Question 164Motor Plants - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) lube oil carbonization. Intercoolers installed on starting air compressors help reduce the possibility of lube oil carbonization. Compressing air causes it to heat up, which can lead to the degradation and carbonization of the lubricating oil. Intercoolers cool the air between compression stages, reducing the overall temperature rise and preventing the lube oil from breaking down and forming carbon deposits. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) dust entering the first stage is not a common issue addressed by intercoolers, C) discharge pulsations are more related to the compressor design, and D) interstage vapor lock is not a common concern for starting air compressors.