There's often confusion about oil-lubricated versus oilless air compressors.
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With air compressor technology changing every year, many homeowners and professionals are left wondering what's outdated and what's still true.
So, let's get to the bottom of the oil vs. oil-free debate. For the sake of simplicity, we'll focus on reciprocating single-stage air compressors, since those are the most common types found in common applications.
Browse Single-Stage CompressorsAll compressors, regardless of their type, need lubrication to moderate heat, friction, and the wear down of the pump and critical components. The biggest difference, however, is whether the lube comes from oil or a special material coating.
Oilless compressors do not use oil for lubrication. Instead, their wearable parts are coated in special friction-reducing chemicals and designed to be self-lubricating for the compressor's lifetime.
Splash lubrication is the most common type used in reciprocating single-stage air compressors. It works just how it sounds. These compressors use rotating dippers (think of small flat spoons) attached to the bottom of connecting rods that swing and splash oil up from the reservoir against the internal moving parts.
Comparing oil- and oil-free air compressors isn't so much about which is better as which is better for your application.
Oil air compressors are great for most non-sensitive applications. If you need to power mechanical tools in a garage or on the road, an oil compressor will serve you nicely. In fact, most mechanical air tools need a little bit of lubrication to work optimally.
Oilless air compressors are designed for delicate applications where you can't risk getting oil into the final product. For example, dentists use oil-free compressors to power their air tools so their patients don't get a mouthful of fossil fuel. Paint shops, breweries, and food processing facilities are other applications where oil-free operation is critical.
[NOTE] Breathing apparatuses require specific types of air compressors that are not carried by Air Compressors Direct.
Although application is the main factor that dictates the type of air compressor you'll need, there are some other basic differences between oil and oil-free air compressors that are summarized in the table below.
Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors Oil-Free Air Compressors Oil stays in the air Cleaner, dryer air More maintenance required Less maintenance required Higher airflow models available Less airflow on average Louder performance on average Quieter performance on average Great for non-sensitive applications (mechanical tools) Necessary for sensitive applications (paint tools, medical equipment)It's sometimes helpful to compare real-world examples. The table below compares four actual air compressors and their specs.
The first two columns compare two portable compressors that are exactly the same except one is oil and one is oilless. Similarly, the last two columns compare two stationary compressors that are exactly the same except for lubrication. This will give you an idea of the difference between oil and oilless, all else being equal.
Oil vs. Oiless Comparison20 Gal. Portable
Oil Lubricated
20 Gal. Portable
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Oil-Free
60 Gal. Stationary
Oil Lubricated
60 Gal. Stationary
Oil-Free
Weight & Pump Drive Type 200 lbsAs mentioned, there's often significant confusion about oil and oilless air compressors. Here are some myths we've busted.
Although routine maintenance and regular oiling did tend to make oiled compressors more durable in the past, this just isn't true anymore. Today's oilless compressors run cooler and come better protected than ever before.
While oil-free compressors were unquestionably loud in years past, today's designs feature sound-reducing technologies that make oilless compressors quieter, on average, than oil models.
Although oil-free compressors don't require oil changes, they still need some light maintenance. This includes replacing the air filter and cleaning/draining the drain valve if it's not automatic. Overall, though, oil-free compressors require less maintenance.
Ultimately, it's important to reiterate that the decision between oil and oil-free air compressors must come down to application and what you're trying to accomplish.
While the performance differences between these compressors were more pronounced in the past, today, each is designed to do its respective job well. In general, for sensitive air jobs, go with oilless. If the quality of the air doesn't matter, go with either.
Oil-free air compressors are those which do not utilize oil for lubrication of components within the compressor. Instead, the system is designed in such a way that there is no mechanical contact between components. Water or special coatings can also be used for lubrication.
Air compressors which do not use oil for lubrication can offer many benefits over oil-lubricated versions, such as the elimination of oil leaks and reduced maintenance. However, there are also some drawbacks associated with oil-free air compressors such as higher upfront costs.
In this interview with Robert Horneman, Product Manager at ELGi Industrial – a developer of air compressors – he outlines how oil-free air compressors differ from their oil-lubricated counterparts and the various factors which need to be taken into account when selecting a compressor.
READ MORE: Ensure Pneumatic Compressors Reliability with Proper Lubrication
Air compressors are an important part of pneumatic systems used in a variety of industries, and choosing the right one is necessary to not only ensure system performance but also the productivity and safety of an operation. Horneman said it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each air compressor type to determine what is the best fit for a given application.
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