From Mineral To Synthetic Oil: Environmental Benefits And Impact On Your Compressed Air System
September 25, 2025
In the industrial world, efficiency and sustainability are key to success. One of the most significant changes companies can implement is transitioning from mineral oil to synthetic oil in their compressed air systems.
One of the critical aspects in the maintenance of compressed air systems is the choice of the right lubricant, since this element is crucial for the proper functioning of your compressor, having as main functions: resistance to high temperatures, protection against
Impact Of Changing the Oil Type on Lubricated Air Compressors
Production Benefits
Synthetic oil offers a number of advantages over mineral oil that improve the operational efficiency of compressed air systems:
- Increased thermal stability: Synthetic oil maintains its viscosity and lubricating properties at higher temperatures, reducing wear and extending component life.
- Reduced deposit formation: The oxidation resistance of synthetic oil minimizes the build-up of residues and deposits, ensuring cleaner, more efficient operation.
- Friction Reduction: Lower internal friction improves the energy efficiency of the compressor, resulting in more consistent and reliable performance.
Reduced Operating Costs
Synthetic oil offers a number of advantages over mineral oil that improve the operational efficiency of compressed air systems:
- Lower oil consumption: Synthetic oil has a longer lifespan, which reduces the frequency of oil changes and associated costs.
- Energy saving: Improved compressor efficiency reduces energy consumption, resulting in lower operating costs.
- Less maintenance: Reduced deposits and reduced component wear reduce the need for repairs and maintenance.
Environmental Impact
- Lower carbon footprint: The production and transportation of synthetic oil generate fewer CO2 emissions compared to mineral oil.
- Waste reduction: The increased durability of synthetic oil means less oil and packaging waste, contributing to more sustainable waste management.
- Less pollution: Synthetic oil reduces air and water pollution due to its lower volatility and resistance to oxidation.
Transitioning to synthetic oil also has important environmental benefits:
Characteristics of Atlas Copco's Synthetic Oils
Atlas Copco's Roto Xtend Duty synthetic oil has become a preferred choice for its ability to improve the performance of oil-injected screw compressors. This oil not only offers greater durability and protection against wear, but also contributes to the reduction of operating costs and the care of the environment.
Atlas Copco’s Roto Synthetic Fluid Ultra is known for its high-quality oil for demanding applications. It offers excellent resistance to oxidation and exceptional protection against deposit formation, ensuring cleaner operation, while its high viscosity index ensures consistent lubrication and reliable protection for screws and bearings under varying operating conditions
| Roto Xtend Duty Oil | Roto Synthetic Fluid Ultra Oil | |
| Oxidation resistance | Offers excellent oxidation resistance, which helps maintain its lubricating properties for longer. | Offers excellent oxidation resistance, which helps maintain its lubricating properties for longer. |
| Change intervals | Can last up to 8,000 hours or 2 years even in demanding working conditions | Can last up to 4,000 hours or 2 years even in demanding working conditions |
| Deposit Protection | Provides exceptional protection against deposit formation, ensuring cleaner and more efficient operation of the compressor. | Provides exceptional protection against deposit formation, ensuring cleaner and more efficient operation of the compressor. |
| Reduced energy consumption | Lower pressure drop in the oil separator contributes to a reduction in energy consumption. | Lower pressure drop in the oil separator contributes to a reduction in energy consumption. |
Additional benefit: Roto Xtend Duty Oil offers maximum wear protection for the compressor screw and bearings, extending the service life of key moving parts.
The transition from mineral to synthetic oil in industrial compressed air systems not only improves efficiency and reduces costs, but also contributes significantly to environmental protection. Adopting this practice is a step towards a more environmentally responsible and profitable future for industrial companies.
