Do I Need an Oil-Free or Lubricated Compressor?

Oil-free air compressors are used to produce a wide range of sensitive products, from semiconductors, medication and paper. Even the smallest trace of oil in such applications could have adverse effects on products and even people. Class 0 and “technically oil-free” are often used to imply that a compressor meets certain standards. Although, these terms are similar they have key differences that if not taken under consideration can lead to unintended consequences.

To better understand it all, let’s take a deeper look at the meaning of 'Oil-fee'. Oil-free and oil-less are both used to describe compressors that do not use any lubrication in the compression chamber. While the first two terms describe a type of compressor, Class 0 and “technically oil-free” express how clean the air is after compression. There are important differences between the two, which we will explain later on in this article.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets forth worldwide standards for proprietary, industrial and commercial purposes. Compressed air has its own set of ISO standards. Depending on the ultimate air purity (determined by number of particles per cubic meter as a function of particle size), compressors can be ranked from ISO Class 0-5. The original version of ISO compressed air purity standards (1991) was ‘made by and made for’ the filter manufacturers. The standard defined five classes of oil concentration, the best of which was Class 1.

ISO Class 1 - Technically Oil-Free Air

Class 1 specifies an oil concentration of 0.01 mg/m3 at 1 bar(a) 14.5psia and 20oC (68F), and conformance to these criteria is sometimes called “a technically oil-free solution.” However, these standards were edited in 2001 and were further updated in 2010. The current standard sets limits on total oil content (aerosol, liquid and vapor), and a specific standard was introduced on measurement of oil vapor. 

ISO Class 0 - Oil-Free Air 

A new class (Class 0) was added to cover more stringent quality requirements. ISO Class 0 is the cleanest choice. They can guarantee 100 percent oil-free air. There are some faulty claims going around the industry that promote oil lubricated compressors with filters and calling them “technically oil-free” as well as stating that the air quality is often better than that from an oil-free compressor. These claims are untrue and their use when Class 0 is needed can lead to inadvertent damage to sensitive products and or equipment.

When choosing an oil-free compressor, make sure to pick a Class 0 oil-free compressor and not a “technically oil-free” option. They generally have a higher initial price point, but they are much safer to use in sensitive applications. With Class 0, you can be sure that absolutely no contamination will reach your end user equipment and rest assured that your assets are protected. It is always best practice to seek advice from a compressed air professional when picking out an oil-free or oil lubricated air compressor.