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Air compressors can revolutionize how your operations function, leading your business to get more work done at a higher level of quality. However, there are two primary types of air compressors on the market, and it can be challenging to determine which one you need.
If you're trying to decide between a lubricated or oil-free air compressor, we can help you determine which is best for your application. Below, you'll find information about these air compressors and the pros and cons of each.
Air compressors utilize a piston or rotary component that draws in air, which is compressed into a storage tank. Rotary elements and pistons need to move smoothly and consistently, which is why these parts generally require lubrication.
Lubricated air compressors, or oil-flooded air compressors, use oil to lubricate moving parts within the system. Lubricating oil is required for lubricated air compressors to ensure the piston or rotary element runs smoothly without damaging the equipment. The lubricating oil also helps maintain the efficiency of air compression and dissipates heat.
Unlike lubricated air compressors, oil-free air compressors utilize pre-lubricated materials, like Teflon, to coat their compression elements instead of oil. Some oil-free compressors may also use water instead of oil for the lubricating and cooling process. Even without oil, these materials pre-lubricated materials or water can help mechanisms move smoothly within the air compressor.
These air compressors also require rotors that have tight mechanical tolerances, which helps reduce friction between the components. Remembering that &#;oil-free&#; only refers to the compression chamber is essential. Lubrication may still be needed for parts outside the compression chamber and bearings.
The differences between oilless and oiled air compressors are vast, even beyond the presence or absence of oil. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of oiled and oil-free air compressors in several key areas, from size to air quality.
Oil-free compressors tend to be smaller than lubricated air compressors because they don't need additional room for oil. As a result, oil-free compressors also tend to be more portable. If you need an air compressor to move around your worksite, an oil-free option may be best suited to your applications.
Lubricated air compressors are best suited to warm climates. These temperatures help ensure the oil inside the components continue running smoothly. Alternatively, oil-free compressors are better suited to cooler climates, where lubricated air compressors can't perform at peak efficiency.
You may choose between one type of air compressor over the other if you're working in extreme temperatures.
Oil-free air compressors may be the better choice if you follow these strict guidelines because the air in lubricated air compressors can become contaminated by the oil. These air contamination concerns aren't relevant in all industries, but some must follow air quality guidelines, such as the food processing, electronics and pharmaceutical industries.
Noise emissions may be a significant consideration for your business, especially if noise can disrupt your operations. Lubricated air compressors typically make less noise because of the oil they use. If noise isn't a concern, you can choose between lubricated or oil-free air compressors, depending on the other requirements of your applications.
Because lubricated air compressors need to move oil throughout the compression chamber and bearings, these machines tend to use more energy than oil-free air compressors. Oil-free compressors can help minimize your energy usage, which helps reduce your environmental impact and overall costs.
Lubricated air compressors have higher energy requirements and can increase the risk of oil contamination in some industries, making them less environmentally friendly than oil-free compressors. If your business has to meet specific environmental regulations, an oil-free compressor may be better suited to your applications.
Read More: Oil/Water Separators for Compressed Air Systems: Complete Guidelines
Oil-free air compressors were created to reduce oil contamination in the air stream and the problems with oil carryover. The main advantage of oil-free air compressors is that they offer cleaner, drier air, which is essential in specific industries. However, oil-free compressors have some drawbacks to consider before deciding between the two options.
While oil-free air compressors don't use oil to keep their components lubricated, they still pose a risk of oil contamination. If any oils exist in the air, such as lubricants used in production or vaporized metalworking fluids, these oils can be absorbed by the air intake and end up in the compressed air supply. The only cases where oil-free air compressors can reduce oil carryover to zero is if the air supply is pristine. Otherwise, you'll need filters to prevent oil carryover and contamination.
Some other drawbacks of oil-free air compressors include the following:
Despite these drawbacks, some industries should use oil-free air compressors over lubricated air compressors, such as those that need to reduce oil contamination as much as possible. However, using lubricated air compressors in sensitive industries is still possible when you utilize high-efficiency filtration.
The answer to whether oil-free air compressors are better than oiled air compressors depends on the needs of your applications. You'll want to consider different factors, including:
Regardless of which type of air compressor you choose, Fluid-Aire Dynamics is here to help. We can help you transition from one type of air compressor to the next, depending on which is best suited to your applications.
Our team can help you find an air compressor that suits your needs, whether you need to reduce oil contamination or want an air compressor that can serve your business for as long as possible. We can also help you find a high-efficiency filter that helps reduce oil contamination and carryover in your business.
You can browse our complete collection of air compressors. To find out more or for a free estimate on air compressors for your business, contact us today.
No matter your industry, you likely have a need for air compressors. For everything from pharmaceutical applications to food and beverage processes, air compressors provide the necessary function of pressurizing air. That air can then be used to power different equipment and systems, such as nail guns, blast equipment, conveyor systems, painting equipment, and so much more.
When considering air compressors, you will note they fall into two main categories &#; oil-flooded and oil-free. Both categories differ in terms of operation, applications, benefits, and downsides. Understanding how each kind of air compressor works is key so that you can choose the best one for your specific needs.
Every air compressor &#; oil-flooded or oil-free &#; features numerous components that effectively pressurize air and turn it into power. Without lubrication, they fail to operate, and your air compressor will be useless. Like dozens of other machinery, an oiled air compressor uses oil to provide lubrication to the various parts of the system.
These air compressors can operate on two different types of oil &#; mineral and synthetic. Mineral oil is the product of a petroleum refining process, while synthetic oil is a laboratory creation.
