When compressors that separate the oil-containing section from the compression chamber are used, these compressors shall be monitored for which items?

• A. Gaseous hydrocarbons
• B. High temperature
• C. Liquid hydrocarbons
• D. Gaseous hydrocarbons and high temperature

Answer: (D)

These compressors keep the oil-containing section separate from the compression chamber, so the main safety and performance concerns involve what can make it into the gas stream and how hot the machine runs. Gaseous hydrocarbons in the gas stream can occur if oil vapor enters the discharge line, indicating oil carryover or leakage pathways that could contaminate the gas and present ignition or purity issues. At the same time, high temperature points to overheating from compression, friction, or inadequate cooling, which can degrade oil, reduce efficiency, or raise fire risk in an oil-containing system. Liquid hydrocarbons are less of a monitoring focus here because the design already isolates the oil in the sump; the critical metrics are the presence of gas‑phase hydrocarbons and the temperature profile. Monitoring both ensures purity and safe operation.