The stable operation of the compressor depends on the nature of its operation, the quality of components and equipment that it serves. In this case, regardless of the type of unit, oil plays a crucial role in maintaining the working life. The fluid lubricating the parts is important for any mechanics, and the compressor with its element base is especially sensitive in this regard. Manufacturers of industrial chemistry produce different compositions that are intended for specific groups of equipment. It remains only to choose the correct oil for compressors and not to forget about its regular updating in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
What are the functions of compressor oil?
The main task that almost any technical oil performs is to maintain the physical condition of the working group. In other words, the fluid minimizes the effect of friction, due to which the parts retain their shape and operational properties. In addition, depending on the composition, compressor oil can also provide the effect of filling technological gaps, which provides a seal of the working space and positively affects the functions of some mechanisms. Modified products can also give a cooling effect - in this case, the unit will be protected from overheating, which eliminates the risk of an accident.
The specific set of effects that this or that composition gives is to a large extent determined by additives. Technologists improve lubricating components, as a result of which there may also be a decrease in the risk of engine detonation and an increase in oxidation resistance of elements. But in the long-term mode, to achieve the preservation of the unit can only be provided timely replacement of the fluid. For example, compressor oil for reciprocating compressors after the first filling changes on average after 75 hours of working time. Subsequent updates are made at intervals of 250-300 hours.
Compositions for piston compressor
For compositions in this category, manufacturers use special additives that increase the heat resistance of the equipment design. This need is due to the technical design of reciprocating compressors as such. The fact is that the operating cycle of the unit is accompanied by the generation of high-degree heat. Hot streams act on the oil as a result of contact with compressed gas mixtures, which also warm up to high temperatures. Therefore, in addition to the main working qualities in the form of protection of parts, compressor oil for reciprocating compressors must also provide its own stability in a temperature environment of about 180 ° C. Otherwise, there is a risk of carbon deposits on metal surfaces. To protect against such phenomena, non-stick additives and additives providing thermo-oxidative stability are added to the compositions of such oils.
Compositions for screw models
In the operation of a screw compressor, an important role is played by mechanical contact between the parts. Therefore, lubricating fluids are oriented towards providing a sealing effect, due to which the rigidity of shock and contact of structural elements is softened. In other words, oil for compressors of this type fills extra gaps, thereby eliminating the beating of teeth and cavities between themselves. In any case, a damping effect is achieved, due to which the resource of the element base is also preserved. To ensure optimal compaction, technologists increase the viscosity of the composition - the average mixture characteristics have 7 mm 2 / s at this value. But this is not all the features of such compositions. The liquid provides adequate cooling, which minimizes the risks of overheating. As in the case of piston units, screw compressors operate at high temperatures, so there is a need for cooling.
Air Compressor Oil
For air units, the same oil is usually used as for piston units. For example, the best option may be a composition with high rates of protection against oxidation and high temperature resistance. More importantly, experienced mechanics recommend abandoning products with a high sulfur content. This is especially true for compressor stations that operate with equipment at medium and high pressure values. If we talk about the features, the specialized oil for the air compressor in modern lines of car chemistry also contains composite additives that improve the basic working qualities of the mixtures. First of all, this concerns the protective properties of the liquid itself, which does not lose its functional properties for a long time.
Synthetic or mineral?
As is the case with traditional machine oils, in the consumables segment for compressors there is also a division into mineral compositions and synthetic ones. Accordingly, the mineral product is characterized by low price, rough composition, modest performance and a short working function. Such compositions are recommended for equipment that is rarely involved in work. As a rule, it is used in domestic conditions or workshops. In turn, mineral oil for the compressor is suitable for those who plan to extract the maximum operating effect from the installation under production conditions, while maintaining the elemental base from rapid wear, deformation and destruction. Synthetics is characterized by stability in operation, high viscosity, temperature resistance, but also a considerable price tag.
How to choose oil for compressors according to their characteristics?
It’s worth starting the choice with volume. Most often they sell 1-liter bottles, which are enough not only for a one-time replacement, but also for periodic topping up. This is the optimum volume if one compressor is being serviced. Containers with a volume of more than 5 l, for example, are used to service several units operated in production. Next, the heating temperature is estimated. As mentioned above, resistance at 180 ° C is optimal. High-quality synthetic oil for the compressor is able to perform its tasks at 220 ° C. In comparison, mineral formulations rarely withstand thermal stress at 100 ° C. Freezing point, which is related to viscosity, is also important. Synthetic oils continue to operate at -30 ° C, and a limit of -10 ° C is considered critical for mineral mixtures.
Oil producers
Experts recommend paying attention to products from the compressor manufacturers themselves, who are well acquainted with the designs of the target object and therefore offer the highest quality solutions. In this line it is worth noting FUBAG, Abac, Metabo, etc. It is also famous for its good quality Shell compressor oil, which is based on triethers. In the Russian segment, the choice is not so rich. A worthy alternative to foreign products, in particular, is offered by the Zubr brand.
Conclusion
It would be wrong to assume that regular lubrication with technical fluid is required only for compressors used in construction and production. Even episodic operation of a pneumatic tool, which uses minimal volumes of compressed air, activates the working base of the station. Accordingly, the economy should always have compressor oil that is inexpensive, but suitable in terms of parameters. The price is also not so high - 1 liter, for example, can be purchased for 200-300 rubles. But it will last for a long time. If we are talking about the full and regular operation of the compressor, then the provision of lubrication must be approached more seriously. For example, you should focus only on synthetic compounds from the major manufacturers mentioned above. This is important not only from the point of view of maintaining the operational life of individual components and parts, but also as a mandatory measure to increase the safety of equipment directly in the framework of the work process.