Should I choose oil-lubricated or oil-free air compressor?

After determining the air compressor parameters you need when purchasing an air compressor, you are faced with another question: should you choose an oil-lubricated air compressor or an oil-free air compressor?

1. Choose an oil-lubricated air compressor

In some cases, the consequences of oil contamination are too high, in which case an oil-free air compressor is necessary. But most manufacturing, industrial plants and workshops can use oil-lubricated compressors because the consequences of oil contamination in these applications are not as serious as the consequences of oil contamination in food production facilities. The function of oil in an air compressor is to lubricate, seal and cool the compressed air. If there is no definite need for oil-free compressed air, a more economical approach is to use an oil-lubricated compressor, such as an oil-injected screw compressor. Oil-free compressors are much more expensive than oil-lubricated compressors. Although compressed air contains trace amounts of oil, these oils can be filtered through the use of appropriate air filtration products. The coalescing filter can be used to purify the dust contained in the compressed air to 0.01 micron. If an activated carbon filter is added for further purification, the requirements of air cleanliness level 1 can be achieved.

2. Choose an oil-free air compressor

Oil-free air compressors are used to produce a variety of oil-sensitive products such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and paper. During the production of these products, even trace amounts of oil can have adverse effects on the product or even the person. Class 0 oil-free (Class 0) and “technically oil-free” are often used to indicate that the compressor meets certain standard oil-free requirements. Although these terms are similar, failure to consider their key differences can lead to unintended consequences. When choosing an oil-free compressor, make sure to choose a Class 0 oil-free compressor, not a “technically oil-free” product. Although the initial price of a Class 0 oil-free compressor is usually higher, this option is much safer in sensitive applications. If it is Class 0 compressed air, you can ensure that your terminal equipment will not be contaminated and ensure that your equipment assets are protected. When choosing an oil-free or oil-lubricated air compressor, it is always good practice to seek advice from those who compress air.

Sollant Focus on Energy Saving