Different Between Oil vs. Oil Free Air Compressors. Which is Best?

 

oil free air compressors

Air compressors play a crucial role in various industries, from pharmaceuticals to food and beverage production. They pressurise air to power a wide range of equipment and systems, including nail guns, blast equipment, conveyor systems, and paint sprayers. Choosing the right industrial air compressor can be challenging, especially with two popular types available: oil lubricated and oil free air compressors. Both types perform the same basic function, compressing air, but they vary in operation, construction, and planned applications. Thanks to advances in technology, the gap between oil lubricated and oil free compressors has narrowed, but they still have specific differences. In this guide, we’ll explore how each type of compressor works, highlight their key differences, and help you choose the best one for your needs.

Oil Lubricated Air Compressors:

Oil lubricated air compressors work on oil to lubricate their internal parts, which helps reduce friction and wear. This lubrication method expands the life of the compressor and improves its performance. Due to their robustness and efficiency, oil lubricated air compressors are used in heavy duty air compressor and industrial stages. They are ideal for constant and reliable air compression, such as in manufacturing plants, automotive shops, and construction sites.

Advantages Of Oil Lubricated Air Compressors:

Enhanced durability:

Oil lubricated air compressors use oil to lubricate moving parts, which reduces friction and minimises wear and tear. This not only helps the compressor operate smoothly but also expands its lifespan. This is used in heavy duty air compressor to take heavy workloads and long use. These are assembled for durability and reliability in demanding high pressure air compressors.

• Higher efficiency:

These compressors are more efficient due to the oil’s cooling impact on internal components, which helps reduce energy loss. This increased efficiency is valuable in high pressure air compressors where continuous process is necessary.

• Lower operating temperature:

The oil helps decrease the heat generated during compression, maintaining a lower operating temperature. This cooling effect is helpful for applications that require constant performance over extensive periods.

Disadvantages of oil lubricated air compressors:

Maintenance requirement:

Regular maintenance is essential for oil lubricated compressors. This includes checking and changing the oil at the suggested time, as well as monitoring oil levels, filters, and other parts. Proper supervision ensures optimal performance and helps prevent issues.

• Oil contaminations:

The compressed air from oil lubricated compressors can contain trace amounts of oil, which may not be suitable for applications requiring pure, oil free air. Industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics usually need clean air to avoid oil contamination.

• Potentials for leaks:

Oil lubricated air compressors can experience oil leaks, which may lead to workspace contamination or necessitate cleanup efforts.

Oil free compressors:

Oil free compressors work without lubricating oil, and alternatives and technologies are used to minimise friction. This industrial air compressor makes them perfect for applications where clean air is essential and maintenance needs are minimal. These compressors are well-suited for industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, where air purity and low maintenance are required.

Advantages Of Oil free Air Compressors:

Clean air production:

Since they don’t use oil, these compressors provide pure, oil-free air, which is essential for industries where even small amounts of oil contamination can be harmful, such as medical and food processing applications.

• Low maintenance:

Oil free air compressors require low maintenance due to there’s no need for oil changes or lubrication checks. This reduces downtime and lowers overall maintenance costs.

• Reduced the risk of contamination:

Without oil, there is no risk of oil leaking into the compressed air, ensuring the goodness of processes and products that require contamination-free air. This is important in maintaining high pressure air compressors in sensitive applications.

Disadvantages Of Oil free Air Compressors:

Higher initial cost:

Oil free air compressors generally have a higher purchasing cost compared to oil lubricated compressors. The advanced technology required for oil free procedures can make these compressors more expensive upfront.

• Shorten lifespan:

These compressors may have a shorter lifespan and require more regular repairs or replacements due to the absence of lubrication. Without oil, the internal components can experience more wear over time.

• Lower efficiency:

Oil free air compressors can work at higher temperatures and might be less energy-efficient than oil lubricated models. This can affect their performance in demanding applications where constant efficiency is crucial.

Comparing Oil lubricated and Oil Free Air Compressors:

When choosing between oil lubricated and oil free air compressors, understanding their differences is important for making the best decision for your needs. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Lubrication Requirements:

Oil lubricated compressors use oil to grease moving parts, requiring regular oil and filter changes. In contrast, oil free air compressors use alternative lubrication methods instead of oil, which is needed for a smooth process.

Maintenance Needs:

Oil lubricated compressors require constant maintenance, including regular oil changes and filter checks. Proper maintenance ensures their reliability and longevity. On the other hand, oil free compressors have fewer maintenance requirements but tend to have a shorter lifespan. Once their frictionless coating wears off, they may need to be replaced. Additionally, they run hotter than high pressure air compressors.

• Maintenance Costs:

Maintaining oil lubricated compressors is more expensive due to the need for oil and regular servicing. However, they last longer, which can compensate for these costs. Oil free air compressors are more affordable to maintain but may require more frequent replacements.

• Contamination Risks:

Oil lubricated compressors have the presence of oil in compressed air, making them unsuitable for industries where purity is crucial. In contrast, oil free air compressors provide clean, oil-free air, which is ideal for sensitive applications like food processing and medical equipment.

• Noise Levels:

Oil lubricated compressors are more peaceful due to the lubricating oil. While oil free air compressors are generally noisier, modern models are less noisy than older ones.

• Mobility:

Oil free air compressors are lighter and more movable, as they don’t require oil related components. Although oil lubricated compressors are heavier, they can still be made portable with the right setup.

Wrapping Up:

In conclusion, choosing between oil lubricated and oil free compressors depends on your specific needs. Oil free compressors are ideal for applications requiring clean air and low maintenance, though they may have a shorter lifespan and higher working temperatures. Oil lubricated compressors offer durability and efficiency, making them suitable for heavy-duty industrial air compressor use, but they involve higher maintenance costs and oil contamination. Consider factors like maintenance, cost, and air purity to determine the best option for your application.