SC 340 – Troubleshooting Oil Systems
SC 340 teaches technicians how to troubleshoot oil system problems methodically rather than reactively. The course focuses on understanding where oil goes, why it moves, and what system conditions allow oil to escape or overheat.
This course is intended for:
- Industrial refrigeration service technicians
- Compressor mechanics and startup technicians
- Engineers supporting field troubleshooting
- Operators monitoring oil levels, temperatures, and alarms
Participants learn how to separate symptoms from root causes and apply a repeatable troubleshooting process to oil‑related issues. The course emphasizes real‑world failures such as rapid oil loss, unexplained oil disappearance, coalescer problems, economizer back‑feeding, and oil cooling system misoperation.
Course Sections
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General Troubleshooting
Building a disciplined, bias‑aware troubleshooting approach. -
Rapid Loss of Oil
Diagnosing sudden oil disappearance and active escape paths. -
Gradual Oil Loss
Differentiating normal oil consumption from system problems. -
Oil Temperature Troubleshooting
Resolving oil cooling, injection, and temperature control issues.
Outcome:
After completing SC 340, technicians can confidently diagnose oil problems, avoid unnecessary oil additions, prevent compressor damage, and resolve issues at their true root cause instead of treating symptoms.
- Profesor: Don Faust
SC 110 – Gas Compression
SC 110 is a technician-focused course that explains how industrial screw compressors move, compress, and control refrigerant vapor in real refrigeration systems. The course translates compression theory into practical understanding that can be applied in operations, troubleshooting, and energy management.
This course is designed for:
- Industrial refrigeration technicians and mechanics
- Operators responsible for compressor control and efficiency
- Engineers supporting system design or optimization
- Anyone working with screw compressors and economized systems
Participants gain a clear mechanical understanding of gas compression, moving beyond “rules of thumb” to understand why compressors behave the way they do under changing conditions.
Course Sections
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Gas Compression – The Roots Blower
Introduces basic positive displacement compression principles. -
Gas Compression – Screw Compressor Development
Explains how modern screw compressors evolved. -
Gas Compression – The Compressor’s Role
Connects compression to the refrigeration cycle. -
Gas Compression – Compressor Terminology
Defines key terms like swept volume, Vi, and CR. -
Gas Compression – The FRICK® Family of Compressors
Explains compressor sizing, frames, and model numbers. -
Gas Compression – Compressor Performance
Shows how suction and discharge pressures affect capacity and horsepower. -
Gas Compression – Golf Ball Compressor
Visualizes the compression process step by step. -
Gas Compression – Screw Compressors
Details twin-screw operation and continuous suction behavior. -
Gas Compression – Unloading Screw Compressors
Covers slide valve and VFD capacity control methods. -
Gas Compression – Variable Volume Control
Explains how Vi adjustment prevents energy waste. -
Gas Compression – Economizers
Demonstrates how economizing improves system efficiency. -
Gas Compression – Economizer Port Pressure
Teaches how economizer pressure is established and affected. -
Gas Compression – Piping Economizers
Covers proper economizer piping, valves, and pressure drop considerations.
Outcome:
After completing SC 110, students can explain compressor behavior, identify inefficient operating conditions, and make informed decisions that improve reliability and reduce energy consumption.
- Profesor: Don Faust
SC 210 – Compressor Oil Systems
SC 210 provides a detailed, technician‑level understanding of oil systems used in oil‑flooded screw compressors. The course focuses on how oil supports compressor reliability, efficiency, and capacity control—and what happens when oil systems are misunderstood or misapplied.
This course is intended for:
- Industrial refrigeration technicians and mechanics
- Operators responsible for compressor reliability
- Engineers supporting system troubleshooting and optimization
- Anyone working with oil‑flooded screw compressors
Students learn how oil performs far more than lubrication. The course explains oil’s role in sealing compression chambers, cooling the compressor, powering hydraulic systems, balancing axial loads, and protecting critical bearings.
Course Sections
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Bearings
Bearing types, gas forces, and lubrication requirements. -
The Oil Cycle
How oil is separated, cooled, filtered, distributed, and returned. -
Oil Cooling
External cooling methods and liquid injection oil cooling control. -
Oil Filtration
Filter ratings, particle sizes, and bearing life relationships. -
Oil Distribution
Oil flow paths and proper oil injection valve setup. -
Oil Separation
Separator operation, velocity effects, and head pressure challenges. -
Oil Pumps
When pumps are needed and the true cost of running them. -
Hydraulics
How oil power is used to move mechanical components. -
Slide Valve Hydraulics
Capacity and Vi control using oil and suction pressure. -
The Balance Piston
Managing axial gas forces and protecting thrust bearings.
Outcome:
After completing SC 210, students can diagnose oil‑related issues confidently, operate compressors within safe limits, and make informed decisions that reduce failures, extend bearing life, and improve system efficiency.
- Profesor: Don Faust
This course shows individuals who are taking vibration measurements on screw compressors how to use the Johnson Controls Vibration Diagnostics Service. There are two examinations in this course - they both must be passed with 80% correct answers in order to complete the course.
Once complete - the Johnson Controls Predictive Diagnostic Team will get an email from the school indicating you have passed the course and will send valid login credentials to your email address within a few days.
- Profesor: Don Faust
SC 330 – Mechanical Commissioning
SC 330 provides a step‑by‑step, field‑focused guide to mechanically commissioning FRICK® screw compressor packages. The course is built around real startup conditions and addresses the most common causes of premature failures, delays, and warranty disputes.
This course is designed for:
- Compressor startup and service technicians
- Installation supervisors and contractors
- Engineers responsible for commissioning or acceptance
- Maintenance personnel supporting new installations
Students learn how to inspect installations, prepare compressor packages, and commission equipment safely and methodically. The course emphasizes foundation integrity, piping strain, wiring practices, oil system preparation, alignment, rotation checks, and controlled startup procedures.
Course Sections
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Introduction – Before You Arrive
Startup preparation and documentation review. -
Installation Checks – Foundation
Verifying mass, anchoring, and leveling. -
Installation Checks – Piping
Pipe strain, supports, slopes, and valve orientation. -
Wiring Checks
Electrical integrity, grounding, and torque verification. -
Oil Systems
Oil selection, fill levels, filters, and coalescers. -
Applying Power
Safe energization and control verification. -
Motor Lubrication
Bearing lubrication readiness. -
Starter and Rotation Checks
Ensuring correct motor and compressor rotation. -
Couplings
Installation, alignment, and magnetic center. -
Pre‑Start Checks and Test Run
Controlled startup and initial loading. -
Oil Pumps
Oil circulation support and troubleshooting. -
Main Oil Injection Valve
Critical adjustment during startup. -
Vibration Analysis
Baseline measurements and resonance control. -
High Pressure Cutout
Safety device verification. -
Final Commissioning
Final checks, documentation, and operational handoff.
Outcome:
After completing SC 330, technicians can confidently commission compressors, prevent startup damage, reduce vibration and oil issues, and deliver a mechanically sound machine ready for long‑term service.
- Profesor: Don Faust
This course contains the latest service updates and bulletins for the Frick® screw compressor.
- Profesor: Don Faust