The oil of your compressor cools, lubricates and protects the metal components in your compressed air system. The right choice and quantity of compressor oil is critical to extending your equipment’s lifespan as well as protecting the investment you made in it.
Donaldson’s wrap-around air oil separators are equipped with our unique Synteq XP coalescing media to assist your system to meet the low oil carryover requirements while maintaining efficiency and performance. This helps minimize energy use and increases the longevity of your equipment.
Factors Affecting Oil Performance
Compressor oil is an essential part of a healthy air system. It manages wear and tear among the moving components in the compressor. It also provides cooling for your compressor. Additionally, it helps to reduce the amount of contaminants inside the system.
When a properly maintained compressed air system, the ratio of condensate to lubricant is less than one parts per million (ppm). This level of contamination can cause problems in food processing plants in the event that it comes into contact with foods.
Using food grade compressor oil eliminates the risk of this contamination. It also reduces the expense of collecting and dispose of oil-contaminated condensate. Additionally, it reduces the amount of energy required to counter the pressure drop in filters, regulators, and hoses. Additionally, it helps users achieve less unloaded horsepower of your compressed air system. These can all result in huge savings over the course of. In the case of your particular application the possibility is that you will be able get even greater energy savings by selecting motors that are oil free.
Factors Impacting Compressor Oil
There are a variety of variables that can influence the efficiency and durability of compressor oil. Understanding these factors and selecting the right oil to fit the particular equipment in the plant will improve effectiveness and lower maintenance costs.
A majority of air compressors utilize regular or mineral oil which is more affordable than synthetic oils, but it may cause problems with lubrication when used in extremely high temperatures or in heavy charges. Additionally, mineral oil may oxidize and form varnish inside the compressed air system, which can increase energy use and is a risk to damage pneumatic tools and equipment.
A high-quality air-oil separator is one of the key components in the system for ensuring pure, oil-free air. Donaldson’s built-in air-oil separators come available with a range of media. This includes their exclusive Synteq XP coalescing media, which offers long life and superior performance that helps achieve low carryover standard. It also allows energy savings and reduced recirculation of oil and lower restrictions in the distribution system.
Oil Quality and Performance
Oil for engines is primarily used for its role as a “friction” fighter. A thin layer of oil exists between the unlubricated metal surface that rub against one another and damaging themselves if they overheat. The energy needed to overcome the molecular friction requires careful oil formulation to ensure that it is the lowest possible level without compromising the shear stress to shear rate characteristic needed for efficient operation.
Air compressor oils are an essential part of the operation of your system for compressed air and their proper choice, storage, maintenance and troubleshooting can significantly impact its efficiency. For optimal results make sure you select an excellent quality oil specifically designed specially for your particular compressed air use.
Utilizing a food-grade oil is a further step in the quality of the oil. It ensures that it’s safe for use in places where food product are being handled. These types of oil are designed to be flavorless or odorless, and will pass FDA’s maximum permissible concentration for H1 lubricants, which is 10 parts per million (ppm). The usage of this kind of oil will reduce the possibility of contamination and increase the efficiency of your entire system.
Maintaining Compressed Air System Efficiency
It’s vital to have a clear view into the compressed air system, especially the demand side for identifying energy saving opportunities. This goes beyond a regular check-up and replacement of filters. The more extensive approach is looking at every aspect of the system, from pipes to end-use equipment.
Inspect piping for excessive pressure drop that restricts flow and can increase energy use. Minimizing this problem begins with selecting the right piping size that are suitable for the system and purpose of use.
Fixing air leaks often represents one of the greatest opportunities for energy efficiency since they are responsible in the vast binh tich khi majority of energy consumption. Inspecting and repairing these leaks frequently is a crucial element of preventive maintenance.
Examining compressors for loose connections and belt conditions, hot spots, and conditions of the paint in addition to checking acoustic noise levels in the bearing, as well as vibration levels can ensure reliable operation and decrease operating costs. Utilizing Donaldson superior air-oil separators featuring low oil carryover also saves power by storing the developed and expensive lubricant within the compressor exactly where it should be.