EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS

WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT OIL

But were afraid to ask

www.atlascopco.com
What lubricants do…
Qualitative lubricants are indispensable for the operation of any oil injected Stay Cool Stay Lubricated Stay Sealed Stay Clean
air compressor. They keep the compression block cool and protect the machine The number one function of compressor The oil forms a protective layer to reduce Oil seals all moving parts in The oil solves deposits and carries floating
from wear and tear, they eliminate dirt and seal all sections from air. In short, lubricant is to cool down the operational wear and tear of the bearings. the compressor element, ensuring dust and metal particles to the oil filter,
temperature of the compressor. optimum energy efficiency where it is cleaned and prevents damage
qualitative lubricants realize a compressor’s full potential, maximize its lifetime
to the compressor.
and keep operational costs to a minimum.
…and why Atlas Copco Lubricants do it better ANTI OXIDATION
Effective lubrication is vital to keep your compressors performing reliably and ANTI WEAR
consequently vital for your production processes. However, oil is continuously submitted to
ANTI FOAMING
extreme conditions that hold a real risk of compromising the smooth running of your compressor,
and an equally danger of a breakdown. Not all lubricants meet these challenges. VISCOSITY BEHAVIOR

It’s all in the formula Atlas Copco lubricants

are the only real choice.
Additives
Individual additives influence each
Only Atlas Copco lubricants meet the exact speci- After the refinery process
other’s behavior, the base fluid behavior
fications for Atlas Copco equipment. Its effective Atlas Copco enriches
and ultimately the effectiveness
formulas protect your equipment for the longest the base oil with different
of the lubricant. Add too much of a
possible time in the best possible way at the best additives to meet the
particular additive, and one or more other
service cost, in variable operating conditions. requirements of our
additives may lose effect. To ensure
compressors in different
every additive can perform its task,
operating conditions,
our lubricants have a balanced recipe
from mild to highly
resulting from extensive research
demanding environments.
and development.

The experts in our laboratories are uniquely
skilled in specifying lubricant properties for
Atlas Copco compressors to operate optimally
in a wide range of settings and conditions,
during several thousands of hours
The information that we gather from
compressed air installations across the world
allows us to understand the demanding
requirements our lubricants need to withstand.
Tackle the threats
Atlas Copco lubricants are a unique blend of chemical properties,
engineered for optimal performance in their dedicated functions.
These carefully selected additives interact in the right proportion
to obtain optimal overall performance from your compressor
for the longest possible time.
OXIDATION RESISTANCE
When exposed to oxygen, high temperatures, water or dust, the oil will oxidize,
creating oxidation products, acids and deposits that will decrease the oil life and
may cause damage and undermine the compressor’s performance.
Additives
• Slows the lubricant’s reaction with oxygen
• Improves oxidation resistance at higher operating temperatures
Benefits
• Extends lubricant lifetime
• Prevents deposits like varnish or sludge
• Prevents acid formation and metal corrosion
• Prevents clogging of filters, blocking of valves, failure on bearings and gears
• Prevents unexpected breakdowns; ensures reliability
SEPARATING WATER
Depending on the relative humidity of the ambient air transit of many liters
of water vapor occurs during the compressor’s operation.
This increases the rate of oxidation and reduces the oil’s lubrication properties.
Additives
• Improves the water separability
• Enhances the lubricant’s phase separation
Benefits
• Protects the system from water and oil emulsions
• Maintains the lubricant’s original properties
• Prevents oxidation
• Lowers condensate concentration
• Enhanced intervals of the oil condensate treatment system.
RESISTANCE TO WEAR
In operating conditions where the lubrication film is not sufficient, moving
parts could briefly make contact. Anti-wear additives form a protective
layer on such moving parts and prevent them from getting damaged.
Additives
• Highly reactive, attaches easily to parts
• Forms a protective layer over metal surfaces
Benefits
• Prevents welding of metal parts
• Reduces wear on rotors, bearings and gears
• Protects the compressor element
Selecting the right lubricant
Mild Demanding Extreme

mineral versus synthetic oils ambient conditions Roto Foodgrade

2.000 Hrs 4.000 Hrs 8.000 Hrs 2.000 Hrs 4.000 Hrs 8.000 Hrs 2.000 Hrs 4.000 Hrs 8.000 Hrs

RIF Ndurance
Although both mineral and synthetic oils can used in compressors they each Temperature, humidity and dust are all factors that jeopardize the
RS Ultra
have their own characteristics. Depending on the operation conditions of your quality of the oil and determine the oil change interval.
RS Xtend Duty
compressor you can make the right choice.

