What kind of oil should be added to an air compressor?
3 Answers
Air compressor oil is used in air compressors. Below is relevant information about air compressors: 1. Types: An air compressor is a device used to compress gases. The structure of an air compressor is similar to that of a water pump. Most air compressors are reciprocating piston type, rotary vane, or rotary screw. Centrifugal compressors are used for very large applications. 2. Oil selection: The type of air compressor oil should be selected based on the design type of the compressor oil, environmental conditions, and operational load. Generally, in long-term high-temperature environments (30°C), L-DAB oil is recommended. For high-speed water-cooled or low-pressure, small compression ratio compressors, low-viscosity compressor oil can be used.
As someone who frequently tinkers with machinery, I know that ordinary lubricating oil should never be used for air compressors. Air compressors operate under high pressure and high temperatures, so specialized compressor oil must be used—typically a blend of synthetic or mineral oil, with viscosity grades like ISO32 or ISO100. First, check the compressor manual for the recommended oil type. If no recommendation is provided, opt for synthetic oil brands like Mobil or Shell, which offer better heat resistance and rust protection. Never use automotive engine oil—I once saw a friend's compressor smoke and fail after using it, costing hundreds in repairs. Regular maintenance is crucial: change the oil after the first 100 hours of operation for new machines, then every 500 hours or every six months thereafter. Before adding new oil, drain the old oil completely and clean the filter screen. During daily use, check that the oil level window shows the level in the middle position—this extends the compressor's lifespan and efficiency.
I've been doing DIY air compressor projects at home for years and have experienced the hassle of using the wrong oil. Initially, I carelessly used regular motor oil, which resulted in unusually loud compressor noise and slowed down the air-filling speed. Later, I learned to use compressor-specific oil, such as synthetic types like ISO46 specification, which works much better. Buy a genuine oil canister from a hardware store, and when adding oil, make sure to drain any residual oil first and avoid overfilling. Beginners are advised to first check their compressor model online to search for the corresponding oil or consult experienced friends. Proper oiling leads to smoother operation and can extend the equipment's lifespan to several years. By the way, oils are also categorized into household and industrial types; for light-duty use, choosing environmentally friendly synthetic oil is safer.
