Compressor Oil Selection and the Castrol Aircol Range

Compressor oil is a quiet failure point. The compressor keeps running, efficiency drifts down, and the problem only becomes obvious when something expensive happens.

Compressor type drives the choice

Rotary screw compressors flood the working chamber with oil, so the oil is doing sealing and cooling work as well as lubrication, and it sees sustained heat. Vane compressors are similar in principle with different film demands. Reciprocating compressors expose oil to high discharge temperatures at the valves, where oxidation and carbon deposits are the main risk.

The Aircol range covers these applications across the common ISO grades.

Why drain intervals matter more than usual

Compressor oil degrades through oxidation, accelerated by heat and by the air it is constantly in contact with. Oxidised oil forms varnish and carbon deposits. In a reciprocating compressor those deposits build on the discharge valves, and in the worst case they become a fire risk. This is one application where extending the drain interval to save money is a poor trade.

Condensate and water

Compressing air produces water. Drain the receiver properly and check the separator. Water contamination will shorten oil life regardless of which grade you chose.

Related industrial ranges

Plant rooms rarely need only one product. Alongside compressor oils we supply Hyspin hydraulic oils and Perfecto turbine and circulating oils from the same Castrol range.

Send us your compressor details and we will confirm the grade and quote for drum or pallet quantities.