How to distinguish between oil and oil free air compressor

To distinguish between oil air compressor and oil free air compressor, can be judged by the following methods:

1. Observe the equipment structure

• oil air compressor:
  • usually have oil filter, oil-gas separator and other parts, used to filter the oil in the compressed air.
  • The fuselage may have fuel filler or dipstick(Used to check the amount of lubricating oil).
  • Screw models may have oil cooler(to help dissipate heat).
• Oil-free air compressor:

  • no oil filter or oil-gas separator the structure is simpler.

  • May adopt water lubrication(such as water-lubricated screw machines) or self-lubricating material(such as piston rings).

  • Some models are marked with "Oil-Free" or "Oil-Free.

2. Inspection and maintenance methods

• oil air compressor:
  • need to be replaced regularly lubricating oil, oil filter, air filter.
  • Short maintenance intervals (e. g. oil change every 2000 hours).
• Oil-free air compressor:

  • no need to change lubricating oil, only need to replace the air filter or desiccant.

  • Maintenance is simpler, but attention should be paid to drying systems (such as adsorption dryers).

3. Output air quality

• oil air compressor:
  • even after oil and gas separation, the air may still contain trace oil (usually ≤ 3ppm).
  • Need to install post Filter to achieve high cleanliness (such as medical scenes).
• Oil-free air compressor:

  • output air no oil pollution it can be directly used in sensitive scenes (such as food, electronics, paint).

  • Some models need to be matched dryer remove moisture.

4. Application Scenarios

• oil air compressor:
  • common in general industrial scenarios (e. g. driving pneumatic tools, purging, general machinery).
• Oil-free air compressor:

  • for high cleanliness demand scenario(e. g. medical respiratory gases, pharmaceutical production, laboratories).

5. Running status

• oil air compressor:
  • vent may be slightly oil Mist or OIL(Especially after a long run).
• Oil-free air compressor:

  • exhaust more dry and clean, no oil residue.

Summary

• the most intuitive method: Check if there is oil filter or fuel filler.
• When uncertain: Check the equipment manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm whether it is "oil-free design".
• Application Scenario Thrust Reverser: If used in medical, food and other industries, the probability is oil-free models.

By combining the above features, two types of air compressors can be quickly distinguished.