What is an Oil Free Air Compressor?

An oil free air compressor is a machine that compresses air without oil. Unlike oil-lubricated compressors, which require regular oil changes and maintenance, these compressors are more convenient and energy efficient.

Oil free air compressors are ideal for applications where contamination from oil is unacceptable, such as in the medical, food and beverage, or electronics industries. Due to their efficiency, reliability, and versatility, oil-free compressors are the future.

How an Oil Free Air Compressor Works

An oil free air compressor uses non-oil materials for lubrication and cooling. Instead of traditional oil, materials like Teflon or synthetic oil get used.
The cooling is achieved through water or air-based techniques, which help reduce the compressed clean air temperature. This process leads to more efficient and reliable compression.

Oil Free Air Compressor Pros & Cons

Oil Free Compressor Pros

1. Highly Reliable

The high reliability of oil-free air compressors comes from the fact that they are not oil-based. Unlike oil-based compressors that require regular oil changes, these can work for a long time without any maintenance costs or repairs.

2. No Oil Mist or Drain Discharge

Unlike conventional-style compressors that create oil mist as a by-product, oil free compressors have no discharge of oil at all. This element reduces the risk of contamination, maintaining quality and precision throughout the process.

3. Less Stressed Pistons

Due to the use of synthetic materials instead of oil-cooling techniques, the pistons are less stressed. This results in a much longer effective life span and better durability.

4. Excellent Stability

An oil free air compressor has excellent stability, providing consistent output and pressure without additional adjustments. They maintain a stable air supply, even in demanding applications, making them ideal for high-performance tasks.

5. Energy Efficient

An oil-free compressor has fewer parts that require lubrication, reducing the power required to drive the compressor. This efficiency translates to lower operating costs and reduced energy consumption.

Oil free Compressor Cons

1. Higher Initial Cost

Oil free compressors tend to be more expensive than oil-based compressors. However, their lower maintenance costs and longer lifespan usually offset the cost.

2. Limited Applications

An oilless air compressor is unsuitable for applications requiring high pressures or continuous operation. They are best suited for intermittent use in the medical, food, or electronics industries.

3. Noise Level

Much like their oil-based counterparts, they are overall quite noisy. The noise level can vary with the technology used but is typically higher than other compressors in the same category.

Oil Free Air Compressors vs Oil Lubricated Compressors

Similarities:

1. Refrigeration Cycle

Both air compressors have a refrigeration cycle, which compresses the refrigerant gas to increase its pressure and temperature.

2. Cooling System

Oil-free and oil-based compressors require a cooling system to maintain a suitable operating temperature. Cooling is achieved through either water or air-based techniques.

3. Industry and Application

Both compressors have wide-ranging industrial and application uses, including automotive, manufacturing, and construction industries.

4. Rotary Screw

The rotary screw is a technology used in oil-free and oil-based compressors, providing a highly efficient and reliable compression method.

5. Compressed Air System

Both compressors are used in compressed air systems, where the air is compressed and stored for later use.

6. Control Systems

Both oil-free and oil-based compressors use control systems to regulate their operation. These systems include sensors and microprocessors, which control the compressor’s performance based on data from components within the machine.

Differences

1. Class 0 Certification

Oil-free compressors are often certified as Class 0, meaning they produce no oil, making them suitable for applications requiring oil-free compressed air.

2. Pressure Drops

An oil free air compressor is more prone to pressure drops due to its reliance on water or air cooling techniques, while oil-based compressors can operate at higher pressures due to the use of oil-based lubricants.

3. Environmental Impact

Oil-free compressors are more environmentally friendly since they do not produce oil mist or discharge oil into the environment. This feature makes them ideal for applications where the air grade is crucial.

What Are Oil Free Air Compressors Used for?

Spray Painting

Oil free air compressors are widely used in spray painting applications. These compressors provide clean and dry air, ensuring a high quality finish with no oil mist or water droplets.

Food & Beverage

Oil-free compressors are essential for maintaining food quality and safety. They are used for packaging, processing, and preservation, providing clean, dry air that meets industry standards.

Brewing Beer

Breweries require an oil free air compressor for various applications, like brewing, bottling, and packaging. These compressors provide clean and dry air essential for maintaining the quality and taste of beer.

Textiles

Textile manufacturing companies utilize oil-free compressors to ensure that all aspects of their production, such as washing and drying, produce clean and dry air.

Oil Free Air Compressor Maintenance

These compressors require less maintenance than oiled models but still need routine safety checks and upkeep. Regularly check and clean your safety valves and filters. Also, visually inspect the whole unit, including hoses and seals. Look for cracks and make sure all fittings are secure. If you see anything wrong with your compressor, bring it to Air Power Equipment Co. in OKC for same-day maintenance.

Do you Need to Break in Oilless Air Compressors?

No, you do not need to break in an oilless air compressor. Unlike oil-lubricated compressors, which require a break-in period to allow the oil to circulate throughout the system, an oil free air compressor does not. As a result, they do not require any special break-in procedures.

Oil Free Compressor Life Expectancy

Oil free compressors can last up to 50,000 hours, depending on the type of unit and how well it is maintained.

How to Extend the Life of the Compressor?

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Guidelines

The manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines should get followed religiously to ensure the longevity of the compressor. It includes filter replacements and general maintenance.

2. Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your air compressor can help prevent the buildup of debris and dirt, which can cause damage to the compressor and lead to a decrease in its lifespan.

3. Proper Storage

Proper storage protects the compressor from environmental factors like dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Ensure the compressor is stored in a clean, dry, and cool environment.

4. Monitor Air Quality

Monitoring the air quality is essential to ensure that the compressor is not operating in an environment that can cause damage to it. This process includes monitoring for water, oil, and other contaminants in the air supply.

5. Regular Inspections

Regular inspections of the compressor can help detect issues early on and prevent more significant damage from occurring. This inspection includes checking for leaks, unusual noises, and unusual vibrations.

Should You Get An Oil Free Compressor?

An oil-free compressor is a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to an oil-based compressor. These compressors also have numerous applications in a wide range of industries.
For more information on choosing an oil free air compressor that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations, contact our team of experts today.

Air Power Equipment Company in Oklahoma City (OKC), is the leading source for new air compressor sales and used air compressor sales throughout the country. We specialize in rotary screw air compressor sales and reciprocal air compressor sales. Air Power Equipment Company is also the best source for air compressor service and air compressor parts in Oklahoma.  If you are looking for new air compressors, used air compressors, air compressor parts, or air compressor service call Air Power Equipment Company OKC. We are experts with all brands of air compressor equipment and we are a stocking distributor of air compressor brands like FS Curtis Air Compressors, Champion Air Compressors, Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressors, Kellogg Air Compressors, American Air Compressors, Quincy Compressor and many more. Call us at (405) 445-1216 – we have what you need, and at the best price you will find.