Frequently asked questions about air compressor oil

The kind of compressor you have and how often you use it will affect how often you’ll need to change your air compressor’s oil. The machine’s user manual will have specific information, also you can consult Atlas Copco. When changing your air compressor’s oil, drain the oil chamber completely. Contaminated oil can degrade the effectiveness of new oil. 

We recommend that you change the oil every 3 months at minimum for Atlas Copco oil-injected compressors. For some compressors like rotary screw compressors we’d recommend changing oil every 4000-8000 hours of use. This is subject to the recommendation listed in the documentation that comes with the machine.

To keep your compressor operating reliably and cost-effectively, oil plays multiple vital roles. It protects rotating parts to avoid metal-to-metal contact. It absorbs the heat to ensure optimal working temperatures. It seals the clearances between the rotors and the housing, preventing air backflow and reduced output. Finaly, it absorbs contaminants or carries them off to the oil filter.

As the oil moves through your air compressor, it also picks up dirt and other small pieces of debris. While this helps to keep the motor safe of these pollutants, over time the oil degrades to be less effective. This is why the oil has to be changed to ensure your machine is not running those pollutants back through.

Contaminated or low oil levels in your air compressor run several risks.

• Overheating
  Compressing air produces heat, and oil absorbs some of that heat. If the oil levels are too low, the air compressor can overheat due to increased friction.
  
• Wear
  You change your air compressor’s air filter to ensure pure, compressed air. Similarly, it’s essential to empty the contaminated or old oil from your air compressor regularly. The more often you use it, the quicker the debris and nanoparticles build up in the oil. Clean, working lubrication ensures your air compressor runs smoothly and effectively.
  
• Rust and Corrosion
  Your air compressor’s metal joints and components require adequate oil levels to prevent expensive repairs caused by rusting, general wear and corrosion.
  
•  Breakdowns
  Oils oxidize over time when exposed to water and heat. When oil has broken down, its effectiveness decreases. Eventually, the oil no longer performs its intended purpose, potentially resulting in a costly breakdown.

There are several dangers for the equipment if the wrong lubricant is used. The equipment lifetime can be reduced, deposits can form on the oil circuit and on moving parts, and the lubrication of vital parts is insufficient. Non genuine lubricants can reduce the sealing, corrode metal parts due to oil oxidation, and cause oil carryover, causing poor air quality due to oil particles in the system. Avoid these risks by choosing Atlas Copco lubricants

Atlas Copco oil are customized for your Atlas Copco compressors for these reasons:

• Unique mix of additives
  The right composition of well-balanced additives is essential for the performance and lifetime of the oil. Preventing oxidation is one of the main objectives, to protect critical parts from being contaminated or damaged. Prevent foaming of the lubricant, especially in the air/oil separator, means protecting the quality of the outgoing air.

• Preventing wear
  Having the right protective film over rotating parts is all about viscosity behavior at different temperatures, combined with anti-wear additives that form a chemical coating. This prolongs the lifetime of rotors, bearings and gears and prevents breakdowns.

• Compatible with all parts
  The oil in the compressor comes into contact with multiple components, made of a wide variety of materials, from metals to softer materials for gaskets and seals. Only the right oil composition makes it suitable for contact with all these different parts and consumables.

Many people question what oil to use in their air compressor, often wondering whether there’s a better option available. The best oil to use in an air compressor will often depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically, your compressor guidelines will specify which oil would work best to ensure peak performance. The manufacturer’s recommendations should also tell you if synthetic blends will work for a specific air compressor.

So to get the best performance and reliability, choose a one-of-a-kind lubricant as well. Our range includes synthetic oil, mineral based oil and NSF Food grade oil.