I. Types of Lubricating Oil and Applicable Scenarios
Atlas Copco provides various specialized lubricating oils based on the type of air compressor, operating conditions, and technical requirements:
Lubricating oil for screw compressors
Mineral oil: Suitable for small and medium-sized oil-injected screw compressors, operating at lower temperatures (typically ≤ 80℃), with relatively low cost and an oil change cycle of approximately 2000-4000 hours.
Synthetic oil: The mainstream choice, such as "Atlas Copco Ultra Coolant" (Super Coolant), using poly α-olefin (PAO) or ester-based synthetic base oils, with high heat resistance (up to 100-120℃), strong antioxidant properties, and an oil change cycle of up to 8000-16000 hours, suitable for high-load, continuous-running screw compressors (such as GA, G series).
Lubricating oil for oil-free compressors
For bearings and gearboxes of oil-free screw or piston compressors, such as "OIL-FREE COMPRESSOR OIL", it must meet strict cleanliness requirements to avoid contaminating the compressed air and is commonly used in food, pharmaceutical industries.
Lubricating oil for piston compressors
Suitable for reciprocating piston compressors, focusing on anti-wear and sealing performance, divided into low pressure (≤ 1MPa), medium pressure (1-10MPa), and high pressure (> 10MPa) specific oils.
II. Core Functions and Characteristics
Lubrication protection: Forms an oil film on the surfaces of rotating parts and moving components, reducing friction and wear, and lowering mechanical losses.
Cooling and heat dissipation: Absorbs the heat generated during compression (approximately 60-70% of total heat), dissipates it through oil coolers, maintaining the normal operating temperature of the equipment.
Sealing and leak prevention: Fills the rotor gap, enhancing the sealing performance of the compression chamber, and improving compression efficiency.
Anti-emulsification and separation: Quickly separates mixed water (especially in humid environments) to prevent oil emulsification and deterioration; cooperates with the oil separator to ensure the compressed air contains no more than 3ppm oil (typically ≤ 3ppm).
Antioxidation and stability:It is not prone to cracking or carbon deposition. Under long-term high-temperature operation, it can extend the oil change interval and reduce the formation of sludge.III. Oil Change Cycle and Replacement Tips
Oil Change Cycle
Mineral oil： 2000-4000 hours (or according to the equipment manual， in harsh environments， the cycle should be shortened).
Synthetic oil： 8000-16000 hours (specifically depending on operating temperature， environmental dust， etc.).
It is recommended to determine the actual replacement time based on oil quality tests (such as viscosity， acid value， impurity content)， avoiding excessive use that causes equipment wear.
Replacement Tips
After shutdown， wait for the oil temperature to drop below 50℃ before discharging the old oil to ensure that oil residues and impurities are fully discharged.
During replacement， it is necessary to replace the oil filter and oil separator filter elements simultaneously， clean the sediment at the bottom of the oil tank.
When adding new oil， strictly follow the equipment's specified model， and do not mix different types or brands of oil (possible chemical reactions may damage the oil quality).
The oil level should be controlled between the upper and lower limits of the oil gauge， too high may lead to increased fuel consumption， too low may result in insufficient lubrication.
