Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

What is used to prevent fires or explosions in air compressor systems?

1. Low viscosity oils

2. Low flash point oils

3. High boiling point oils

4. Water-based lubricants

The correct answer is: Low flash point oils

In air compressor systems, it's crucial to maintain safety and prevent fires or explosions, which can occur due to the heat generated and the potential presence of flammable materials. The correct choice is low flash point oils. These oils have higher volatility, which means they can more easily vaporize and mix with air, creating a larger explosion hazard. Using a lubricant that has a low flash point in air compressor systems increases the risk of ignition under high temperatures or due to sparks. Therefore, it's essential to avoid low flash point oils. Instead, high boiling point oils are often preferred, as they tend to withstand higher temperatures without vaporizing, and thus decrease the risk of creating flammable vapor clouds. Additionally, low viscosity oils reduce friction and improve efficiency but do not inherently provide safety against fire. Water-based lubricants, while they can help cool the system and reduce fire risk, may not provide the lubrication properties necessary for compressor operations. Therefore, the focus should be on using lubricants that are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures without igniting, preventing dangerous situations in the air compressor system.