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By Melissa C.
Air Compressor Expert
Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or mechanic, at some point you've probably debated
oil-lubricated
vs.
oil-free air compressors
and wondered to yourself, "What's the big difference?"
New information and technology seem to change every year, and while the 'oil vs. oil-free' question persists, the arguments don't always keep up with these developments.
So, let's separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of the debate. The next time your buddy wants to argue what makes the best compressor, you'll have ammunition about both.
The differences that separated oil-lubricated and oil-free compressors years ago aren't the same today, even though the terminology hasn't changed that much. However, there seems to be unnecessary confusion because some people compare all different types of compressors at once when in fact the debate, at its core, is really about the most common type.
For argument's sake, we're not talking about compressors used for heavy-duty or commercial industry applications because those compressors have specific demands that 2-stage,
rotary screw, or scroll compressors deliver; we're simply talking about the most common types of compressors encountered every day: reciprocating single-stage piston air compressors.
All compressors, regardless of their type, need a method of lubrication to moderate heat, friction, and the wear-down
of the pump and critical components. The biggest difference, however, is whether the lube comes from oil or a special material coating.
Oilless compressors do not use oil for lubricating. Instead, their wearable parts are coated in special friction-reducing chemicals and are designed to be self-lubricating for the life of the compressor.
The most common type used, splash lubrication is just how it sounds. These compressors use rotating dippers (think of small flat spoons) attached to the bottom of connecting rods that swing and splash oil up from the reservoir against the internal moving parts.
Now you know the basics of each type, we can now answer the question, "How does oil-free compare to oiled and which is better?"
You've undoubtedly heard some myths, so let's debunk them and explain what they mean to you, the user.
The chief argument these days is that oil-free compressors can't match the longevity and dependability of oil lubed compressors and therefore don't offer the same value. Routine maintenance and regular oiling tended to make oiled compressors more durable and have a longer lifespan than the first versions of oil-free machines. Although that might've been the case before oil-free technology took off, it just isn't true anymore. Today's oilless compressors run cooler and come better protected than ever before.
Again, the oil-free compressors of yesteryear were unquestionably loud, but today's designs feature direct-drive, dual-piston (duplex) pumps and advanced sound-reducing technologies that make oilless compressors much softer than their oiled, shouty brethren.
Actually, the dual-pump designs of oil-free compressors allow them to achieve the desired CFM/PSI in half the revolutions (RPM). They also use heat-dissipating aluminum cylinders to run cooler. In fact, oilless compressors are preferred in extreme cold because there's no worry about the oil turning to sludge. On the other hand, oiled compressors may be desired if working in extreme heat and humidity, because they can dissipate heat more quickly in a given duty cycle and resist rust build-up.
Oiled Compressors
An industry-standard among professionals, oiled stationary compressors are typically installed in a shop where high pressure and volume keep all of the tools running all day, every day and stand up to years of abuse if properly maintained.
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Oil-Free Compressors
These types of pumps (duplex) operate at lower RPM, reducing the noise, heat, and friction which extends the pump's life cycle and,
mixed with better castings/exacting tolerances and better frictionless coatings, make oil-free a great choice in many applications.
The first step with any piece of equipment is to consider how it will be used before evaluating other items such as cost. We're so used to the oil-less debate only referring to small, portable compressors that it's easy to forget that they're also available as stationary, single-stage piston compressors as well.
Let's take a look at the differences between oil and oil-free stationary and portable compressors in more detail.
20 Gal. Poratble
Oil Lubricated
20 Gal. Portable
Oil-Free
60 Gal. Stationary
Oil Lubricated
60 Gal. Stationary
Oil-Free
Weight & Pump Drive Type 200 lbsSo, if you're a DIY homeowner or contractor looking for a portable compressor, to carry around the job site, then an oil-free option may be desirable for its lighter weight and ability to use them in any orientation.
If you're a commercial business looking for a stationary compressor to power high PSI/CFM pneumatic tools, you may opt for an oiled compressor. Or, if you're concerned with noise, air purity, changing filters and maintenance, then an oil-free stationary compressor would be ideal.
The bottom line is to get the air compressor
you
need for the job
you
need to perform; it'll pay you back to listen to your gut and get the facts. If you ever need help deciding, we're here to help.
NEXT:
How to Pick the Perfect Air Compressor
By Melissa C.
Air Compressor Expert
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Rrumbler said:
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EXCELLENT POINTS!!Please allow me to emphasize the last point: I don't care what size or type of compressor you have - if you don't drain the condensate regularly (drain frequency is directly related to the amount of run time & the humidity level of the incoming air) it will lay in the bottom of your air storage tank and rust a hole in the bottom. Then you can replace the tank.Yeah, some folks will weld a patch over the hole, but to do it legally (can you say 'law suit' in case it lets go and hurts someone someday?) any welding on a pressurized tank should be done by a certified welder. A friend of mine told me that before he assembled the piping on his compressor, he squirted in a ~1/4 cup of oil into the tank "To prevent it from rusting". Then I reminded him that the oil will simply float on top of any condensate water collected inside and STILL rust out the tank! AND that the oil will travel thru his hoses and he can expect it to foul up any spray painting and sand blasting!!So when you decide on what air compressor to get, locate it & plumb it in so you can easily drain the condensate. If you only use it for 10 minutes at a time, once a month, you'd likely only need to drain the condensate every 6 months. Even if you only get out a 1/2 spoonful of water, that's enough to rust a hole in the bottom of the steel tank over time.Good Luck!RW
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