Compressor plants are widely used in households, in the technical equipment of small workshops and in factories. Such equipment allows you to economically generate a working effort, in some cases eliminating the need for a direct connection of equipment to the power grid. But for the quality service of the target tool, the optimal installation option should be initially determined. At the first stage of selection, the answer to the following question is given: which compressor is better - oil or oil-free? Both options are attractive in their own way, but in different operational qualities.
The device of oil compressors
To begin with, it should be noted that both varieties are included in the general group of reciprocating compressors, which are also called coaxial. This technique is characterized by a fairly high performance, reliability and versatility of use. But already within the family there are differences between the subspecies that represent oil and oil-free compressors, as well as belt modifications.
So, the oil unit has a crankshaft and a piston group, which has the necessary power effect in conjunction with the drive system. The lubricating fluid is just poured into the crankshaft crankcase, after which it is distributed among the elements of mechanical equipment, ensuring the stability of its operation. Therefore, in terms of serviceability, the question of which compressor is better - oil or oil-free, will be decided in favor of the second option. The lack of regular maintenance of the lubricant level is especially sensitive in work in large enterprises where preventive maintenance is performed after each working session.
Design Features of Oil-Free Models
In general, the technical and construction base of such compressors is similar to oil analogues. The basis is the same piston group, power unit, crankshaft, etc. The difference boils down to approaches to the organization of the cleaning system. In the case of oil equipment, air flows cross the lubrication channels. Conversely, the device and the advantages of the oil-free compressor are interconnected and are due to the fact that the lubricating fluid and air flow pass through different channels. Oil is not poured into the crankcase, but is sent to a special cleaning system. Therefore, it cannot be said that oil-free coaxial models are completely free of grease. It is only limited by the structural nuances of the filing, which has both pros and cons.
Benefits of Oil Compressors
The main advantage of units with full oil supply is the high resource of the element base. Thanks to effective lubrication, the parts of the same piston group receive a sufficient wear-resistant casing, which increases their durability. At the same time, the user can count on high performance. Massive construction can be used in factories and engineering industries. However, in such conditions almost any coaxial unit can operate - oil or oil-free. Which compressor is better in continuous operation? With such a requirement, it is desirable to give preference to oil devices, since they are initially designed for long working sessions.
Benefits of Oil-Free Equipment
And the combination of the air channel with the lubricant supply circuit, and the separation of these lines is not a side structural result, but a well-informed technical solution. That it separates the oil and oil-free compressors, as well as their performance. And if the first option gains advantages in the form of an increase in the working life of the structure and an increase in productivity, then oil-free units differ in the quality of work.
A separate supply of lubricating fluid makes it possible to discharge clean compressed air at the outlet . Therefore, the question as to which compressor is better - oil or oil-free, from the point of view of the quality of the serviced tool will be decided in favor of the second option.
Comparison of the operational properties of two compressors
It cannot be said which option will be optimal in each case. It has already been said that for large industries where the quality of the supplied air does not matter much, it is advisable to use oil equipment. Such a device will be able to meet the high requirements for load, wear resistance and stability of the working function. Comparison of oil and oil-free compressors in the context of domestic use looks completely different. In this area, compressors are more often used for servicing spray guns, pneumatic screwdrivers and other devices operating on compressed air. And regardless of the purpose, such a tool will be demanding on the quality of the air stream. Accordingly, lubricant impurities from the oil compressor are not needed here, and the choice should be made in favor of an oil-free unit.
What else to consider in choosing?
Belonging to a particular type of compressor determines only the direction of the operational potential. In one case, toward reliability and performance, and in the other, it speaks of the quality of the work function. But you should also carefully approach the choice of model for the main characteristics. What should be the right choice? Oil and oil-free compressors, features, as well as their functionality are determined by the pressure level, air flow and receiver volume. The pressure is usually from 6 to 10 bar, when it comes to use in workshops or in small production. The optimal air flow for similar needs should be 200-400 l / min. For everyday tasks in working with a spray gun, you can limit yourself to a compressor at 75-100 l / min. As for the volume of the receiver, in the private sector models with a tank of 20-30 liters are usually used. Professional equipment for the same long-term work can have 500-liter tanks.
Reviews of compressor manufacturers
Foreign compressors are widely represented in Russia by the brands Abac, Elitech, Daewoo, Hyundai and FUBAG. These are semi-professional and professional units whose users note high build quality and durability. In the construction segment, Hitachi, Metabo and Sturm products are especially valued. These manufacturers can be contacted regardless of the type of unit that you plan to buy - whether it is oil or oil-free. Which compressor is better to choose in the families of domestic companies? Russian manufacturers like Zubr, Interskol, Prorab and Caliber are also equally suited to the production of both types of compressors. However, the owners of such products note an unpleasant nuance. Unlike imported equipment, domestic oil compressors sin by the lack of high-quality filtration units for the preparation of lubricant mixtures.
Conclusion
The best choice will be made if the drawbacks of the compressor do not affect the practice of use. This is rare, but quite possible. Even if we are talking about a clear deviation from the requirements, the difference can be corrected by the exact selection of technical parameters. But often there is a need for a universal generator of compressed air. Which compressor is better - oil or oil-free, if you choose a model for a wide range of needs? Experts still recommend turning to oil-free units, since they are theoretically capable of solving problems of traditional oil models. But as an alternative, it makes sense to consider belt equipment. This technique is a balanced solution, but requires regular updating of consumables, including the same drive belt. Therefore, it is also worth preparing for the costs of frequent maintenance.