullube Rotary Screw
Compressor Fluid

Where a compressor is operating under unusu- regulatory information, and safe handling of Autoignition
ally harsh conditions, the total acid number may Sullube. Temperature, F° 725
be used as a guideline to help determine when Specific Heat,
Sullube fluid should be changed. It is good prac- Disposal Btu/lb/°F, at190° 0.497
tice to determine the total acid number of the When disposing of Sullube, comply with applica- Thermal Conductivity,
fluid at periodic intervals and to record the results ble federal, state, and local regulations. Do not Btu/hr/ft/°F 0.088
along with hours of operation. As a general rule, dump any lubricant, including Sullube, into sew- Density, g/ml,
Sullube should be replaced when the acid num- ers, on the ground, or into any body of water. at 25°C (77°F) 0.9826
ber (mg KOH/g) reaches a value of 1. For assis- Ferrous Metal Corrosion,
tance in fluid analysis, contact your local Sullair Warning ASTM D-665 No rust
distributor. Sullube is not to be used in machines that pro- Copper corrosion,
Note: During compressor operation, a change from the
duce breathing air. ASTM D-130, Rating 1B
original green color to a brown color is normal and has no Foam Tendency,
effect on the performance or life of the fluid.
Typical properties of Sullube* ASTM D-892 Nil
Viscosity, Rotary Bomb
Biodegradable cst at 100°C (212°F) 7.3 Oxidation Test,
Traces of Sullube present in compressor conden- cst at 98.9°C (210°F) 7.5 ASTM D-2272, Hrs. >18.0
sate have been shown to be biodegradable by cst at 40°C (104°F) 39.3
EPA test method 796.3100, with 82% degrada- cst at 37.8°C (100°F) 42.9 * Not to be considered as sales specifications.
Notice: The information and recommendations herein are, to
tion in 28 days in the sewage treatment plant cst at 0°C (32°F) 330 the best of the Seller's knowledge, accurate and reliable, and
environment. For information on obtaining cst at 17.8°C (0°F) 1500 Seller's products mentioned are reasonably fit for the purposes
permits for condensate discharge to municipal so recommended. However, as use conditions are not within its
SSU at 98.9°C (210°F) 50.4 control, Seller does not guarantee results from use of said prod-
sewage systems, contact your Sullair representa- SSU at 37.8°C (100°F) 200 ucts, and no warranty, express or implied, is given. Freedom
tive or Sullair distributor. from patents of The Dow Chemical Company or Sullair
Pour Point F° -58 F° (-50°C) Corporation or others is not to be inferred.
Viscosity index 153
Product safety information SAE Viscosity
Safehandling Classification 5W-20
Please consult the current Material Safety Data Flash Point, F°, C.O.C. 505
Sheet for detailed information on the toxicology, Fire Point, F°, C.O.C. 570

Tailor the Sullair System to match your system.

This is one of several compressed air products that
comprise the Sullair System, designed to deliver
peak performance and energy efficiency.

Contact your Sullair Systems representative.

Sullair is committed to a program of continuous improvement. Features and specifications may change without notice. Consult your Sullair representative or authorized Sullair distributor.

www.sullairsolutions.com
SULLAIR CORPORATION, 3700 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, IN 46360 Telephone: 1-800-367-6737
SIP-9010A-E Specifications subject to change without notice. © Copyright 2001 Sullair Corporation. All rights reserved. EA/07/01/5 Printed on recycled paper.