Do you know what type of oil to use for air compressor? The air compressor oil is crucial to the smooth operation, good performance and long-term service life of air compressors. However, it is not easy to keep air compressors running stably and efficiently for a long time. To achieve this goal, the correct selection and scientific use of air compressor oil are particularly important.
This article aims to explore the types of air compressor oil and help you choose the right air compressor oil for your air compressor. And deeply analyze its key role in the operation of air compressors.
What is the use of oil in air compressor？
The main uses of air compressor oil are lubrication, rust prevention, corrosion prevention, sealing, cooling and noise reduction.
Lubrication: Air compressor oil can form an oil film between the moving parts of the air compressor cylinder and the exhaust valve, effectively reducing the friction between the parts, thereby protecting the normal operation of the machine and extending the service life of the air compressor.
Anti-rust and anti-corrosion effects: Air compressor oil can prevent metal parts of the air compressor from rusting by isolating them with the oxygen in the air. In addition, due to the high density of air compressor oil, it is easy to form a sealed protective layer to prevent the air compressor from direct contact with some corrosive items outside, thereby achieving an anti-corrosion effect.
Sealing and cooling effects: Air compressor oil can also play a sealing and cooling role during operation, ensuring that the air compressor can operate stably and efficiently under high temperature and high pressure environments.
Noise reduction effect: Reduce the vibration and noise inside the equipment through lubrication, create a more comfortable environment for the workplace, and improve the safety of the machine.
In addition, air compressor oil also has a cleaning effect, which can wash away pollutants, prevent air and water from corroding parts, and prevent leakage, dust, and gas channeling.
High-quality air compressor oil can not only provide excellent lubrication performance, but also effectively prevent carbon deposits and sediments from forming inside the air compressor, reducing the possibility of failure.
At the same time, high-quality air compressor oil also has good antioxidant properties and thermal stability, can maintain stable performance at high temperatures, and extend the service life of the air compressor.
In addition, it is also crucial to choose an air compressor oil that is suitable for the air compressor model and working conditions. Different models of air compressors have different requirements for air compressor oil. Therefore, when choosing air compressor oil, it is necessary to match it according to the specific conditions of the air compressor to ensure its best operating effect.
What type of oil to use for air compressor？
Common types of air compressor oil include mineral oil, synthetic oil, and semi-synthetic oil. Mineral oil is relatively cheap, but has poor high temperature resistance, is easy to oxidize, deteriorate, and thicken, and is suitable for some low temperature and non-strict technical requirements.
Synthetic oil is relatively expensive, but has better high temperature resistance and oxidation stability, and is suitable for high temperature, high pressure and severe cold environments; semi-synthetic oil combines the advantages of both, and the price and performance are between the two.
Although it is OK to use either, choosing which one is better usually depends on how you use the air compressor. If you usually use it for a short time, such as refilling the oil of a home air compressor in a short cycle or running it less than three times a week, then using ordinary oil is fine, and it is usually more cost-effective than buying synthetic oil.
However, if your air compressor is running almost all the time, or you use it three times a week or more, you will need to switch to synthetic oil, which has a longer service life and provides a higher degree of protection for your air compressor pump. Synthetic oil can also better adapt to a wider temperature range and allow your air compressor to run quieter and smoother in most cases.
In general, small and medium-sized air compressors and air compressors for home use mostly use mineral oil. Air compressors used in industrial or professional applications often use synthetic oil because it provides better overheating protection.
Choose the right type of oil for air compressor
When choosing air compressor oil, you need to consider factors such as the model, pressure, temperature, and lubrication method of the air compressor.
Different models of air compressors require different oils. For example, screw air compressors usually use high-performance synthetic oils, while centrifugal air compressors are suitable for mineral oils and semi-synthetic oils.
When choosing oils, you also need to consider factors such as pressure and temperature to choose the appropriate viscosity and friction coefficient.
At the same time, you need to pay attention to the quality and brand of the oil, and choose air compressor oil sold through regular channels to ensure that the quality and performance of the oil meet the requirements. When choosing air compressor oil, there are some professional points worth considering:
Viscosity refers to the thickness or flow resistance of the oil. Compressor oils are classified by viscosity grades, usually expressed in numbers, such as ISO 32, ISO 46, or ISO 68. Viscosity affects the performance of the oil under different temperature conditions.
Oils with lower viscosity are more suitable for cold environments, while oils with higher viscosity are suitable for hot environments. The right viscosity ensures proper lubrication, reduces friction, and minimizes wear on compressor parts.
