Atlas Copco Air Compressor Lubricants (also known as air compressor oils) 1. Main Functions
Lubrication and wear reduction: Form an oil film between moving parts such as screws, pistons, and bearings, reducing friction and wear, and lowering mechanical losses.
Sealing and leak prevention: Fill the gaps between screws and cavities, as well as between pistons and cylinder walls, enhancing sealing performance and improving compression efficiency.
Cooling and heat dissipation: Absorb the heat generated during compression (about 80% of the heat is carried away by the lubricant), preventing equipment from overheating.
Cleaning and protection: Wash away internal impurities, prevent carbon deposits and oil sludge formation, and protect metal components from rusting.
2. Common Types and Application Scenarios
Mineral oil type
Base oil: Extracted from petroleum, with lower cost.
Applicable: Small and medium-sized air compressors, normal temperature conditions (<80℃), intermittent operation equipment (such as piston-type air compressors).
Changeover period: Usually 2000-4000 hours.
Synthetic oil type
Base oil: Artificially synthesized (such as poly α-olefins, esters, etc.), with superior performance.
Advantages: High temperature resistance (up to 100-150℃), strong oxidation resistance, long service life.
Applicable: Large screw machines, variable frequency air compressors (VSD), continuous high-load operation equipment (such as GA series).
Changeover period: 8000-16000 hours (some long-lasting types can reach over 20000 hours).
Food-grade lubricants
Comply with food contact standards such as FDA, used in industries with extremely high air quality requirements (such as food and medicine).
3. Key Selection Indicators
Viscosity: Needs to match the model of the air compressor (refer to the recommended viscosity grades in the manual, such as ISO VG 32, 46, 68), improper viscosity will lead to poor lubrication or increased energy consumption.
Flash point: The higher, the safer. Avoid spontaneous combustion at high temperatures (generally requires > 200℃).
Oxidation stability: Determines the service life, synthetic oils are far superior to mineral oils.
Anti-emulsification: Quickly separates inclusions of water, preventing oil from becoming emulsified and deteriorating.
Compatibility with seals: Avoid corrosion of rubber/plastic seals (such as nitrile rubber, fluorine rubber).
4. Usage and Maintenance Tips
Do not mix different types of oil products: The additives of mineral oil and synthetic oil may conflict, leading to deterioration of the oil quality.
Regular inspection and replacement:
Visual inspection: Oil color (normal is light yellow, black / emulsified requires immediate replacement), oil level (maintain within the scale range).
Replace according to the manual cycle, also replace the oil filter and air filter, thoroughly clean the oil tank.
Storage note: Store sealed and protected from light, avoid mixing in water, dust, etc. impurities.
Environmental adaptation: Shorten the changeover period in high-temperature, high-humidity or dusty environments.
