Difference between oil lubricated and oil-free piston and screw compressor

If you wish to purchase an air compressor, you could be faced with choosing between and oil-lubricated and oil-free compressor. Both have their pros, cons and suitabilities for different types of tasks and industries. VEMC is the leading ELGi screw compressor dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog, we tell you about the major differences between these two types of air compressors.

Piston vs screw air compressors

Before we go to the oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors, lets first talk about the difference between piston and screw compressors. The main difference lies in the way these compress the air. While a piston compressor use a piston driven by a crankshaft, a screw compressor uses two meshing helical screws. 

Role of oil in air compressors

Primarily, oil in air compressors acts as a coolant to dissipate the heat generated in the process of compression. It also acts as a lubricant as an air compressor has lots of moving parts which constantly rub against each other, causing friction and wear and tear. Thirdly, air compressor oil seals the compression chamber, thus also acting as a sealant. 

Pros and cons

Now that we know the role oil plays in an air compressor, lets jump to the pros and cons that oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors bring to the table.

Oil-lubricated compressors

ProsCons
1. These require very little maintenance and resolving technical issues is usually quite simple.1. These leave traces of oil which can cause problems in certain sensitive operations.
2. These tend to have a longer lifespan.2. These are often bulky, take up a lot of space, and are difficult to move around.
3. They produce very little heat or noise.
4. These are capable of performing heavy duty work and can be used in extreme conditions.

Oil-free compressors

ProsCons
1. They’re usually smaller in size and thus quite easy to move around.1. These generate more heat and noise.
2. They can deliver clean compressed air without any traces of oil.2. These compressors have more maintenance requirements.
3. These compressors require zero manual lubrication.3. They have a short lifespan as compared to oil-lubricated compressors. 
4. They are less costly than oil-lubricated air compressors.4. Unlike oil-lubricated compressors, these are not suited for heavy duty operations.

Which type of air compressor is best suited for your industry?

In operations and industries where slightest contamination can be problematic, oil-free compressors are the best choice. These include industries like:

  1. Paper
  2. Food and beverage
  3. Pharmaceuticals
  4. Electricals

However, in case there is no contamination risk as such, oil-lubricated compressors are any day a great choice, as these have low maintenance, longer lifespan, and produce less noise and heat.

Still not sure which compressor is the right choice for your business? Free free to get in touch with VEMC by calling us on 022 43436655 or emailing us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the leading ELGi screw compressor dealer based in Mumbai.

Advanced Benefits Of A Rotary Screw Air Compressor

Rotary screw compressors bring in a host of benefits to your business –– technical, economical and utilitarian. These are highly energy-efficient air compressors and also very adaptable, thanks to their variable speed control. An ELGi Screw Compressor is in fact significantly superior to any of the piston air compressors you can find out there. 

In This Blog, We Take You Through Some Of The Most Advanced Benefits You Get With A Rotary Screw Air Compressor:

 Rotary Screw Air Compressors Vs. Piston

With respect to the engine arrangements, a rotary screw compressor brings you wide diversity as compared to the piston compressor. Piston compressors simply use pistons to pressurise air and move it from one cylinder to another, compressing it in the process.

Rotary screw air compressors like ELGi Screw Compressor bring the best technology to the table. This completely eliminates the friction when the engine spins and makes downtime almost non-existent.

That said, the initial investment is somewhat on the higher side. However, the benefits that rotary screw air compressors bring along quickly cover these initial one-time costs.

 Choosing The Right Motor And Compressor Size

Direct-drive compressors are usually more efficient than belt-drive and gear-drive compressors. But again, it depends on your budget. When it comes to sizing your compressor, choose on the basis of the air pressure you would require throughout the day. If you’re unable to decide the type and size of your compressor, you can always get in touch with VEMC –– a leading air compressor dealer in Mumbai.

Technology And Equipment Considerations

With rotary screw compressors, maintenance is incredibly simple. ELGi Screw Compressor offers single-service door access to routine maintenance points. They also have spin-on oil filters and separator elements for quick and easy routine service. 

When To Replace And Upgrade

You may be hesitant about replacing your existing air compressor with a rotary screw air compressor,  especially if it is in a good condition. But as a thumb rule, you must look to replace your equipment after 10 years or so. This is to be abreast of all the innovations and efficiencies brought about by advancing technology. Often running older equipment can be more expensive than using new ones due to innate inefficiencies or wear and tear. 

Environmental Impact

ELGi Screw Compressors are specially designed to reduce running costs and environmental impact. Variable Speed Drives (VSD) for one reduce energy loss significantly. With IoT-based applications, compressors can be connected to their owners through a mobile app, thus ensuring monitoring and predictive maintenance. Overall, ELGi as an organization is committed to addressing climate change and building a long-term sustainability roadmap.

Conclusion 

EGLi Screw Compressor is clearly a winner when it comes to offering efficiency, savings, and sustainability. For more details on its features, applications, use and maintenance, please call VEMC at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are a leading Compressor Dealer in Mumbai with 72 years of rich experience and cutting-edge expertise at our back.