Synthetic industrial compressor oil can reduce costs significantly.

Your first reaction to this might be: “How can more expensive synthetic industrial compressor oil lead to a cost saving?”

Most factories and manufacturing facilities use compressed air systems for a variety of applications, and keeping these air compressors running efficiently is critical to keeping the entire operation running.


Most air compressors require lubricant to cool, seal and lubricate internal components. Correct lubrication will ensure efficient operation, thereby avoiding costly unscheduled downtime and repairs. Using the correct air compressor lubricant also reduces operating temperature and can reduce power consumption.

In this regard synthetic industrial compressor oil is superior to mineral based compressor lubricants. Because quality synthetic oils are engineered using high performance base oils with carefully selected additive packages, friction and the resultant heat are reduced which leads to extended oil change intervals as well as energy savings.

What synthetic industrial compressor oil is best for my application?

Lubrication requirements vary considerably based on air compressor type (centrifugal, reciprocating, rotary screw, rotary vane or dry screw), the environment in which it is used, and the type of gas that is being compressed.

Typically any quality synthetic industrial compressor oil will have outstanding anti-wear and corrosion protection, while also offering the following benefits:

• Wide temperature range capability 
• Significant performance improvement relative to mineral oils 
• Reduced impact on the environment 
• Extended service life 
• Reduced coking deposits 
• Longer oil life 
• Improved filter life 
• Lower maintenance costs 
• Reduced sludge formation in crankcases and discharge lines 
• Reduced blockage of coalescers, inter- and after-coolers 
• Less potential for emulsion formation 
• Improved protection of internal compressor components 
• Excellent rust and corrosion protection 
• High oxidation and viscosity stability 
• Nonfoaming 
• Demulsibility properties to shed water 
• Filterability without the worry of lubricant additive depletion 

So, when looking for an air compressor lubricant that suits your needs, first look at the viscosity requirements. After the viscosity requirements are identified, look for a lubricant that provides the benefits stated above.

Having selected a quality synthetic industrial compressor oil you can expect to see considerable cost savings over time.

What savings can I expect by switching to synthetic industrial compressor oil?

The use of synthetic industrial compressor oil results in cleaner compressors and lower deposits compared to conventional mineral oils, resulting in longer running periods between maintenance intervals. Their excellent oxidation and thermal stability safely allow extended life capability while controlling sludge and deposit formation.

It’s not uncommon for regular mineral air industrial compressor oil to require an oil drain every 5,000 hours, with the associated costs and downtime. Changing to a quality synthetic compressor oil can quite feasibly double this lifespan to 10,000 hours. Accompanying these extended oil change intervals is an operating cost benefit, which, when energy savings are added to the maintenance savings can realise a very healthy 50% operating cost reduction over time.

Habot Synthetic Lubricants are suppliers of quality synthetic lubes, including synthetic industrial compressor oil, and would be happy to offer advice and product-specific data on all of our items to help you make the right decision. To learn more about our greases, gear oils, compressor oils, hydraulic oils, engine oils please contact us today.