Compressor oil

Compressor oil is a device that converts mechanical energy into compression to supply compressed gas or air.

Compressors are generally divided into two main categories:

Rotating
Reciprocating

These two categories are also divided into different types, which are not discussed in this article. Another type of compressor classification is based on the compressed gas, which divides them into three subcategories:

Air compressors
Gas compressors
Cold compressors

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Compressors are widely used in various industries, especially the petrochemical and gas industries. In fact, compressors in these industries maintain the main flow of the production line continuously and are of great importance to these industries. Therefore, maintaining these equipment in optimal conditions and proper operation is of great importance.

One of the most important things in compressors is the use of the right compressor oil in them. Compressor oil, like other oils, is composed of two main components: base oil and additives, the most important general functions of which are psychological, cooling, waterproofing and corrosion prevention.

Due to the wide variety of compressors, it is not possible to define oil quality levels for all of them in one standard, but the most famous quality level defined for reciprocating compressors according to DIN 51506 is as follows:

VB , VBL , VC , VCL , VDL

The characteristics of these quality levels have been improved by the design of new compressor oils in order from left to right.

3 characteristics of compressor oil

The amount of antioxidants.
Tendency to produce coke and gummy substances.
Base oil quality

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right oil that can do these tasks in a compressor.

Compressor type

Different types of compressors have different operating conditions, so they will not have the same effect on oil properties.

Compressor operation type

It depends on the operating conditions of the compressor.

Type of gas to be compressed

Different gases can affect the oil. Therefore, the choice of oil that is compatible with the gas used in the compressor is of great importance, and if this point is not taken into account, there is a possibility of very serious problems for the oil and the compressor and consequently serious damage to the plant.

This is especially noticeable in condensing compressors that operate with different cooling gases.

Manufacturer’s recommendation

In the industry, compressors are often equipped with a wide variety of oils, including compressor oils, engine oils, turbine oils, and exhaust compressor oils. Each of these oils, due to its specific properties, can be used in some types of compressors to meet their psychological needs.

Compressor oils for refrigeration differ significantly from other compressor oils due to their specific application and the characteristics of the refrigerant gases at their operating temperature, which will be discussed later.