Many industries, including the pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage, and agricultural sectors, depend on air compression. There are several types of air compressors; for instance, some are better at handling heavy-duty applications than others. Air compressors, however, may generally be divided into two broad categories: oil-lubricated compressors and oil-free compressors. Both types of compressors have different usage and depending upon the requirements, they are deployed in different industries. Air compressor manufacturers in Ahmedabad make both types of air compressors to cater the needs of different industries.
There has always been a debate between the superiority of oiled and oil-free compressors and in this article, we will see if oil-free compressors are better as compared to the oiled ones.
Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors
There are moving components in every air compressor. To prevent your air compressor from becoming damaged, you must grease these moving parts. Your compressor won’t operate properly if it isn’t properly lubricated. The most widely used lubricant for equipment is oil, and conventional oil-lubed compressors make use of this time-tested substance. Oiled compressors are strong and long-lasting, and their use in industrial settings makes them perfect. Although they frequently generate a lot of heat, the oil serves as a cooling. Although adaptable and dependable, oil-lubricated compressors have significant disadvantages.
Oil-Free Air Compressors
Oil-free compressors avoid the dangers and expenses of oil contamination by using an alternate sealing, cooling, or lubricating medium, such water. For situations where even the smallest amount of oil carry-over is undesirable, businesses utilise oil-free compressors. For instance, pharmaceutical manufacturing businesses are required to have hydrocarbon-free goods and air in their facilities. The same is true for businesses that produce food and beverages, such as bottling firms and food packaging makers, as air directly contacts their goods. Oil-free air compressors are often needed in different sectors to prevent oil contamination.
Advantages/Disadvantages of Both Oiled and Oil-Free Compressors Oiled Compressors
Oiled stationary compressors are a standard among professionals and are often installed in a shop where high pressure and volume keep all of the equipment working all day, every day. According to air compressor manufacturers in India, if properly maintained, they can withstand years of wear and tear. They are professional applications-friendly, Greater RPMs equate to greater PSI/CFM ratings, they are Heavy and less portable, require periodic maintenance necessarily, they are Useful in warm climates. The major disadvantage is that Oil contaminates the air
Oil-Free Compressors
Oil-free compressors are a fantastic option in many applications since these types of compressors work at lower RPM, which reduces noise, heat, and friction and lengthens the life of the pump. Some of the major advantages of oil-free compressors are drier, cleaner air, lighter and more transportable, Free of maintenance as no lubrication is required, No need for oil filters, Useful in chilly climates, softer and more effective. When it comes to disadvantages, they are More expensive, they Can’t handle heavy-duty applications as well as oil-injected compressors and also might require an air end replacement sooner than an oiled compressor
Oil-Free Compressors Have Shorter Lifespans
The main defence of oil-free compressors is that they have a very limited lifespan. Again, this could have been the case in the past, but oil-free compressor lifespans now mean that this is no longer a problem. Oil-free compressors may now operate cooler and last longer thanks to substantial advancements in oil-free technology. Additionally, they require less upkeep than oil compressors do. However, it’s more probable that the air end on an oil-free compressor will need to be replaced before the air end on an adequately maintained oil-flooded compressor does.