Compatibility, it is crucial to choose a compressor oil that is compatible with the compressor material. Incompatibility can lead to corrosion, damage, and expensive repairs. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the selected oil is suitable for the compressor’s materials of construction, including seals, gaskets, and metals.
Compressor oils often contain additives to enhance their performance. Anti-wear additives reduce friction and wear on compressor parts, extending their service life. Oxidation inhibitors prevent the oil from breaking down due to exposure to air, extending its life and maintaining performance.
Environmental impact, environmental factors such as biodegradability and environmental friendliness may influence your choice of oil. Biodegradable compressor oils are suitable for applications where environmental impact is a concern. Always consider the ecological impact of the oil you choose, especially in environmentally sensitive environments.
Is there a substitute of air compressor oil?
In general, the oil used in air compressors needs to meet the following requirements:
- Good high-temperature oxidation resistance, able to withstand long-term high-temperature working environment;
- Good lubrication performance, can reduce friction and wear, and extend the life of the machine;
- Good cleaning and dispersing performance, can effectively prevent the generation of sludge and carbon deposits, and maintain the cleanliness of the oil;
- Good hydrolysis resistance, can maintain stable performance in high humidity environment;
- Good anti-rust and anti-corrosion performance, can protect the machine from erosion by external impurities.
Therefore, when choosing special oil for air compressors, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing oil that meets these requirements. In addition, different types of air compressors may have different requirements for oil, which needs to be selected according to specific circumstances.
People may wondering can I use car oil in my compressor. However, it is always recommended to use the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimal equipment performance. But if the user cannot use oil made specifically for air compressors, there are also some acceptable substitutes:
Hydraulic oil: Hydraulic oil is an acceptable alternative to air compressor oil. Hydraulic oil has a lower viscosity at low temperatures, which means that the hydraulic oil can flow freely due to its low density. In addition, hydraulic oil will not oxidize, preventing air compressor parts from rusting.
Engine oil: Engine oil contains certain detergents, which are effective for internal combustion engines. However, these detergents can cause excessive carbon buildup, which is harmful. Therefore, use oils that do not contain detergents on air compressors.
Automatic Transmission Fluid: Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is primarily used in car transmissions, but some types of oil can be used in air compressors. These oils reduce wear, cool components, and prevent breakdowns. However, most ATFs do not play well with air compressors and may cause damage.
Know more about how to correctly use oil for air compressor.
How often should I oil my air compressor?
When to change air compressor oil? The replacement cycle of air compressor oil depends on the type of oil and the operating environment and conditions of the air compressor. Generally speaking:
- Mineral oil: It is usually recommended to replace it after 2000-3000 hours of operation.
- Semi-synthetic oil: The replacement cycle is slightly longer, about 3000-4000 hours.
- Fully synthetic oil: It can last longer and needs to be replaced after about 6000-8000 hours.
In addition, the actual replacement cycle should also consider the following factors:
Environmental factors: Such as humidity in the air, whether it contains corrosive substances, ambient temperature, etc. will affect the life and performance of the oil.
Frequency and intensity of air compressor use: Air compressors that are frequently or intensively used may need to change the oil more frequently.
Mineral oil: Under good unit temperature and working conditions, the service life can reach about 3000-4000 hours. If the air compressor is operating under dust and pollutants, it is recommended to replace it once every 2000-2500 hours.
Synthetic oil: When the unit temperature and working conditions are good, the service life can reach about 6000-8000 hours. If the operating conditions are in a dusty and fiber-rich environment, it must be replaced after 6000 hours.
Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check the operating conditions of the air compressor and adjust the oil replacement cycle according to the actual situation to ensure the best performance and long-term stable operation of the air compressor.
Replacement and maintenance of air compressor oil
Regular replacement and maintenance of air compressor oil are also very important. As the use time increases, the air compressor oil will gradually lose its lubricating properties, and even produce impurities and pollutants, causing damage to the air compressor. Therefore, we need to formulate a suitable air compressor oil replacement cycle based on the use of the air compressor and the manufacturer’s recommendations, and strictly follow the operating procedures for replacement and maintenance.
At the same time, when replacing the air compressor oil, you also need to pay attention to the following points:
First, ensure that the replacement process is clean and pollution-free to prevent impurities from entering the air compressor;
Second, choose the appropriate brand and model of air compressor oil to ensure that its performance matches the air compressor;
Finally, follow the correct replacement steps and operating methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the replacement process.
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