Three types of engine oils are most avoided for air compressors

Air compressors have strict requirements for the selection of lubricating media. The following three types of oil products may have a negative impact on equipment operation and output air quality due to incompatible performance. Special attention should be paid to avoid using them:

1. Ordinary engine oil (e.g. car oil)
The design goal of this type of oil is to reduce friction and high-temperature oxidation in power equipment, but it lacks the anti-emulsification and high-temperature stability of compressor oils. Long-term use may cause oil to decompose at high temperatures, producing sludge or carbon deposits, blocking oil passages or affecting the lubrication efficiency of parts; at the same time, its additives may not be able to effectively separate the water generated during the compression process, resulting in the formation of emulsion after mixing of oil and water, reducing equipment tightness and increasing the risk of corrosion.

2. hydraulic oil
Although hydraulic oil has certain viscosity characteristics, its core function is to transmit power rather than long-term lubrication. During compressor operation, the viscosity of hydraulic oil may decrease due to high temperatures, which cannot form a stable oil film and aggravate component wear; in addition, its anti-foam and oxidation properties are weak, and it is prone to bubbles or oil aging during long-term use, which affects equipment operation stability.

3. gear oil
Gear oil is mainly used for lubrication of gear boxes. Although its extreme pressure and anti-wear properties are strong, its volatility and oxidation resistance at high temperatures may be insufficient. When the compressor is running, gear oil may evaporate due to the increase in temperature and pollute the output air; at the same time, its additives may not be able to effectively cope with the high-frequency reciprocating motion of the compressor, accelerate oil quality deterioration, and increase maintenance frequency.

use recommendations
In order to ensure the stable operation of the air compressor and the cleanliness of the output air, it is recommended to give priority to the special oil recommended by the equipment manufacturer. This type of oil has undergone targeted research and development and testing, and can be adapted to the working parameters of specific models (such as compression ratio and exhaust temperature), extending the service life of the equipment and reducing the risk of failure caused by oil mismatch.