Oilless compressors do not use oil for lubrication, resulting in oil-free compressed air. Oil-injected compressors use oil to lubricate internal components and require multiple stages of oil removal filters to achieve acceptable air quality.
Oilless Compressors are the ideal choice if you’re searching for pure air, cost savings and reliable performance. In some specific industries, only oil-free technologies can grant clients’ safety.
With this article, we aim to provide you with the right information on oilless compressors’ functionality, benefits and applications.
What is an Oilless Compressor?
An oilless compressor, or an oil-free compressor, is a type of air compressor that does not use oil or other lubricants to produce compressed air. These compressors rely on alternative methods such as water injection and protective materials.
This design ensures that the compressed air remains free from oil contamination, making it ideal for applications where air purity is crucial.
How Do Oilless Compressors Work?
Oil-free compressors operate by using pre-lubricated cylinders and other components that do not require additional oil. The internal mechanisms are treated with long-lasting lubrication, allowing to efficient performance without the need of oil. Some oilless compressors use water to reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth operation.
Compressors that don’t use any lubricants produced compressed air that cannot be contaminated by oil, so its purity level is very high.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) classifies the purity of the compressed air, ranging from ISO Class 0 to Class 5. Class 0 air is the cleanest, making oilless compressors suitable for sensitive applications where even the slightest oil contamination can be detrimental.
Differences Between Oilless and Oil-Injected Compressors
| Lubrication | Air Purity | Maintenance | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oilless Compressors | Do not use oil for lubrication within the compression chamber. They rely on pre-lubricated components and alternative materials. | Produce oil-free compressed air in Class 0, making them ideal for applications where air purity is critical. | Generally, require less maintenance due to the absence of oil, but they need proper care to prevent overheating and wear | Suitable for industries where air purity is essential, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. |
| Oil-injected Compressors | Use lubricants during the compression process. | Require multiple stages of oil removal filters to achieve acceptable air quality, which can be challenging to maintain. | Require regular oil changes and maintenance of the oil removal filters. | Commonly used in industrial settings where the risk of oil contamination is lower. |
The answer is regular maintenance. We generally wouldn’t recommend switching to a non-oil-lubricated system unless you need very-high-quality compressed air or a particularly low oil content for several reasons. Among all, the cost of a oil.-free compressors is much higher and it actually requires even more maintenance than a standard system.
How can I benefit from Oilless Compressors?
Lower Risk of Contamination
Oil-free compressed air eliminates the risk of any kind of lubricant contamination, since it’s produced with an oil-free machine. This is crucial for industries where even a tiny drop of oil can cause significant damage.
Lower Operating Costs
An Oilless compressor generally has lower operating costs, thanks to its minimal maintenance requirements and fewer amount of components. It also has a longer lifespan, providing cost savings over time.
Faster Startup
Unlike oil-injected compressors, oilless compressors do not face startup delays due to oil viscosity. They can start quickly, regardless of the temperature. For this reason, oil-free machines are more efficient for time-sensitive applications.
What Industries can Benefit from Oilless Compressors?
The amount of industries that requires oil-free compressed air can be very broad. Here we highlighted the main ones and how they can benefit from an oil-free machine.
- Electronics: In the electronics industry, air purity prevents contamination of sensitive components. Oilless compressors provide clean, oil-free compressed air, ensuring the integrity of electronic products.
- Pharmaceuticals: Pharma manufacturing requires sterile environments to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products. Oilless compressors maintain these conditions by providing oil-free compressed air.
- Food and Beverage: In the food and beverage industry, oil-free compressed air is essential to prevent contamination and ensure product safety. Oilless compressors are applied during several production phases, like packaging, bottling, and food processing.
Maintenance of Oilless Compressors
Oilless compressors require less maintenance actions than a lubricant one. However, proper care is essential to ensure their longevity and performance. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to check for wear and tear on components. Replace any damaged parts promptly to prevent further issues.
- Clean Air Filters: Air filters must be clean and free from pollution. Clogged filters can reduce efficiency and cause overheating.
- Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on the operating temperature of the oil-free compressor. Overheating can cause significant wear and reduce the machine’s lifespan.
Common Questions About Oilless Compressors
All industries that need oil-free compressed air can benefit from oilless compressors. Some of them are as electronics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage one.
Regular inspections, cleaning air filters, monitoring temperature, and lubricating external components can help extend the lifespan of an oilless compressor.
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