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 (EPAtest method
796.310082% 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 fluidwhich is a synergistic blend of a
polyglycol, pentaerythritol ester, and selected
inhibitors
1
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
The Next Generation Rotary Screw Compressor Fluid
SULLUBE

Sullube Rotary Screw

Compressor Fluid
results in substantial economies with continu-
ously operating compressors. All users can
reduce downtime and maintenance costs with
sullube fluid.
1
U.S. Patent 4302343
Inherently high viscosity index
Sullube compressor fluid does not require
additives to achieve an initially acceptable
viscosity/temperature profile. Since no
supplemental viscosity improvers are needed,
the fluid is shear stable.
As a result, the fluid does not exhibit the
rapid and irreversible drop in viscosity during
use characteristic of fluids containing
shearunstable polymeric additives. In addition,
Sullube provides an excellent film thickness
for lubricating bearings without sacrificing l
ow temperature properties needed for cold
weather startup.
Excellent elastomer compatibility
When compared with petroleum and
diester-based fluids, Sullube offers improved
elastomeric seal compatibility. Extensive
laboratory testing with Sullube shows that
most elastomeric seals do not suffer from the
shrinkage commonly encountered when using
petroleum fluids; nor do they swell excessively,
as frequently is the case when diester fluids
are used.
Sullube is compatible with a variety of paint
and plastics formulations.
0 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000
Hours of Operation
Comparative trials in a Sullair Series 10 Compressor
run at maximum air output
Sullube
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y

I
n
c
r
e
a
s
e
,

%
Temperature, F
-40 -20 0 20 50 100
0 50 100 212
Temperature, F
2,000,000
50,000
10,000
1,000
100
10
5
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y
,

C
e
n
t
i
s
t
o
k
e
s
Viscosity-Temperature information for Sullube
Sullube trial on Sullair Model 25-100L
Rotary Screw Air Compressor, 185F
V
i
s
c
o
s
i
t
y

I
n
c
r
e
a
s
e
,

%

a
t

1
0
0

F
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000 14000
Hours of Operation
15
10
5
2.5
0
R & O Mineral Oil
120
Elastomer recommendations
Recommended
Buna N, High and Medium Nitrile
Viton

Teflon

Silicone
Butyl Rubber
Ethylene Propylene Rubber
Polyurethane Foams
Acceptable
Neoprene
Not Recommended
Buna N, Low nitrile
Polyurethane Elastomers, Soft
Viton

and Teflon

are trademarks of E.I.

DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc.
Paint and plastics recommendations
Acceptable
Modified Alkyds
Epoxies
Phonolic Paints
Not Recommended
Acrylic Paints
Polyurethane Varnishes
ABS Plastics
Polystyrene Plastics
Polycarbonate Plastics
PVC Plastics
Note: Paint recommendations are based on cured films, not
painting application. In spray painting applications, Sullube
has not been shown to be detrimental or cause paint defects.
Since processes and paints do vary, the individual user should
verify suitability for use in each application.
Compatibility with other fluids
Large amounts of petroleum-based oils added to
Sullube may result in separation of the mixture.
Five to ten percent of non-detergent petroleum
oils are soluble in Sullube, but the inherent var-
nish formation tendency of petroleum oils could
reduce the extended life normally expected.
Avoid the addition of detergent oils to Sullube,
because the dispersant/detergent present may
lead to sludge formation and foaming under
normal operating conditions.
Adhesive-backed labels stating, Fill Only
With Sullube Fluid are available from your
local Sullair office. This label should be placed
in clear view near the compressor fill point.
Low volatility means low makeup rates
The excessive makeup required with many
synthetic fluids in rotary screw air compressor
service is not a problem with Sullube. Because
of its inherent lower volatility, Sullube offers a
substantial improvement in this area.
Filling procedure
The following procedure is recommended for
installing Sullube in rotary screw air compressors
that have been operated with petroleum-based
fluids.
The fluid circulation passages of these
compressors frequently contain significant levels
of varnish and sludge, which will be solubilized
by the Sullube fluid. Most of the accumulated
varnish and sludge will soften and dissolve
during the initial 24-hour period after filling
with Sullube. For this reason, the initial fill
serves to clean the system, and the fluid should
be flushed and discarded after the first 24 hours
of operation.
Flush Procedure
1. Run machine up to normal operating tempera-
ture, then drain the fluid from the main sump
tank, fluid cooler, fluid lines, and fluid strain-
ers (if equipped) while the fluid is still warm.
(Caution: Depressurize system and take
precautions to avoid thermal burns.)
2. Replace fluid filters and fill compressor with
1/2 charge of Sullube.
3. Operate compressor under normal conditions
for 12 hours while paying close attention to
operating temperatures. Monitor fluid filter(s)
and replace if contaminated.
4. Drain initial charge from sump and refill
machine with another 1/2 charge of Sullube.
Run machine for 12 hours while monitoring
fluid filters and operating temperatures
closely.
5. Drain entire cooling system making sure all
flushing fluid is removed from coolers, piping,
and sump tank.
6. Install new separator element if an increase in
differential pressure was noted during flush
charge, and install new fluid filters.
7. Fill machine with fresh Sullube and begin nor-
mal operation. Take a fluid sample after 200
hours of operation and submit for analysis to
determine if system was sufficiently cleaned.
Methanol solubility test for petroleum oil
contamination
After obtaining a representative sample of
Sullube fluid from a compressor, shake one part
fluid with nine parts methanol (wood alcohol).
The resulting solution should be clear, not hazy,
indicating no significant presence of petroleum
oil in the Sullube.
Formation of an opaque solution (as when
cream is added to coffee) during this test signi-
fies the presence of hydrocarbon contaminants,
since petroleum oils are insoluble in methanol.
This test provides a rapid check of the effective-
ness of the flushing procedure. It can also be
used occasionally to spot-check for
petroleum oil contamination.
Analysis
Your Sullair service technician can also perform
in the field testing to immediately determine
the condition of the Sullube in a compressor.
Further analysis is available through your Sullair
distributor.
Maintenance
Sullube fluid may be changed at 8,000 hour
intervals unless otherwise indicated by analysis.
However, the air filter, main oil filter, and bear-
ings filter should be changed and/or cleaned
periodically as recommended in your owner's
manual.
Sullube Rotary Screw
Compressor Fluid
Where a compressor is operating under unusu-
ally harsh conditions, the total acid number may
be used as a guideline to help determine when
Sullube fluid should be changed. It is good prac-
tice to determine the total acid number of the
fluid at periodic intervals and to record the results
along with hours of operation. As a general rule,
Sullube should be replaced when the acid num-
ber (mg KOH/g) reaches a value of 1. For assis-
tance in fluid analysis, contact your local Sullair
distributor.
Note: During compressor operation, a change from the
original green color to a brown color is normal and has no
effect on the performance or life of the fluid.
Biodegradable
Traces of Sullube present in compressor conden-
sate have been shown to be biodegradable by
EPAtest method 796.3100, with 82% degrada-
tion in 28 days in the sewage treatment plant
environment. For information on obtaining
permits for condensate discharge to municipal
sewage systems, contact your Sullair representa-
tive or Sullair distributor.
Product safety information
Safehandling
Please consult the current Material Safety Data
Sheet for detailed information on the toxicology,
regulatory information, and safe handling of
Sullube.
Disposal
When disposing of Sullube, comply with applica-
ble federal, state, and local regulations. Do not
dump any lubricant, including Sullube, into sew-
ers, on the ground, or into any body of water.
Warning
Sullube is not to be used in machines that pro-
duce breathing air.
Typical properties of Sullube*
Viscosity,
cst at 100C (212F) 7.3
cst at 98.9C (210F) 7.5
cst at 40C (104F) 39.3
cst at 37.8C (100F) 42.9
cst at 0C (32F) 330
cst at 17.8C (0F) 1500
SSU at 98.9C (210F) 50.4
SSU at 37.8C (100F) 200
Pour Point F -58 F (-50C)
Viscosity index 153
SAE Viscosity
Classification 5W-20
Flash Point, F, C.O.C. 505
Fire Point, F, C.O.C. 570
Autoignition
Temperature, F 725
Specific Heat,
Btu/lb/F, at190 0.497
Thermal Conductivity,
Btu/hr/ft/F 0.088
Density, g/ml,
at 25C (77F) 0.9826
Ferrous Metal Corrosion,
ASTM D-665 No rust
Copper corrosion,
ASTM D-130, Rating 1B
Foam Tendency,
ASTM D-892 Nil
Rotary Bomb
Oxidation Test,
ASTM D-2272, Hrs. >18.0
* Not to be considered as sales specifications.
Notice: The information and recommendations herein are, to
the best of the Seller's knowledge, accurate and reliable, and
Seller's products mentioned are reasonably fit for the purposes
so recommended. However, as use conditions are not within its
control, Seller does not guarantee results from use of said prod-
ucts, and no warranty, express or implied, is given. Freedom
from patents of The Dow Chemical Company or Sullair
Corporation or others is not to be inferred.
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.
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.