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Why Does a Screw Air Compressor Need Lubricating Oil?

Release Date:

2025-11-14

Before discussing why screw air compressors need lubricating oil, we must first understand the basic working principle of screw air compressors and the characteristics of their operating environment. Screw air compressors, as an efficient and widely used compression equipment, their internal working parts will inevitably face a series of problems such as friction, wear and high heat generation during high-speed operation. Lubricating oil plays a vital role here.

I. Mechanism Of Action of Lubricating Oil

In screw air compressors, lubricating oil mainly undertakes the following functions:

Reduce friction and wear: Lubricating oil can form a thin oil film between the metal parts inside the compressor, thereby effectively reducing the direct contact between the parts, reducing the friction coefficient, and thus reducing wear. This is crucial to extend the service life of the compressor and maintain its stable performance.

Cooling effect: During the operation of the screw compressor, a large amount of heat will be generated as the gas is compressed. Lubricating oil can absorb and take away part of the heat, and transfer the heat to the cooler through the circulation system for heat dissipation, thereby maintaining the compressor in a suitable operating temperature range.

Prevent corrosion and rust: Since screw compressors are usually in an environment of high pressure, high temperature and possible condensation, metal parts are vulnerable to corrosion and rust. High-quality lubricating oil has good anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties, which can effectively protect the metal surface and ensure the long-term stable operation of the compressor.

Sealing effect: The lubricating oil forms a certain oil film pressure between the screw and the casing, which helps to enhance the sealing performance of the compressor, reduce gas leakage, and improve compression efficiency.

Cleaning and drainage: During the circulation process, the lubricating oil can take away the tiny particles and impurities generated inside the compressor, play a role in cleaning and drainage, and keep the inside of the compressor clean.

II. Precautions For the Selection and Use of Lubricating Oil

To ensure the proper operation of a screw air compressor, choosing the right lubricating oil is crucial. The ideal lubricating oil should possess the following characteristics:

Excellent high-temperature oxidation stability: The oil should remain stable in high-temperature environments and resist oxidation and degradation.

Low tendency to form carbon deposits: It should minimize the risk of decomposition and carbon buildup under high-temperature conditions.

Suitable viscosity and viscosity-temperature performance: The oil should maintain good fluidity across different temperatures to effectively form a protective oil film.

Good water separation properties: In environments with condensation, the oil should quickly separate from water to maintain stable performance. When using lubricating oil, the following points should also be noted:

Regular oil replacement: Establish a reasonable oil change schedule based on the compressor’s operating conditions and the quality of the lubricating oil to ensure optimal performance.

Maintain proper oil levels: Regularly check and adjust the compressor’s oil level to prevent operational issues caused by excessively high or low oil levels.

Ensure oil cleanliness: When refilling or replacing lubricating oil, make sure the oil remains clean and free from contaminants or impurities that could enter the compressor.

Lubricating oil plays a crucial role in screw air compressors. It not only reduces friction, minimizes wear, dissipates heat, and prevents corrosion and rust but also enhances sealing performance, facilitates cleaning and drainage, and protects internal metal components from damage. Therefore, careful selection and proper use of lubricating oil are essential to ensure the long-term stable operation and optimal performance of screw air compressors.