Air Compressors- Pharmaceutical, automotive, food & beverage, and agricultural industries require air compression. As a result, there are many different types of air compressors; some are better suited to heavy-duty applications than others. On the other hand, air compressors are commonly divided into oil-lubricated and oil-free.

Air Compressors With Oil Lubrication

Moving parts exist in all air compressors. To avoid harming your air compressor, oil these moving parts. For example, your compressor will stop working properly if you do not grease it properly. Traditional oil-lubricated compressors employ this tried-and-true lubricant.
Oiled compressors are tough and long-lasting, and their use of oil makes them perfect for industrial applications. They generate a lot of heat, but the oil serves as a cooling agent.
Oil-lubricated compressors are versatile and dependable, but they come with significant disadvantages. They necessitate much upkeep for starters, with operators required to check oil levels and replace oil and oil filters regularly.
Furthermore, due to their great size, they cannot be transported and must be permanently installed.
The potential for oil contamination is the most serious disadvantage of employing oil-lubricated compressors. The oil used to lubricate, seal, & cool the machine leaves oil in the compressed air, which must be removed through separation or filtration. Even the last drop of oil can contaminate the air in businesses where air purity is crucial (especially in sterile situations).
If you don’t address the problem, it can lead to product spoilage, rework, production downtime, and even brand damage. Oil-free compressors are useful in these situations.

Oil-Free Compressors

Oil-free compressors employ water as a sealing, cooling, or lubrication medium, avoiding the hazards and expenses of oil contamination. Oil-free compressors are used in settings where even a trace of oil contamination is unacceptable.
Pharmaceutical businesses, for example, must ensure that neither their products nor the air on their premises contains any hydrocarbons. Because air comes into direct touch with their products, the same is true for food and beverage firms, including bottling companies and food packaging makers.
Here’s a list of industries and applications where oil-free air compressors are often required to avoid oil pollution.

Food & Beverage
Medical
Pharmaceutical
Chemical Power Production
Life Sciences

Oil vs. Oil-Free Air Compressors: Pros & Cons

Noise generation is a significant difference between oil and oil-free compressors. Units that run on oil are quieter than those that run on electricity.

This is the case because oil-lubricated units are better lubricated than oil-free units. In addition, due to the condensed friction between the pump’s moving parts, they operate more quietly.
If a noisy unit is a concern for you, an oil-lubricated unit should be considered. However, if you don’t mind the machine making noise, any of these will suffice.

In comparison to oil-free air compressors, oil-lubricated air compressors require greater maintenance.

The oil in the oil-lubricated unit will eventually go bad, much like the oil in your car, and will need to be replaced. Unfortunately, that implies you’ll need to take it out and refill it with fresh oil.
When utilizing a compressor with an oil-lubricated pump, you must do routine maintenance regularly.
On the other hand, oil-free units have permanent lubrication and do not require lubrication again over the machine’s lifetime. As a result, they don’t need as much upkeep.

Durability is also a big factor when it comes to oil-lubricated versus oil-free air compressors.

Oil-lubricated units are more durable than oil-free ones since there is less wear and tear in the machine due to oil in the pump and less friction.
If the machine’s oil becomes contaminated, replace it with new oil, and the machine will function normally again.
The permanent lubrication of oil-free devices, on the other hand, wears down over time with materials like Teflon. As a result, the machine becomes increasingly louder when it wears down, creating more noise until it eventually breaks down.
Therefore, oil-lubricated units are more robust and commonly utilized in commercial applications with extensive working hours. They last longer since they’re lubricated all the time to prevent friction and keep the machine cool.

Because oil-lubricated units have more functioning parts, they are frequently more expensive than oil-free machines.

So, suppose you’re a property holder who needs an air compressor machine for minor DIY jobs around the house, such as filling mattresses, car, and bicycle tires. In that case, a tiny oil-free device is best because it’s less expensive and easier to maintain.
On the other hand, if you need one for industrial applications like powering pneumatic equipment in your dealership or car shop, a high duty oil-lubricated one is the preferable option, depending on how much use you expect from it.

BOTTOMLINE

Suppose you’re a DIY homeowner or contractor searching for a portable compressor to transport about the job site. An oil-free version may be preferable due to its reduced weight and ability to be used in any direction.
An oiled compressor is a good choice for a commercial organization that needs a stationary compressor to power high PSI/CFM pneumatic tools. On the other hand, an oil-free stationary compressor would be great if you’re concerned about noise, air purity, filter replacement, and maintenance.
The key line is to purchase the air compressor you require for the job; trusting your instincts and gathering information will pay off. STOPLEAKLOSS is here to assist you with any decisions you make.