Oil-lubricated air compressors - Functioning, Process and Systems.

Oil-lubricated air compressors play a crucial role in various industries, powering tools and machinery by compressing air into a storage tank. Among the different types of air compressors, oil-lubricated compressors stand out for their efficiency and reliability. In this blog, we will delve into the inner workings of oil-lubricated air compressors, exploring the compression process, the lubrication system, and the pivotal role of oil in enhancing efficiency.

ELGi’s Oil-injected air compressors provide industries with reliable, continuous compressed air, enhancing productivity, reducing maintenance costs, and supporting heavy-duty applications with high efficiency and consistent performance.

Need some help making the decision? Call our compressed air experts to find exactly what you need!

The Compression Process

Oil-lubricated piston air compressors function by drawing in air and compressing it into a storage tank. The smooth and consistent movement of components is essential for their operation. This is where lubrication becomes paramount. Here is how the compression process works in an oil-lubricated piston air compressor:

Intake Stroke: During the intake stroke, the piston moves down, creating a vacuum in the cylinder. This draws air from the surroundings into the cylinder.

Compression Stroke: As the piston moves upward, it compresses the incoming air, reducing its volume and increasing its pressure. This compressed air is now ready for use.

Oil-Lubricated Air Compressor Technology - Lubrication System

Now, let's shift our focus to the lubrication system, a critical aspect that ensures the smooth operation and longevity of oil-lubricated air compressors. Lubrication involves the use of oil to reduce friction between moving parts, dissipate heat, and prevent wear and tear. Here's how it works:

Components of the Lubrication System: The lubrication system is a complex arrangement of components, including a crankcase sump, pressure pump, strainer, filter, and cylinder lubricator, working collaboratively to deliver and maintain the necessary lubricating oil.

Crankcase Function: The crankcase acts as a reservoir for lubricating oil, where the oil level is carefully monitored and replenished to ensure a consistent supply for the smooth functioning of the air compressor.

Oil Circulation Mechanism: A gear-type lubricating oil pump, connected to the crankshaft, orchestrates the proper circulation of oil, guaranteeing that it reaches all necessary components for effective lubrication.

Delivery to Bearings: The oil is delivered to bearings through a fine filter, which plays a critical role in ensuring that the lubricating oil is clean and free from impurities, enhancing the overall performance of the air compressor.

Pressure Regulation: A pressure regulating valve is integrated into the system to maintain lube oil pressure at an optimal level, contributing to efficient lubrication and preventing potential issues associated with inadequate pressure.

Flow through Crankshaft Journals: The oil's journey through the crankshaft journals is essential, ensuring that it reaches the bottom end bearing of the connecting rod, a pivotal point for comprehensive lubrication.

Connecting Rod Lubrication: Continuing through the connecting rod, the oil reaches the top-end bearing, guaranteeing that all parts involved in the connecting rod mechanism receive the necessary lubrication for sustained performance.

Cylinder Lubrication: A dedicated cylinder lubricator supplies oil to the low-pressure stage cylinder, contributing to the effective lubrication of this critical component in the air compressor.

Control of High-Pressure Stage: An oil scraper ring is strategically placed to control lubrication in the high-pressure stage, ensuring precise oil distribution and preventing any potential issues associated with over-lubrication.

Oil's Crucial Role in Preventing Wear and Tear

Compressor oils play vital roles, acting as cooling and lubricating agents during the compression process. Low oil levels can lead to rapid overheating, triggering automatic shutdowns in many compressor models. Maintaining the right oil level is essential for preventing overheating, and ensuring prolonged device operation for an oil-lubricated air compressor.

Oil also acts as a sealant, preventing air leakage from the compressor. Insufficient oil can cause leaks, reducing device efficiency and the amount of compressed air generated.

In piston compressors, insufficient oil can lead to wear and tear on cylinders, potentially causing damage to pistons and connecting rods. Meanwhile, oil-lubricated screw air compressors with numerous moving metal parts are susceptible to damage from friction-induced abrasion. Proper lubrication is thus vital to preventing damage and increasing overall compressor performance and lifespan.

ELGi's Cutting-Edge Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors

ELGi's oil-lubricated screw air compressors exemplify technological excellence, offering efficiency and profitability to businesses. Some benefits of choosing ELGi oil-lubricated compressors are:

Oil lubrication reduces wear and tear on moving parts, ensuring a longer lifespan for the compressor.
ELGi compressors can handle heavy-duty applications, providing a consistent and reliable source of compressed air.
Integrated smart controllers and monitoring systems offer enhanced control, real-time monitoring, and efficient maintenance planning.

You can choose from various oil-lubricated air compressor models from the following Series of ELGi:

EG Series Screw Air Compressors – EG Series (11 – 250 kW): ELGi's EG Series sets a new standard for reliability and efficiency, ensuring maximum uptime and substantial cost savings. With the lowest ownership costs, it thrives in harsh environments, adheres to global standards, and boasts energy-efficient features, making it ideal for diverse industrial applications.

Electric Lubricated Screw Air Compressors - EN Series (2.2 – 37 kW): ELGi's EN Series is renowned for reliability, low maintenance, and a compact footprint. With precision engineering, it ensures consistent performance, space efficiency, and significant cost savings through energy conservation. The top-tier EN11 and EN5 models exemplify excellence in compressed air technology for various industrial needs.

Electric Lubricated Screw Air Compressors – EQ Series (11 – 22 kW): The ELGi EQ Series offers unmatched reliability, built tough for a long-lasting performance. Backed by a best-in-class warranty and requiring minimal maintenance, it stands out as a reliable air compressor for industries where size, reliability, and cost are paramount. These air compressors excel in the most demanding and challenging conditions, providing maximum uptime and extended life.

Electric Lubricated Piston Air Compressors – LD Series (2.2 – 11 kW): ELGi’s LD Series oil-lubricated reciprocating air compressors are designed for reliability, low operational speed, minimum direct cost, and high energy savings. They are ideal for customers looking for an industrial air compressor that stands out in terms of power, cost efficiency, low noise capacity, and suitability for applications with smaller air demands.

Need some help making the decision? Call our compressed air experts to find exactly what you need!