What is compressor oil?
Compressor Oil is a lubricant used to prevent wear, minimize metal corrosion and improve compression efficiency. The oils vary according to thickness or viscosity, types of ingredients used and whether they are natural or synthetic oils. They can circulate with compressed gases, for example in air -conditioning systems or be separate, as in oxygen compressors.
wear resistance is important because many compressors work continuously and can wear quickly without sufficient lubrication. Chemicals called wear and wear additives reduce metal contact of moving parts. The correct viscosity or thickness of the compressor oil is important because the oil acts as a sealant and reduces the amount of gas that leaks around the compressor pistons called Blow-by.
Synthetic compressor oil is made of artificial lubricants rather than natural oil oils. Various molecules are mixed to provide wear protection, correct viscosity and high -temperature stability. CompressorsOxygen and other gases that can cause combustion can use synthetic oil as mixtures that do not burn in the presence of oxygen can be used.
Many systems such as air conditioning and cooling cooling, circulate the oil and refrigerant in the system as a mixture. Compressor oil provides lubrication when it is inside the compressor but is not stored there. Moving lubricant by means of a system can provide cooling of the compressor because hot oil is cooled in thermal exchangers before returning. These systems can also be cheaper production, as other equipment is not required to maintain oil.
For placement, oil -free systems are needed, where the presence of compressor oil can cause fire or contaminate gas supply. These systems are used to compress pure oxygen and are also used for the respiratory air that is for safety equipment or water clipping. LaboratoryThe tools may also need oil -free air supplies to prevent damage to the device.maintaining oil levels in some systems is essential for a long life. Most cooling systems are sealed and requires oil maintaining only if there is a leak. Larger cooling systems and commercial gas compressors can use the oil supply tank where the compressor oil is kept in storage until the system needs. This allows you to add spare oil without having to turn off the compressor.
From the end of the 20th century, synthetic oils have become more popular for some compressor systems. This was largely due to the ability to create or formulate specific oil properties for industrial, medical and consumer use. Synthetic oils were sometimes more expensive, but better oil stability allowed them to remain in compressors for a longer period of time before the change. This could result in lower oil costs and lower maintenance costs.