Oil-free air compressors provide compressed air without introducing oil into the compression process, making them suitable for applications where air quality is particularly important.
Nessco Pressure Systems supplies oil-free piston, scroll and screw compressors for businesses across Perth and regional WA.
These compressors suit a range of industrial and specialist applications, from smaller point-of-use requirements through to larger compressed air systems.
When should you consider an oil-free air compressor?
For many industrial applications, a correctly maintained oil-injected compressor combined with appropriate air treatment provides the required air quality.
However, some processes require a higher level of protection against oil contamination. In these applications, an oil-free compressor can help reduce the risk at the source.
Industries and applications that may use oil-free compressed air include:
- Food and beverage production
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Medical and laboratory applications
- Electronics manufacturing
- Chemical processing
- Specialist manufacturing processes
- Applications where compressed air comes into direct or indirect contact with products
The air quality requirements will depend on the individual process, so compressor selection should start with the application rather than simply choosing between oil-free and oil-injected technology.
How do oil-free compressors work?
Oil-free compressors don’t use oil within the compression chamber.
Depending on the compressor type, manufacturers use different technologies and materials to manage friction, temperature and sealing without introducing lubricating oil into the compressed air.
Oil-free compressors can use piston, scroll or rotary screw technology, with different designs suited to different airflow, pressure and operating requirements.
Oil-free doesn’t mean air treatment isn’t required
Choosing an oil-free compressor doesn’t automatically remove every contaminant from the compressed air system.
Atmospheric air naturally contains moisture, particulates and other contaminants before it enters the compressor. The compression process also concentrates moisture, which the system then needs to manage.
Depending on the required air quality, an oil-free compressed air system may still require:
- Refrigerated or desiccant air dryers
- Particulate filtration
- Condensate drains
- Air receivers
- Correctly designed compressed air pipework
The required treatment depends on the application and the air quality you need at the point of use.
Choosing the right oil-free compressor
The right compressor needs to provide the required airflow and pressure while matching how your business uses compressed air.
NPS can assess factors including:
- Required airflow and operating pressure
- Operating hours and demand profile
- Required air quality
- Application and industry requirements
- Available space and site conditions
- Air treatment requirements
- Future changes in compressed air demand
Looking at the complete system helps ensure the compressor, dryer, filtration, receiver and pipework work together effectively.
Oil-free compressed air solutions from NPS
Nessco Pressure Systems can help with oil-free compressor selection, supply, installation and ongoing servicing across Perth and regional WA.
Whether you need an oil-free compressor for a new installation or you’re reviewing the air quality requirements of an existing system, our team can help you select equipment suited to the application.
Need help choosing an oil-free air compressor? Call our team on 1300 290 638 or request a quote.