Synthetic oils stay more viscose Synthetic oils, like RS Xtend Duty,
SERVICE INTERVAL
at higher temperatures resulting in repel water while mineral oils attract Temperature Humidity Dust Type
better lubrication. water more easily, which leads to faster Humidity Dust
<30° C / 86° F N N MILD
oxidation for mineral oils, making them Humidity is influenced by rain and other The quality of the air depends in large
At low temperatures, synthetic oils less suitable for humid conditions. weather influences, so use the following part on the amount of dust. Use the
<30° C / 86° F Y N MILD
become less viscous compared to min- geographical indications for guidance only. following indications of dust levels in
eral oils, resulting in less cold start-up Mineral oils adhere better to metal production environments for guidance
<30° C / 86° F N Y MILD
problems. surfaces, compared to some • Not humid: locations that are not only; local circumstances may influence
synthetic oils and create a better <30° C / 86° F Y Y DEMANDING humid most of the year the average dustiness.
Mineral oils contain more volatile protective layer. As such the
• Humid: locations that are humid
components. Compared with negative effect on lubrication of >30° C / 86° F - <40° C / 104° F N N DEMANDING • High dust levels:
most of the year
synthetic oils, they evaporate mineral oils at higher mining and cement, metal,steel
>30° C / 86° F - <40° C / 104° F Y N DEMANDING - Tropical and megathermal climates
faster and will carry over into the temperatures, due to low manufacturing and foundries
- Tropical rainforest climates
air more easily with air viscosity, is compensated. • Normal dust levels:
>30° C / 86° F - <40° C / 104° F N Y DEMANDING (Northwest Pacific, Central America,
contamination and higher oil food and beverage, automotive,
Malaysia)
consumption as a result. electronics, petrochemical,
>30° C / 86° F - <<40° C / 104° F Y Y EXTREME - Tropical monsoon climate
gas purification, etc.
(Jakarta, Miami, South America)
>40° C / 104° F - - EXTREME
Mild Demanding Extreme
Selecting the right lubricant A positive
impact on your
Roto-Foodgrade maintenance cost
Roto-Foodgrade Fluid is a high
performance fluid specifically designed
for use in oil injected screw compressors
operating in the Food/Beverage,
Pharmaceutical and packing industry.
Generic Lubricant
National and international regulations Roto Foodgrade RIF Ndurance RS Ultra RS Xtend Duty Purchasing a generic low-cost lubricant may
specify strict manufacturing standards seem like an effective way to achieve modest
regarding contamination risk Synthetic Fluid Mineral Fluid Synthetic Fluid Synthetic Fluid
cost savings. However, if the generic lubricant causes
+75%
management in this industry. PAO, NSF-H1, Halal and Highly refined mineral oil Gas to Liquid PAO
New element
Kosher approved deposit formation, provides insufficient lubrication
Our Roto-Foodgrade is based on a Overall Cost
SERVICE INTERVALS SERVICE INTERVALS SERVICE INTERVALS SERVICE INTERVALS
or inadequate resistance to wear, the risk of
careful blend of synthetic fluids and
additives that meet these stringent Mild: Mild: Demanding: All conditions: a breakdown increases. If the element needs to be
requirements, allowing for active Critical up to 4.000 hrs / 1 year up to 4.000 hrs / 1 year up to 4.000 hrs / 2 years 8.000 hrs / 2 years
replaced after only a few years, the resulting overall Atlas Copco
Control Points management Change oil filters
cost reveals a different picture. Lubricant
(in an HACCP system) and providing Demanding: Demanding: Extreme: GR and ER compressors: & oil separators
increased customer confidence in up to 2.000 hrs / 1 year up to 2.000 hrs / 1 year up to 2.000 hrs / 2 years Up to 4.000 hrs / 2 years
Maintenance
the food products’ safety. Maintenance
GR and ER compressors:
Up to 2.000 hrs / 2 years Oil change & top ups
Oil change & top ups
 2935 0170 20 - November 2016 © Atlas Copco Airpower n.v., Belgium. - Subject to alteration without prior notice.
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTIVITY
As a true service partner we understand you need for reliable and efficient
quality air solutions. It is our ambition to maximize the availability of your
equipment at minimum operating cost,making adequate use of resources.
That is what we call sustainable productivity.

www.atlascopco.com