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Mineral oil is typically the better option for small-to-medium compressors that don&#;t operate continuously. A synthetic lubricant is more suitable for industrial air compressors because it provides more protection against overheating due to its wider temperature variations.
During operation, an oil-flooded reciprocating air compressor pulls in air via a piston. Then, the air is pushed out of the chamber and compressed into a storage tank. Here, oil is critical to ensure the piston has enough lubrication to move &#; in an oil-flooded rotary screw compressor, the oil also lubricates the rotary screws, which help draw in the air. When the storage tank maxes out, the air compressor turns off, and you can use the pressurized air to power various tools and gear.
To provide the necessary lubrication, an oil air compressor includes a pump, which you can fill with mineral or synthetic oil as you would for a vehicle. Periodically, you must check the oil levels and oil filter to ensure the pump is in working order. Additionally, scheduled oil changes and proper routine maintenance are required for optimal performance.
Any industry that needs pressurized air for its operations can use oiled air compressors so long as contamination is not a concern. A few examples of industries that use these air compressors include automotive, railroad, machinery manufacturing, metal fabrication, and woodworking.
Oil-flooded air compressors offer several advantages for owners and operators. These units feature durable and rugged construction, an important consideration when longevity is a primary concern. Because they can extend the time between air compressor replacements, they could be more cost-effective in the long run. Quiet operation can also make oil-flooded models a better option for industrial or commercial environments where noise prevention is essential.
Minimal heat generation is another advantage of this air compressor type. The diminished risk of overheating lowers the damage potential and enhances safety.
Many companies prefer oil-flooded air compressors because of their relative technical simplicity. Operations that prefer handling equipment upkeep in-house won&#;t need to spend as much time training their team on the machinery. They also won&#;t need to incur the costs of hiring outside labor.
A disadvantage of lubricated air compressors is that operators and maintenance crews must monitor them regularly to ensure they have sufficient oil. It&#;s also crucial to change the oil and filters at the appropriate intervals. Because they tend to be large, bulky machines, it&#;s often more difficult to move them between locations.
Some owners have concerns about oil contamination, although installing additional filters can often mitigate this issue.
While an oil-free air compressor works almost identically to an oil air compressor, it does not use oil for lubrication. Instead, it is either constructed to prevent mechanical contact or relies on an option other than oil for lubrication. Most often, users keep their oil-free air compressors operational with water or a Teflon coating.
One difference in how an oil-free air compressor works in comparison to its oil-based alternative is that it moves the air through an initial compressor element to cool it down. There is no lubricating medium to cool the air naturally, so an intercooler is required to keep the temperature low. The second difference is that after compression, the air moves into an aftercooler to cool further. Finally, it can be used to power your equipment.
In industries where contamination is strictly prohibited and can be costly, oil-free air compressors are crucial. For example, food and beverage manufacturing, electronics, and pharmaceutical companies must keep their products pure, and any possibility of physical oil contamination or air contamination from running an oil-flooded air compressor is not allowed.
The upfront cost of an air compressor matters for many businesses when shopping for these machines. Oil-free models sometimes, but not always, have a lower upfront purchase price depending on model, type, size, and horsepower. But, because oil-free air compressors require less preventative maintenance than oil-flooded compressors, the overall total cost of ownership is often lower.
For many businesses, perhaps the most important oil-free air compressor advantage is their ability to deliver contaminate-free, clean air with no traces of oil. This factor is meaningful to doctors or dentists who need to create a sterile environment for their patients. Or pharmaceutical, electronics, and food and beverage companies that have strict cleanliness standards.
Reduced maintenance requirements are also an attractive feature for companies that may not have the time or labor force for these practices.
The smaller size of these units can be a positive feature for organizations seeking a mobile compressed air solution they can apply in different areas of their facility.
Because most oil-free compressors aren&#;t well-suited for heavy-duty environments, they&#;re not the best choice for demanding industrial applications requiring continuous or extended use. Overuse could also require more frequent maintenance and repairs and shorten the equipment&#;s life span.
Depending on the type of oil-free air compressor, the increased noise and heat output can be an issue for organizations where comfort, safety and concentration on job duties are top priorities. Companies may need to invest in powerful industrial cooling equipment to combat the heat. Also keep in mind that oil-free compressors these days have more advanced technologies and design features than previous years, so they&#;re not as loud as they used to be.
Oil-Free and oil-flooded air compressors operate differently, meaning you may need one over the other for your applications. As you make comparisons, consider the distinctions between each compressor type. Even with all of the above information, you may need help determining which option is ideal for your business.
Below are a few more aspects of air compressors to help you make the best decision possible:
Ultimately, your selection comes down to your business&#;s unique needs, making it a smart idea to work with a professional team to make the process easier for you.
Depending on your applications and industry, choosing an air compressor can be a crucial decision. Aside from considering the pointers above to guide your choice, you should also make sure to work with a knowledgeable compressed air solutions provider. C.H. Reed&#;s Compressed Air Team has the experience and expertise to help you find the best equipment option so you can accomplish your goals.
For decades, C.H. Reed has worked with industrial companies and manufacturers throughout the Mid-Atlantic to provide them with process and equipment improvements. Whether your business requires compressed air, paint finishing or fluid handling or industrial blowers sales, service, or solutions, we can help you meet your goals.
Get started by browsing our service areas or contacting us with our online form for a quote. We look forward to partnering with you!
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