Maintaining oil level at required levels in compressors like reciprocating and scroll compressors is an important task to be performed in order to avoid damage to the compressor crankshaft, gears etc. Mal functioning of compressor can lead to shutdown of the entire refrigeration system. The oil helps in lubrication and dissipation of frictional heat from the contacting members and increases compressor life.

In parallel compressor arrangements, the oil level can be maintained passively through oil equilibrium lines. But these systems function properly only under constant operating conditions.

Since refrigeration systems are inherently cyclic with frost / defrost cycles and varying operating conditions, an active oil level management is required to ensure smooth functioning of the compressors.

An active system has added functionalities like continuous monitoring of alarms etc. The latter is particularly useful in scroll compressors as they do not have an integral oil pump and hence no differential pressure switch.

The oil level is maintained at desired levels by specially designed control systems. Modern oil level control systems use electronic circuits to achieve the objective. A typical electronic oil level control system that performs both functions of oil level monitoring and oil level balancing is described below.

The Opti-Level Electronic Oil Level Controls monitor the oil level in the compressors crankcase thanks to the optical level switch.
They have been designed to be mounted directly onto Reciprocating Compressors.

The system is compatible with most refrigerants like HFC, HCFC, and CO2.

Our dual pitch flange design eliminates the need for additional Adapter Kits: the TK5 can be bolted directly on to Copeland 3 Bolt and Bitzer 4 Bolt Compressors.
The TK5 comprises an optical infrared sensor and a monitoring electronic.
The optical sensor tip monitors the level of the liquid by electro-optic infrared technology. It is horizontally mounted in the tank to be monitored.

The switch is designed to control the oil level of the compressor by activating a solenoid valve for oil filling and a separate alarm contact.

STICK. Safe Tank level inside Indicator Control Kit
Teklab’s STICK (Safe Tank Indicator Control Kit) is suitable where visual indication and/or control of the level inside a tank/vessel is needed.
MEDIA TEMPERATURE RANGE: from -40°C up to +125°C
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: from -40°C up to +125°C
MAX PRESSURE: up to 60 bar

Click here to read the detailed STICK safe tank liquid inside control kit technical sheet

TK3 Oil Level Control
MEDIA TEMPERATURE RANGE: from -20°C up to +85°C
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: from -20°C up to +60°C
OPERATING PRESSURE: up to 30 bar

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: up to 24 bar

Click here to read the detailed TK3 oil level control technical sheet

TK5 Oil Level Control
MEDIA TEMPERATURE RANGE: from -20°C up to +85°C
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: from -20°C up to +60°C
OPERATING PRESSURE: up to 40 bar

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: up to 24 bar

Click here to read the detailed TK5 oil level control technical sheet

TK5 CO2 Oil Level Control
MEDIA TEMPERATURE RANGE: from -20°C up to +85°C
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE: from -20°C up to +60°C
OPERATING PRESSURE: up to 60 bar

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: up to 60 bar