How often should the air compressor oil filter be replaced?
1. Replacement cycle for the base (based on operating time)
Normal operating conditions (clean environment, medium load, using mineral oil): Replace once every 1,000 - 2,000 hours.
Adverse operating conditions (high dust, high temperature, high humidity, heavy load operation, or using synthetic oil): It is recommended to shorten to 800 - 1,500 hours.
Note: Synthetic oil has a longer lifespan, but the oil filter is more affected by contaminants, so the replacement cycle should be shortened simultaneously.
2. According to the requirements of the equipment manual
Different brands (such as Atlas, Ingersoll Rand, Sulzer, etc.) and models of compressors have differences in design. The manual will clearly specify the replacement cycle, for example:
Small screw compressors: Usually require replacement every 1,500 - 3,000 hours.
Large industrial compressors: May be extended to 2,000 - 4,000 hours (in conjunction with oil quality testing).
Be sure to follow the equipment manual, as this is the most suitable standard for the equipment.
3. Judging based on oil quality and operating conditions (flexibly adjust)
Oil quality testing: Through professional testing (such as viscosity, moisture, and impurity content), if the contaminants in the oil exceed the standard, even if it is not the replacement cycle, the oil filter should be replaced in advance.
Abnormal signals: Check immediately and replace the oil filter if the following situations occur:
Abnormally high oil pressure (possibly due to filter blockage).
The lubricating oil turns black, has impurities sedimentation or an unpleasant smell.
The compressor's operating noise increases, or the temperature is abnormal (possibly due to poor lubrication).
4. Performing simultaneously with oil replacement
It is usually recommended to replace the oil filter and lubricating oil simultaneously to avoid the contaminants in the old oil polluting the new oil, affecting the service life of the new oil and the new filter.
