This oil is cheaper than synthetic and is recommended for homeowners or those who do not use their compressors continuously. Also a good choice for compressors that only perform light or medium duty. Air compressor oil is specially formulated for air compressors. It performs many important functions, such as cooling the compression, lubricating the compressor, and acting as a sealant.
Without air compressor oil, the compressor would heat up faster. For many compressors, overheating causes an automatic shutdown, so the way the oil removes heat allows the compressor to run longer without overheating. Your air compressor could also leak more air without the oil in the air compressor serving as a sealant to prevent leaks. Leaks reduce compressor efficiency and the maximum pressure it produces.
Compressor oil also lubricates the moving parts of the compressor, which saves wear on the engine. All of this means that you won't have to change the oil as often and that you will have more protection against overheating when you use the compressor continuously for extended periods of time. Not only this, but synthetic oil has a wider overall temperature range and greater protection against air compressor overheating. Most air compressor oils are designed to perform well within the typical operating temperature ranges of greased air compressors.
Again, you can avoid air compressor noise and stop system overheating when operating for a long time. With practical and theoretical experience in pneumatics and hydraulics, I am putting my knowledge into practice and working on my gray matter through my research, assistance and publication work here at About Air Compressors. A quality compressor oil reduces wear on rotating parts by using various additives to prevent the metal from rubbing against the metal; in other words, the oil cools the system so that the element does not overheat. If counting service hours seems like a tedious task, you can simply change the oil every year if your compressor is in light or moderate use (less than 3 days a week), or every 6 months if you use it regularly (more than 3 days a week).
But if you're in a bind and don't have your usual compressor oil on hand, there are a few alternatives you can use in the meantime. If possible, it is best to use a general purpose or “universal” hydraulic oil; do not use hydraulic fluids designed for specific systems (such as power steering fluid), as they could damage the compressor. Follow the maintenance tips in the compressor owner's manual to ensure your unit has a long and pleasant service life. On the other hand, compressor oils, when produced, go through several processes, such as solvent extraction, desalination and evaporation, all designed to be robust and effective at high temperatures.
In case you're left scratching your head, wondering if the compressor oil you have will do its job, don't panic. Use this analysis in parallel to make an informed decision about using mineral oils or synthetic lubricants in your compressed air system. Most of the time, air compressors require lubrication systems to function sufficiently and avoid massive amounts of maintenance. There are also some interesting and fun facts about compressor oils that you should keep in mind when planning maintenance for your compressed air system.
In an oil-free compressor, these mechanical components are coated with Teflon or a similar material that reduces friction. .
