Air compressors need to be in optimum condition to give the best performance. Maintaining them properly ensures that they last long and help save money in the long run. There are several maintenance routines to consider for a smooth-functioning air compressor. One of the most important routines is changing the oil in the pump or piston of the air compressor. While focusing on other maintenance routines, many people overlook this one, which often leads to poor performance of the air compressors and, in some cases, also causes damage to the systems.
Why is it important to change the oil?
The oil in a compressor has several functions apart from lubrication. It helps the compressor parts to cool down so that the motor doesn’t overheat. The oil also acts as a sealing agent during the compression process.
If the compressor doesn’t have enough oil, it may not perform as efficiently as it’s supposed to. Low oil levels cause the compressor to overheat since air compression produces heat and oil absorbs the heat. Moreover, low oil levels also increase friction, which can lead the compressor to overheat. It’s also important to replace the contaminated oil from the air compressor regularly. Failing to replace the old oil with new oil causes debris and particles to build up and hampers its smooth functioning. Lack of sufficient oil can also increase the chances of rust, wear and tear, and corrosion. Finally, oil has a tendency to oxidise in the presence of water and heat. This reduces its effectiveness which can lead to costly breakdowns.
In some systems, overheating leads to an automatic shutdown. In such situations, the compressor can be used again only after it has cooled down and the oil has been replaced.
How often should the oil in an air compressor be changed?
Air compressors need consistent lubrication to prevent friction on the pumps or pistons and hence, the oil level must be checked regularly. The frequency of changing oil in compressors depends on the type of compressors used. Some compressors need more frequent changes than others and it’s best to consult the user manual that comes with the system. It’s possible to even find the life expectancy of some oils in terms of service hours in some of the manuals.
For rotary screw compressors, the oil should ideally be changed every 2000 hours or 12 months, whichever is earlier. For reciprocating air compressors, the oil needs to be changed every 3 months.
Performing an oil analysis that checks for important factors such as viscosity, particle count, water contamination, and total acid number (TAN) can help determine when to change the oil. It’s ideal to conduct an oil analysis every 500 to 2000 hours, depending on the user manual and the warranty.
VEMC, an authorised ELGi compressor dealer in Mumbai, supplies ELGi air and reciprocating compressors that are ideal for both commercial and industrial operations. Our range of screw and piston (reciprocating) compressors are cost-effective and offer long-lasting solutions for light-to-heavy-duty industrial applications. To know more about our range of compressed air systems and for help in choosing the right one, contact us on +91 98199 07445. VEMC is a 72-years-old young organization with ISO 9001:2015 certification and is CRISIL MSE-1 rated.