Air compression is essential in several industries, including the pharmaceutical, automotive, food and beverage, and agricultural sectors.
There are several air compressor variations; for instance, some handle heavy-duty applications better than others.
However, you can typically place air compressors into two overarching categories: oil-lubricated compressors and oil-free compressors.
“Oil-free compressors deliver purity where it matters most — from food to pharmaceuticals.”
Mechanical differences
The basic mechanics of oil and oil-free air compressors are similar – air is drawn in and compressed, with a vacuum pushing the compressed air out of the internal chamber and into its storage tank.
For this process to work, the air compressor pump – which draws in the air – requires adequate lubrication to move without resistance. As the name suggests, oil air compressors use oil for lubrication, whereas oil-free systems have parts that are pre-coated in friction-reducing chemicals for permanent lubrication.
Key Takeaways
Different Technologies
Oil-lubricated units use oil for cooling and durability, while oil-free rely on special coatings for clean air.
Air Purity is Critical
Oil-free compressors are essential in food, beverage, healthcare, and electronics where contamination must be avoided.
Performance in Harsh Environments
Oil-injected compressors often handle heat, dust, and humidity better for heavy-duty operations.
Local Expertise
Pilot Air provides Sydney-based servicing, spare parts, and advice to help select the right type for your business.
Usage and maintenance
As you would expect, oil air compressors require more maintenance to ensure they are working optimally. Just like a car needs oil changes to keep running smoothly, oil air compressors require the same maintenance. How often you’ll need to change the oil will depend on the model of the air compressor.
While you won’t need to complete this type of maintenance for oil-free compressors, the lubricant coating can tend to wear out and leave the system without adequate lubrication. Oil-free air compressors also tend to become hotter than oil-lubricated systems as there is no oil to cool the components. This generally means that oil-free compressors do not last as long as their oil-based counterparts.
Oil-lubricated air compressors also tend to weigh significantly more than oil-free compressors as they have more complicated designs and more parts.
“Pilot Air supports Sydney businesses with oil and oil-free systems built for Australia’s toughest conditions.”
Is there really a difference in noise levels?
Traditionally, oil-free air compressors tended to produce more noise than oil-based systems because they have less lubrication. However, modern designs with sound-reducing technology have dramatically reduced the noise levels of oil-free air compressors.
If noise output is an important factor in your purchasing decision and you are seeking an oil-free system, Pilot Air has a range of oil-free, silent air compressors.
Extensive product range
Whether you are after an oil-lubricated air compressor, or oil-free, Pilot Air’s extensive offering of Australian air compressors offers a solution for all your needs, no matter the industry.
Our product range and large stock levels, combined with our comprehensive spare parts inventory, ensure we maintain your compressed air system’s reliability and efficiency while reducing whole-of-life operating costs.
Learn more about our compressed air systems.
