CHAPTER 2. OIL LUBRICATED VS OIL FREE AIR COMPRESSOR
Oil Free compressors are less expensive, lighter in weight, produce as much air flow (CFM) & pressure (psi) as many oil lubricated models. , they are loud & much less durable than an oil lobed cast iron pump. But they can be a fine choice for the very occasional DIY or proprietor.
Cast iron, oil lubricated air compressors are more expensive & heavier but are much quieter & last several times longer. So if you are a commercial or serious DIY user, then oil lubricated, cast iron compressor is the only choice. Spending more for an oil lobed model will more than payback in the long run. Buying two “cheaper” compressors instead of one quality model can actually cost more …show more content…
FUNCTIONAL STEPS OF HOW OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR WORK?
Understanding how oil free air compressors work and why they last as long as they do is best illustrated by reviewing each function in a step- by step method. Let’s walk through how a compressor starts working and provides you with the compressed air that you need.
5.1 Drawing in air
Oil free air compressors start by bringing in outside air through their unloaded valve and passing it through an inlet air filter in order to ensure that the air is clean. The filter will limit damage to your compressor and its internal components. These filters are typically fine enough that they keep out dust, dirt and small debris.
The unloaded valve opens to help the compressor pump air into its chamber, placing it in the “loaded” position. When the valve closes, the compressor is running and actively compressed air, it typically won’t be able to draw in any more air.
When you turn on your compressor and it starts to draw in air through an open unloaded valve, the first destination for the air is the low- pressure compressor element.
5.2 Frist Compressor …show more content…
The maximum pressure you will achieve typically ranges from 116 to 145 psig.
The air again becomes very hot due to the lack of lubrication in the surrounding elements, so it will need to be cooled once more.
5.5 Air Prep and after cooler Access
During its second phase of compression, the air will reach temperature of around 150 degree, requiring additional cooling before it can be used in other equipment. The after cooler is the destination for air after its final compression stages, and this cooling allows it to properly store.
As air flows to the after cooler, it will pass through a check valve that is designed to prevent any backflow, ensuring that air continues to compress and fill your tank. Backflow will damage your equipment and cause a major failure of the air compressor.
Many compressor especially reciprocating compressors are fitted with pulsation dampeners, and vibrations caused by the air compressor when it uses suction and opens discharge valves.
Pulsations can reverberate through the piping system, and these vibrations will make it difficult for your tools and machinery to measure air pressure and use it
Oil Free compressors are less expensive, lighter in weight, produce as much air flow (CFM) & pressure (psi) as many oil lubricated models. , they are loud & much less durable than an oil lobed cast iron pump. But they can be a fine choice for the very occasional DIY or proprietor.
Cast iron, oil lubricated air compressors are more expensive & heavier but are much quieter & last several times longer. So if you are a commercial or serious DIY user, then oil lubricated, cast iron compressor is the only choice. Spending more for an oil lobed model will more than payback in the long run. Buying two “cheaper” compressors instead of one quality model can actually cost more …show more content…
FUNCTIONAL STEPS OF HOW OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR WORK?
Understanding how oil free air compressors work and why they last as long as they do is best illustrated by reviewing each function in a step- by step method. Let’s walk through how a compressor starts working and provides you with the compressed air that you need.
5.1 Drawing in air
Oil free air compressors start by bringing in outside air through their unloaded valve and passing it through an inlet air filter in order to ensure that the air is clean. The filter will limit damage to your compressor and its internal components. These filters are typically fine enough that they keep out dust, dirt and small debris.
The unloaded valve opens to help the compressor pump air into its chamber, placing it in the “loaded” position. When the valve closes, the compressor is running and actively compressed air, it typically won’t be able to draw in any more air.
When you turn on your compressor and it starts to draw in air through an open unloaded valve, the first destination for the air is the low- pressure compressor element.
5.2 Frist Compressor …show more content…
The maximum pressure you will achieve typically ranges from 116 to 145 psig.
The air again becomes very hot due to the lack of lubrication in the surrounding elements, so it will need to be cooled once more.
5.5 Air Prep and after cooler Access
During its second phase of compression, the air will reach temperature of around 150 degree, requiring additional cooling before it can be used in other equipment. The after cooler is the destination for air after its final compression stages, and this cooling allows it to properly store.
As air flows to the after cooler, it will pass through a check valve that is designed to prevent any backflow, ensuring that air continues to compress and fill your tank. Backflow will damage your equipment and cause a major failure of the air compressor.
Many compressor especially reciprocating compressors are fitted with pulsation dampeners, and vibrations caused by the air compressor when it uses suction and opens discharge valves.
Pulsations can reverberate through the piping system, and these vibrations will make it difficult for your tools and machinery to measure air pressure and use it