Oil-lubricated or oil-free air compressors – which one should you pick?

Amongst a diverse set of criteria that you need to keep in mind while choosing your air compressor, the type of lubrication is one of the most important factors. Should you choose an oil-lubricated or an oil-free air compressor for your business operations? Well, the choice largely depends upon the type of industry you are in, the operations you carry out, and the specific role your pump is expected to play in your facility. All these factors are decisive in choosing the lubrication type for your air compressor. But first, you must gain a deeper understanding of both types of air compressors, and then decide whether they suit your purpose. In this blog, we do just that.

Oil-lubricated air compressors

Oil plays a crucial role in these compressors on multiple fronts. Of course, it keeps the moving parts in good condition by reducing unwanted friction. But it also plays the crucial role of dissipating the extra heat generated in the system. Besides, it offers to seal and helps in noise reduction. As these compressors are also available in piston technology, their efficiency, robustness, and ability to work quietly make them effective for a variety of pneumatic tools and accessories. Oil-lubricated air compressors find use in manufacturing, construction, recycling, waste management, and quarrying.

Oil-free air compressors

These compressors do not use oil for lubrication. Instead, their cylinders are coated with a material like Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which allows the piston to slide in smoothly. Since no oil is involved, the quality of air from these compressors is the same as that which goes in. As such, these compressors find tremendous application in processes where the air must be devoid of moisture or oil vapour. Here is a list of areas that prefer oil-free air compressors:

  • Food & beverage processing
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Operating ventilators, surgical machines, inhaled medication systems (only for breathing air certified machines), and other critical equipment in hospitals
  • Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing
  • Automotive spray painting
  • Textile manufacturing

The oil-lubricated air compressors are on average more durable, efficient, and less noisy. These are preferred any day over oil-free compressors if the quality of air is not a precondition. However, regular oil changing is an overhead that comes as part of the package and marginally increases their maintenance costs. On the other hand, oil-free compressors have the sharpest focus on air quality and also have a much lesser carbon footprint. Having the benefit of both these perspectives, you can now make a well-informed choice between the types of air compressors for your facility.

For assistance with deciding on the air compressor that suits your needs the best, please contact us on +919819907445. We would be delighted to help you find the best product or service based on your exact requirements. As one of the leading Elgi air compressor dealers, VEMC provides a comprehensive array of seamless products and services to our clients. A pioneer in electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services in the field, we are also ISO 9001:2015 certified.