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Fig. 3.44: Oil level check with a dipstick | Compressor oils are standardised to DIN 51506. No HD (high density) oils may be used to lubricate compressors. HD oils tend to emulsify and thus quickly lose their lubricating properties.
Mineral and synthetic oils are allowed. Mineral oils have a useful life of around 2,000 operating hours under normal operating conditions. Synthetic oils can be changed at longer intervals.
The oil level of the compressor must be checked regularly.
The first oil change is made after the running-in period (approx. 300 to 500 operating hours).
Compressors must not be operated with too little oil. Even a short trial run without oil (e.g., to check the direction of rotation) can lead to damage.
The oil filter must be cleaned each time the oil is changed. The oil filter must be replaced after it has been cleaned for the second time.
Compressor oils and the condensate from oil-lubricated compressors may not be discharged into the public drains. They must be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Piston compressors
Synthetic-base oils allow compressor running times of up to 8.000 operating hours.
Screw compressors
Semi-synthetic-base oils allow compressor running times of up to 9.000 operating hours.
USDA –H1 oils must be used if the compressed air comes into contact with foodstuffs. |