While engine oil and compressor oil are both lubricants that typically involve a blend of base oil (synthetic or mineral) and additives, they are different products with specific purposes.
Many people are unaware that the two lubricants are not interchangeable, but each are designed to answer unique requirements. In this in-depth guide, we put both solutions under the microscope to understand their differences and explain why neither are an applicable replacement for the other.
What is engine oil?
Supplied by a wide range of manufactures including Mobi, Texaco and Castrol, engine oil is among the most used lubricants available. A built-for-purpose lubricant, it is specifically designed to serve the operating requirement of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and is offered in a range of different viscosities to suit season use and the specs of different makes and models of vehicles and stationery equipment.
What is the purpose of engine oil?
The role of engine oil is manifold. The oil lubricates the engine’s internal moving parts, ensuing they move smoothly and effectively. This guarantees performance and can lower running costs of vehicles and machinery.
Engine oil also acts as a critical coolant that keeps the engine within the correct operating temperatures. Engines must also cope with unwanted deposits from combustion, so the oil cleans the system, sending contaminants to the filter. Finally, vehicle engines must contend with the risk of rust, so engine oil seals parts against iron oxide and other corrosive forces.
What are engine oils used for?
Engine oils are employed for seamless running of engines used in stationary plant equipment and vehicles. They are essential to keep engines in good working order and offer several benefits. They proactively protect the innerworkings of engines, reducing the costs of service and mechanical repairs. They can even prolong the lifespan of engines, offering a greater return on investment (ROI) to owners.
What are the key characteristics of engine oil?
Engine oil is characterised by specific physical properties and additives that allow it to perform several critical functions. It is designed with viscosity that lets it flow at different temperatures while being thick enough to maintain suitable film strength. It also has excellent thermal and oxidative stability and corrosion resistance. Engine oil can transfer heat to cool parts and has a high flashpoint for safe usage at higher temperatures. Its additives include detergents and dispersants to keep engines clean as well as anti-wear modifiers. Engine oils also effectively seal engines to maintain combustion pressure.
What is compressor oil?
Like engine oil, compressor oil is designed for a specific type of equipment. These cutting-edge oils are formulated to support efficient operation of air compressors. specialised lubricant used to cool, seal and lubricate the internal components of air compressors to prevent wear and tear, corrosion and overheating. Unlike standard motor oil, it is formulated with specific additives to handle the high temperatures and pressures of compression, and it’s crucial for maintaining the compressor’s efficiency and lifespan.
What is the purpose of compressor oil?
The role of compressor oil is also to lubricate, protect and cool internal parts to prevent wearing and ensure efficient operations. It decreases friction and serves as a coolant to extract excess heat generated in compression. It also helps seal off the compressor from air and moisture while keeping it clean by removing dust particles.
What are compressor oils used for?
Compressor oil is employed to keep compressors running at optimum. However, they also reduce mechanical downtime decrease costly repairs and replacement parts. High-quality compressor oil like the products supplied by CPI Fluid Engineering can also extend the active service life of air compressors, protecting owners’ investments.
What are the key characteristics of compressor oil?
The core properties of compressor oil include viscosity stability, corrosion prevention, high oxidative and thermal stability and anti-foaming. These attributes ensure the compressor oil maintains its function under high pressure and heat while protecting internal components from moisture and wear, as well as preventing harmful deposits clogging the compressor system.
Why engine oils and compressor oils aren’t interchangeable
Engine oil and compressor oil are primarily not interchangeable, primarily because of their different additives. This includes detergents used in engine oil. Employing the incorrect oil can cause reduced efficiency, serious damage to equipment from wear and tear, void warranties and result in total system failure.
For compressor oil and engine oil from leading brands, you can rely on Oil Store. Touch base with our team for further product details.
