Industrial machinery needs the right type of oil. It is essential for performance, longevity and safety. Vacuum pump oil, compressor oil and refrigeration oil have certain similarities, but all serve different functions.
Each oil is engineered to meet the specific demands of the machinery it supports, and in this article, we’ll look at the applications, features and examples of each type of oil, to inform your buying decisions.
Vacuum pump oil
Purpose
Vacuum pump oil is used in vacuum pumps within vacuum pump systems, to lubricate internal components.
As well as lubrication, vacuum pump oil provides a tight seal and has the ability to remove contaminants. It helps with heat transfer, which is the process of carrying heat away from the pump’s moving parts, helping to avoid overheating.
These type of pumps operate under very low pressures, and the oil is important to maintain vacuum integrity and prevent system contamination.
Key features
Among the key features of vacuum pump oil are:
Low vapor pressure – which prevents the oil from evaporating and contaminating the vacuum environment.
High thermal stability – which allows the oil to operate effectively at the high temperatures often seen in vacuum systems.
Good demulsibility (an oil’s ability to separate from water) – to ensure separation of water and oil, which helps protect pump components.
Oxidation resistance – this minimises the formation of sludge and varnish, extending oil life and equipment reliability.
Examples of vacuum pump oil
Among the variety of vacuum pump oils formulated for various applications are oils for use in a wide range of rotary vane vacuum pumps; specially formulated for use in specific brands and models of rotary vane pumps; oils that are mineral-based and offer superior vapor pressure control; and oils that are a PFPE (perfluoropolyether) variety for use in cleanroom or high-purity applications.
Compressor oil
Purpose
Compressor oil is used in air and gas compressors to reduce friction. It dissipates heat and protects components from friction that leads to corrosion and wear.
This oil must handle a variety of conditions, depending on the type of compressor (rotary, screw-type or reciprocating). Compressor oil helps air and gas compressors to operate reliably under harsh conditions, including high pressure and high temperatures.
Key features
Among the key features of compressor oil are:
Anti-foam properties – which prevents foam formation, which can reduce lubrication efficiency.
Excellent thermal and oxidative stability – to prevent breakdown at high temperatures and extend service life.
High viscosity index – to maintain consistent lubrication across a wide range of operating temperatures.
Detergent and dispersant additives – which keeps internal parts clean by preventing sludge and deposit formation.
Examples of compressor oil
Among the various types of compressor oil are; premium oils – made by brands such as Mobil and Shell, designed to provide compressors with excellent oxidation resistance; oils made specifically for use in rotary screw compressors, offering a high level of wear protection; synthetic oils made for various air compressors; and synthetic oil, designed specifically for high-output rotary screw compressors.
Refrigeration oil
Purpose
Refrigeration compressor oil is used in compressors within refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Due to the sensitivity of refrigeration systems, incompatible oils may cause system damage or poor performance.
The main role of refrigeration oil is to lubricate the moving parts of the compressor while remaining compatible with various refrigerants (including R-134a, R-410A, or R-22).
Key features
Among the key features of refrigeration oil are:
Chemical compatibility with refrigerants – different refrigerants require different types of oil, such as mineral oil, POE (polyol ester), or PAG (polyalkylene glycol).
Low pour point – which ensures the oil remains fluid in low-temperature environments.
Moisture resistance – as refrigeration oils are highly refined to resist absorbing moisture, which can form acids and damage the system.
High lubricity – this minimises wear and tear in compressor components running under high pressure.
Examples of refrigeration oil
Examples of different types of refrigeration oil include; POE oil that is usually used with hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) refrigerants; mineral-based oils compatible with older refrigerants; synthetic ester oils (made by brands such as Fuchs) that is formulated for a broad range of refrigerants; and oils that are designed to provide superior thermal stability, and may be used with HFC refrigerants.
Vacuum pump oil, compressor oil and refrigeration oil are all essential to maintaining the health and performance of specific equipment. Using the wrong oil not only risks hampering production, but it can also speed up wear and even lead to complete failure of equipment.
It is always important to consult each piece of equipment’s manufacturer specifications carefully before choosing an industrial oil that is not only compatible with machinery, but that maximises its performance and extends its working life.
