When selecting an air compressor for your operations, there are several considerations to make. You might have an idea of the size and type of compressor you need, but you also need to determine if it should be lubricated or oil-free.
The compressor you opt for will influence your product quality, workplace efficiency, and running costs, so here’s what you need to know about oil-free compressors and whether this is the right choice for your business.
What are oil-free compressors?
Oil-free compressors are designed to function without any lubrication depending on the internal mechanism of the compressor and the amount of friction between working parts. For example, a scroll compressor can operate with no lubrication because the two scroll elements are interlocked but not touching. Therefore the parts don’t require lubrication to move and operations can continue seamlessly.
In recent years, oil-free compressors have become increasingly popular across many industries, with many businesses replacing their traditional lubricated compressors. That’s largely due to their high efficiency and affordability, but also the superior quality of the air they produce.
Benefits of oil-free compressors
While conventional lubricated compressors still serve a range of purposes, it’s worth looking into the benefits of an oil-free system for your operations.
Low maintenance
In contrast to their lubricated counterparts which require regular oil changes, oil-free compressors don’t. Not only do you not need to actively change the oil but you also don’t need to dispose of the old oil or any oil aerosols. This way, oil-free compressors don’t require as many resources, like filters or air separator elements. The only regular maintenance we recommend for oil-free compressors is to drain the tank after every use to ensure longer service life.
Cost-effective
Oil-free compressors tend to be the most affordable option both upfront and long-term. With less time spent on upkeep and fewer parts to replace, the running costs are far lower than lubricated alternatives. Some models even include regulators to limit energy use in operational downtime which can dramatically reduce your annual fuel usage.
Environmentally friendly
With an increased focus on sustainability, many businesses are adopting environmentally friendly practices. An oil-free compressor is the best solution for this because there’s no harmful release of pollutants and no impure substances to dispose of. This helps to reduce your business’s carbon footprint as well as protect your workers from exposure to damaging substances.
Easy to manoeuvre
In fast-paced environments, it’s important to have tools and machinery that can adapt to your ever-changing needs. While traditional compressors are heavy, bulky, and susceptible to leaks, newer oil-free models are much more flexible.
Oil-free compressors can be set up in a range of orientations because they are lighter and more compact. You can relocate, reposition or tilt it easily and with no oil, there’s no risk of leaks.
Improved start-up speed
Conventional oil-based compressors are more unpredictable and require more amps to start, particularly in colder environments. In busy work environments, that’s time you likely can’t afford to lose.
So if you need an efficient and reliable setup, an oil-free compressor will be a better fit. Oil-free compressors have consistent start times because they aren’t dependent on the temperamental viscosity of oil and, regardless of the temperature, your operations can run smoothly.
Air purity
For many applications, compressed air must be 100% pure but with an oil-based compressor that can never be guaranteed. Even with the use of air filters, there is always a chance that the air will be contaminated with oil which can damage the items produced with it.
The air generated by oil-free compressors is completely pure, making it perfect for a range of industries. So if contaminated air would impact the quality of your products or affect your customer's health, you need to use an oil-free compressor that can produce either ISO Class 1 air, or ISO Class 0 air.
Want to know more about air purity? Download our free guide to the ISO air quality standards >>
Applications for oil-free compressors
The advantages of oil-free compressors make a winning combination for many manufacturing industries, including:
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceutical and medical
- Natural gas and energy extraction
- Plastics
- Woodworking
- Plumbing
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Painting
Oil-free compressors can be used across any industry, so if you want to get advice about your particular compressor needs, we recommend speaking with an expert.
Oil-free scroll compressor range
At Industrial Air Systems, we recently added the PneuTech RSCRXA scroll compressor to our range. Scroll compressors work by placing one spiral-shaped element inside another and then rotating them with a motor. These elements, or scrolls, create small air pockets that force the air to condense in the remaining space, also known as internal compression.
Higher efficiency
With fewer moving parts, less torque variation, and the ability to switch it off when not in use, scroll compressors are highly efficient. The movement is also far smoother than its alternatives, meaning there’s less need for regular maintenance.
Compact design
Scroll compressors are small, inconspicuous, and easy to move as needed. If you need a compressor that can be relocated and adjusted easily, the scroll compressor is the ideal solution. Scroll compressors are also stored in a protective shell which is both discreet and practical. This allows your business to run smoothly without being disrupted.
Low noise level
For many work environments, reducing noise is critical and a scroll compressor is the best option to achieve that. With fewer moving parts and a larger compression chamber, scroll compressors are far quieter, meaning workers don’t need to wear ear protection at all. In fact, workers can continue normal conversations without any interruptions.
Easy to maintain
Like other oil-free compressors, scroll compressors are simple, reliable, and low maintenance. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and lower revolutions (RPM), regular servicing is minimised and the lifespan extended.
Certified oil-free air
Scroll compressors can produce 100% pure oil-free air for any industry, without the need for inline filters. By using this model, you can confidently manufacture your products knowing that there is no risk of contaminants or the costly legal claims that could follow.
To find out more about oil-free air compressors and the benefits of the RSCRXA range, download our free scroll compressors brochure. You’ll find all the details you need to select your compressor model, including product specifications and expert advice.
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