The difference between oil-free and oil-free air compressor

The main difference between oil-free and oil-free air compressor is reflected in the following aspects:

1. working principle

• oil air compressor: In the compression process, oil also participates in the compression of air. The main function of the oil is to take away the high temperature generated during the compression process, help dissipate heat, and lubricate the operating parts in the host. The compressed oil and gas mixture will be separated in the oil and gas separation barrel, and the oil content of the separated compressed air will be less than 5PPM after being recovered by the secondary oil return pipe.
• Oil-free air compressor: No oil is involved in the compression process. Oil-free air compressor of the main engine bearings also need to be cooled and lubricated, but the screw uses a special temperature-resistant material called molybdenum disulfide or Teflon to overcome the high temperature generated by the compression process, rather than using oil. This achieves the purpose of oil-free compression.

2. gas quality

• oil air compressor compressed air may contain a small amount of oil, which may cause problems in certain applications, such as the food, medical or precision manufacturing industries.
• Oil-free air compressor: The compressed air provided does not contain oil, which is very suitable for applications requiring high purity compressed air.

3. maintenance costs

• oil air compressor: The lubricating oil and filter element need to be replaced regularly, and the maintenance cost is high. In addition, the quality requirements of lubricating oil are high, otherwise it will affect the performance of the equipment.
• Oil-free air compressor: No need to replace the lubricating oil, so the maintenance cost is relatively low. However, due to its relatively complex structure and the use of special high-temperature resistant materials, once a failure occurs, the maintenance cost may be high.

4. environmental protection

• oil air compressor: During use, lubricating oil may pollute compressed air, which is not conducive to environmental protection. At the same time, the disposal of waste oil is also an environmental problem.
• Oil-free air compressor: Does not produce oil mist and is environmentally friendly. And there is no need to deal with waste oil, reducing environmental pollution.

5. performance characteristics

• oil air compressor: Usually runs more smoothly because the lubricating oil inside helps reduce friction and wear. At the same time, the lubricating oil can increase the air tightness and improve the volumetric efficiency of the air compressor.
• Oil-free air compressor: Due to oil-free compression, the compression efficiency may be relatively low in some cases. And due to the lack of lubrication, mechanical parts wear, resulting in greater noise.

6. applicable scenarios

• oil air compressor suitable for compressed air purity requirements are not particularly high occasions.
• Oil-free air compressor: It is very suitable for application scenarios that require high purity compressed air, such as food, medical and other industries.

In summary, oil-free air compressors and oil-free air compressors have their own advantages and disadvantages. In the selection, should be based on specific application needs, air quality requirements, energy consumption and maintenance costs and other factors.