The Necessity of Changing the Compressor Oil
During operation, compressor oil is subjected to heating, oxidation, high‑speed shear, dust contamination, and exposure to harmful gases. Oxygen reacts with the hydrocarbons in the lubricant, causing gradual oxidation: the oil darkens, its viscosity increases, and eventually oxidized products may become insoluble, forming a brown, viscous sludge that deposits in certain parts of the system. This sludge can readily clog control passages within components, exacerbating wear on ball bearings, valve spools, and other moving parts, thereby compromising normal system performance. Oxidation also leads to corrosion and acidification. The oxidation process begins slowly; as accumulated deposits and acid values rise and viscosity increases, it becomes necessary to change the oil once these thresholds are reached. If left unchecked, oxidation accelerates, viscosity continues to climb, and operating oil temperatures increase. As oxidation intensifies, the compressor oil’s viscosity exhibits a marked upward trend. When the oxidation rate shifts from linear to a power‑law curve, viscosity rises even more rapidly, potentially giving rise to undesirable outcomes.
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