What should the flash point of compressor lubricating oil be in relation to the compression temperature?

The flash point of compressor lubricating oil should be higher than the compression temperature to ensure safe operation. The flash point is the minimum temperature at which a liquid's vapor can ignite when mixed with air. If the flash point is lower than or equal to the compression temperature, there is a significant risk of igniting the vaporized oil, leading to fire hazards or explosions within the compressor system.

By maintaining a lubricant with a flash point above the compression temperature, the risk of these dangerous situations is mitigated, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of the compressor. This ensures that the lubricant remains stable and does not ignite under normal operating conditions, providing a crucial safety margin for industrial operations involving compressed gases and lubricants.