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Why does a screw compressor need oil?

Lubrication is vital to numerous parts of the compression process. That’s why it’s important to know why and which oil is needed for your air compressor.

16 October 2023

Screw compressor oil is essential for the compressor operation

An oil injected screw compressor requires oil for several key functions:

screw compressor oil
  • Cooling
    Helps dissipate heat generated during compression, preventing overheating. If the temperature of the compressor is too high, the element or all rotating parts would be excessively stressed and the service life would be shortened.
  • Lubrication
    Prevents friction and wear on moving parts, especially the rotors. Metal to metal contact could lead to operational issues and early breakdown.
  • Sealing
    Creates an effective seal between rotors and housing for efficient compression.
  • Cleaning and Filtration
    Traps contaminants and impurities from incoming air to protect internal components.
  • Noise Reduction
    Can reduce compressor noise by acting as a sound barrier.

The use of generic lubricants and irregular maintenance will have negative consequences to the lifetime, overall performance and energy efficiency of the machine.

When do I need to change my screw compressor oil?

To determine when your screw compressor oil needs replacing, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. 

screw compressor oil change
  • Operating Hours
    The number of hours the compressor has been running
  • Oil Type
    Different oils have varying lifespans
  • Compressor Load
    Higher loads may require more frequent oil changes.
  • Oil Filtration
    Is the oil filtration system working effectively to maintain oil quality
  • Environmental Conditions:
    Harsh operating environments like high temperature, dust and humidity may require more frequent oil changes.

Temperature

Humid

Dust

Type

Element outlet < 95°C (203°F)
or
Ambient < 30°C (86°F)

N

N

Mild

Y

N

Mild

N

Y

Mild

Y

Y

Demanding

95°C (203°F) < Element outlet < 105°C (221°F)

or
30°C (86°F) < Ambient < 40°C (104°F)

N

N

Demanding

Y

N

Demanding

N

Y

Demanding

Y

Y

Extreme

Element Outlet > 105°C (221°F)     or     Ambient > 40°C (104°F)

-

-

Extreme

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, 

You should always check your maintenance history and service manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer before working on a compressor. In case of doubt, contact Atlas Copco

 

Where can I buy Genuine Atlas Copco Screw compressor oil?

Atlas Copco Screw compressor oil  can be bought from your local Atlas Copco dealer. Our Customer Centers and distributors are always ready to help you or to answer your questions.

Contact us to learn more

Which oil types are available for my screw compressor?

Every type of air compressor and vacuum pump needs a specific oil to achieve maximum uptime, performance and lifetime.

Roto Inject Fluid Ndurance 5L container
1630114600 : Roto Inject NDURANCE
  • Mineral based compressor oil specially formulated to protect your GA-GX rotary screw.
Roto Synthetic Fluid Xtend Duty 5L container
2901170000 : Roto Xtend Duty
  • Top quality RXD compressor oil to get the best out of your GA - GX - GN - GR oil injected screw compressor.
Roto Synthetic Fluid Ultra 5L container
1630204105 : Roto Synthetic ULTRA
  • RS Ultra is a combination of a premium synthetic base fluid with an enhanced additive package for GA - GX - GN - GR compressors
Roto Synthetic Fluid Foodgrade
1630083300 : Roto Foodgrade Fluid
  • High performance foodgrade oil for compressors operating in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and packing industry

Need help in selecting the right screw compressor oil?

Service Technician handling lubricants in service van

How to select the perfect air compressor oil?

11 May, 2021

The 5 most important parameters influencing the oil are temperature, humidity, dust or air quality, metal and oxygen. Some of them are almost always present in the compressor or compressor room and can be seen as a constant influence...

Read more

Lubricants Service Parts