How to Choose Lubricant for Oil-Air Systems—and What Cleanliness Is Required?-Huashun Lubrication

How to Choose Lubricant for Oil-Air Systems—and What Cleanliness Is Required?

Release time:

2023-08-17

Selecting the right lubricant for an oil-air lubrication system is simpler than many expect. Thanks to its unique working principle, oil-air lubrication offers excellent compatibility with a wide range of lubricants, making it both practical and easy to implement in industrial environments.

Lubricant Selection: Flexible but with Best Practices
Unlike some traditional lubrication methods, oil-air systems are not highly sensitive to oil viscosity. They can handle various types of lubricants—including low-viscosity oils, semi-fluid greases, and even lubricants containing solid additives—without causing blockage issues in normal operation.

However, for optimal performance, it is generally recommended to use ISO VG 220–460 high-temperature extreme pressure (EP) gear oils or synthetic oils. These lubricants are better suited for demanding conditions such as high temperature, high load, and continuous operation. They help maintain a stable oil film, reduce wear, and extend both lubricant and equipment service life.

Cleanliness Requirements: Practical and Easy to Meet
Oil-air lubrication systems do not require extremely high oil cleanliness levels. Typically, a cleanliness level equivalent to NAS 1638 Class 9 is sufficient. In fact, most new industrial lubricants available on the market already meet this standard, meaning no complex pre-treatment is necessary.

That said, to further improve system reliability and prevent potential issues caused by minor contaminants, it is recommended to use a filter with a precision of at least 40 microns (μm) during oil filling. This simple step can effectively reduce the risk of blockage or component wear.

Conclusion
Oil-air lubrication systems are highly user-friendly when it comes to lubricant selection and cleanliness requirements. By choosing the recommended oil grade and applying basic filtration, users can ensure stable operation, reduced maintenance risks, and long-term equipment reliability.

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