Buy the right Compressor Oil for your needs. Prevent oxidation, foaming premature wearing, corrosion, contamination and excess heat.
The purpose of using air compressor oil is simple - you want your air compressor to run at maximum efficiency with minimal wear and tear on the internal parts. This has financial benefits for you because an air compressor operating at maximum efficiency saves energy. And it’s important to not cut corners on the compressor oil you buy just to save a few extra bucks. All compressor oils aren’t equal and we will explain why in this article.
Why compressor oils are useful
Let’s quickly summarise what compressor oils do.
Compressor oil lubricates the moving parts of an air compressor so that there is less friction and wearing.
Compressor oil helps cool the moving parts by moving heat away as the oil cycles.
Compressor oil preserves air pressure by acting as a sealant around o-rings, valves and gaskets etc.
Compressor oil is the driving force in the oil injected compressor element.
The type of compressor oil you use has a direct impact on the performance of your air compressor over time. You will notice a decrease in performance when the wrong oil is used or when the oil isn’t changed.
The right type of compressor oil
You could attempt to substitute compressor oil with hydraulic oil, automatic transmission fluid, motor oil. But that would be a mistake. Any air compressor manufacturer will recommend that you use the appropriate compressor oil for your machine and operating environment. Using the wrong compressor oil will diminish the performance of your compressor and increase your chances of incurring additional maintenance and repair costs.
When choosing the right compressor oil keep these characteristics in mind:
1. The viscosity of the oil
2. The operating temperature range of the oil
3. The additives in the oil
4. The type of oil: synthetic or mineral based
The viscosity of the oil is coded in the SAE value. Oils that say SAE32 are best suited for colder environments. Oils that say SAE46 are best suited for warmer environments.
The operating temperature gives range, let you know if your compressor oil is suitable for your working environment, which includes the heat produced within the compressor itself.
The additives in the oil will let you know if the oil could have unintended negative consequences on your air compressor. For example, some oils that include detergent additives are better suited for diesel engines. Additives that prevent corrosion and rusting are preferred in air compressor oils.
The type of oil can be either synthetic or mineral based, and they are both commonly used. Mineral based oils are cheaper than synthetic blends and are best suited for air compressors that operate on shorter duty cycles. People with smaller air compressors may prefer this option. Synthetic blends offer benefits for air compressors that operate on longer duty cycles. Synthetic oils are designed to minimize heat and can operate at wider temperature ranges.
Conclusion
With Atlas Copco compressor oils the secret is in the blend.
Get in touch with us. Describe your air compressor application, ambient conditions, workflow pattern and maintenance intervals to our experts and the will identify the compressor oil from our portfolio that will meet your needs.
Atlas Copco compressor oils are unique because of the mix of additives in them. These additives specifically target known issues with air compressors such as:
Oxidation
Foaming
Premature Wearing
Corrosion
Contamination
Excessive heat
We’ve tailored the characteristics of our compressor oil range to the needs of the oil circuit. Conditions like higher running times, greater loads, humidity and dust are all a factor in creating the perfect oils.
Every customer has a combination of equipment, applications and working conditions that are unique. That’s why we encourage you to get in touch with us right away so we can do our part in making sure you get the right compressor oil for your needs.
