What kind of oil should be added to an air compressor?
2 Answers
Air compressor oil is used in air compressors. The specific introduction is as follows: 1. Types of air compressor oil: According to the design type of compressor oil, environmental conditions, and operating load, the type of air compressor oil is selected. Generally, in long-term high-temperature environments (>30℃), L-DAB oil is selected. For high-speed water-cooled or low-pressure, small compression ratio compressors, low-viscosity compressor oil can be selected. (1) For air-cooled piston-type shaft output power <20KW, select 32, 46, or 100 grade (environmental temperature <-10℃, 32 grade can be selected) DAA, DAB, or DAC air compressor oil; (2) For water-cooled piston-type, select 68 or 100 grade DAA oil; (3) For oil-drip rotary-type, select 100, 150, or 220 grade DAB or DAC oil; (4) For oil-injection rotary-type, select 32 grade DAG, DAH, or DAJ oil. 2. Function of air compressor oil: The function of air compressor oil is to reduce friction on various types of machinery, protect the machinery and processed parts with liquid lubricants, mainly playing roles such as lubrication, cooling, rust prevention, cleaning, sealing, and buffering. Air compressor oil accounts for 85% of all lubricating materials, with numerous types and grades. The current annual global consumption is approximately 38 million tons.
As an avid DIY car repair enthusiast, I always consult the manual or professionals when dealing with air compressor oil refills. Air compressors typically require specialized air compressor oils, such as synthetic or non-detergent oils, as they are specifically designed to lubricate internal components and prevent carbon buildup and wear. For my small air compressor in the home garage, I use ISO VG 32 oil and change it every three months to ensure quiet operation and high efficiency. Never use regular automotive or diesel engine oils, as their additives can clog the machine and shorten its lifespan. I also recommend cleaning the oil reservoir before each oil change to keep the machine clean. Such minor maintenance can extend the air compressor's life by several years, especially when frequently inflating tires or painting, making it highly reliable. With the right oil, the machine won't overheat, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
