There is usually confusion concerning oil-lubricated vs oilless air compressors.
As air compressor technology advances each year, a lot of homeowners and professionals are left concerned what is out of date and what still holds true.
So, let’s start with the oil vs. oil-free argument. To keep it simple, we are going to zero in on reciprocating single-stage air compressors, because those are the most widespread kinds found in general applications.
Oil vs. Oil-Free: How Air Compressors are Lubricated
All compressors, without regard to their kind, require lubrication for moderating heat, friction, and the wearing down of the pump and vital components. The main distinction, nevertheless, is whether the lube is from oil or a specialized material coating.
Oil-Free Lubrication
Oil-free compressors do not use oil for lubrication. Rather, their wearable parts are coated in special friction-decreasing chemicals and intended to be self-lubricating for the duration of the compressor’s life.
Oil (Splash) Lubrication
Splash lubrication is the most general kind utilized in the air compressors mentioned. It works exactly how it sounds. These compressors use spinning dippers attached to the bottom of the tie rods that sway and splash oil up from the reservoir towards the internal moving components.
Which Type Should I Get?
The comparison of oil- and oil-free air compressors is not so much about which is best as which is best for what you plan on using it for.
Oil air compressors are perfect for many insensitive uses. If you require power mechanical tools in a workshop or on the street, an oil compressor is going to serve you nicely. Therefore, a lot of mechanical air devices require a little bit of lubrication to work seamlessly.
Oil free air compressors are intended for sensitive applications in which you can’t risk having oil get into the end product. For instance, dentists utilize oil-free compressors to power their air devices, so their patients do not get a mouthful of oil. Breweries, paint studios, and food processing plants are other uses in which oil-free operation is vital.
Even though application is the primary factor that establishes the type of air compressor you are going to require, there are some other fundamental differences between oil and oil-free air compressors that are summarized in the following.
Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors
- Oil remains in the air
- More maintenance is needed
- High airflow models available
- Noisy performance on average
- Perfect for insensitive applications (mechanical devices)
Oil-Free Air Compressors
- Cleaner, dryer air
- Less maintenance needed
- Less airflow on average
- More quiet performance on average
- Required for sensitive applications (painting and medical devices)
Oil vs Oil-Free: Common Myths
As said before, there’s usually significant confusion concerning oil and oil-free air compressors. The following are some myths that have been busted.
Myth #1: Oiled Compressors are More Lasting
Even though regular maintenance and oiling did usually make oiled compressors more lasting previously this simply isn’t the case presently. Today’s oil-free compressors operate cooler and come better safeguarded than ever before.
Myth #2: Oil-Free Compressors Are a Lot NOISIER
Whereas oil-free compressors were unquestionably noisy in the past, present day designs feature sound-decreasing technologies that make oil-free compressors less noisy, on average, than oil units.
Myth #3: Oil-Free Compressors Do Not Need Maintenance
Even though oil-free compressors do not need oil changes, they still require some reduced maintenance. This comprises replacing the air filter and draining/cleaning the drain valve if it’s manual. Generally, though, oil-free compressors require reduced maintenance.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s important to say again that the choice between oil and oil-free air compressors should come down to application and what you are attempting to accomplish.
Whereas the performance variations between these compressors were more evident in the past, today, each is designed to do its relevant duty well. Overall, for sensitive air projects, go oil-free. If the quality of the air isn’t an issue, go with either.
Willing Service Corporation Offers A Full Range Of Industrial Pumps For Sale Nationwide!
Willing Service is proud to sell air compressors nationwide. You can choose the brand, model, and size you need for your purposes and we will ship it straight to your shop or business. Shop industrial air compressors online and get it touch with us today by giving us a call at (602) 246-6940.
