From Guest Blogger Jayde Ferguson: From an Environmental Perspective, What’s the Difference Between Oil Free and Oil Lubricated Air Compressors?

Air compressors are essential for the use of high demand tools like pneumatic wrenches, paint sprayers and sanders. Industrial tools like these demand power, and the right air compressor can be the ultimate workhorse in providing it. For workshops that require a consistent flow of air to perform daily jobs well, compressors supply a compressed amount of air to drive tools without hassle. There are five main types of air compressors on the market – rotary screw compressors, reciprocating compressors, scroll compressors, screw compressors and centrifugal compressors. But how do you know which workhorse is right for the job?

Air compressors are designed to be efficient, reliable and productive. The main difference between the types, aside from the price tag, is the pressure and flow.  They also differ from lubricated or oil-free. Both options come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Generally, it’s budget and what you’ll be using the compressor for which will dictate the final decision. Confused about which one is best for your needs? Here’s the low down on both:

What are Oil Free Air Compressors?

As the name suggests, oil free air compressors have zero oil injected, using only air to power tools. They’re designed to be used for specific applications, especially when dealing with food. Oil free compressors work by drawing in air by way of a piston. The piston chamber requires lubrication to increase productivity for use, which oil is usually utilised for. In oil free compressors however, this chamber is pre-lubricated eliminating the need for any oil.

Advantages of Oil Free Compressors

Because these compressors don’t require oil for lubrication, you get a clean and risk-free supply of air. Air purity can be critical for many applications when even the tiniest drop of oil could cause contamination, damage to production equipment or product spoilage. These issues can result in costly downtime or product rework should the wrong compressor be used.

Cost Effective: It’s more cost effective to use oil free compressors because they’re lighter and easier to use.

Less Upkeep and Hassle: They require less maintenance than their counterparts before of the pre-lubrication. Because they’re lighter than oil lubricated compressors, they are portable enough to transport between work spaces. Their size makes them a good choice for around the home applications, like inflating car tires or operating nail guns.

Meets Strict Standards: Oil free compressors must meet the strictest quality standards to ensure 100% air purity. They are best for industries that must prevent contamination for the success of their operations including food processing, workplaces with the use of pneumatic equipment and dental offices. They’re also ideal for standard workshops and factories due to their low-maintenance properties and low unloaded horsepower.

Eliminates Extra Energy Costs: These compressors use less energy because of their lower discharge pressure.
Disadvantages of Oil Free Compressors

Noise Levels: There’s a huge difference between the amount of noise air compressors generate. Whilst there are silenced compressors that are designed to be quiet operators, oil free are generally noisier than oil lubricated models. If you’re planning on using the compressor in a quiet environment, indoors or where there’s noise restrictions in place, this can be a hassle. They usually require ear protection to avoid hearing loss too.

Price Tag: Because oil free compressors create 100% air purity, they tend to be more expensive. Whilst they can be more cost-effective to run, forking out the cost for them is usually only practical when it’s required in oil free industries. They do, however, offer a good return on their purchase value if you don’t require heavy use from it.

Durability: Oil free compressors aren’t as durable as oil lubricated. This is due to the permanent lubrication eventually wearing down.

Efficiency and Heat: Although they eliminate extra energy costs, oil free compressors are not as efficient as their counterparts because of their power cap.  They also run hotter as without lubrication, excess heat isn’t removed.
What are Oil Lubricated Air Compressors?

Oil lubricated air compressors are made up of cylinders that are thinly coated with oil. These types of compressors are ideal for anyone that uses a lot of air tools on a regular basis. These models are designed to thrive off heavy duty applications and thus, have the pressure capabilities to handle the toughest power tools. If you’re after an air compressor that will require a lot of use, it’s always better to choose an oil lubricated model.

Advantages of Oil Lubricated Compressors

Powerful and Durable: Oil lubricated designs make the most powerful compressors on the market. Because they’re heavier, they’re more durable and as result will last longer. A stationary oil lubricated model will be the compressor of choice for heavy duty applications.

Cooling Features: If your application doesn’t require 100% oil free, choosing oil lubricated compressors are best because they don’t generate hot spots. Regardless of the power load, the lubrication in the compressor is vital to removing excess heat. Without the lubrication and aftercooling features, the air can get to 80-100 degrees. The oil cleans, cools, lubricates, seals and protects.

Price and Usage: These models are the most common because of their lower price tags. Their high-level performance makes them best under most circumstances and continuous or regular usage.

Quiet Operation: Silenced air compressors are oil lubricated and can feature an enclosed cabinet for additional soundproofing. Their quiet operation makes them practical for enclosed spaces and workshops, and voids the need for ear protection.

Disadvantages of Oil Lubricated Compressors

Maintenance: These units require a lot more maintenance. Like a car or lawn mower, oil needs to be checked and changed on a regular basis. Oil filters will also need to be changed.

Weight: Oil lubricated air compressors are heavier. They’re chunkier in size, making them harder to move around.

Both compressor types serve their own purposes. Although heavier, it’s recommended to spend the money on an oil lubricated air compressor unless your application requires 100% purity or it won’t get much use. Consider your budget, type of job and power needed.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson, who writes for Cleveland Compressors – WA’s largest independent provider of quality compressor products and services. You can catch her on Google+.