Manufacturing Benefits of Oil-Free Air Compressors

Prev Post Next Post

What Can Oil-Free Air Compressors do for Your Plant?

Across industries, plant operators face growing pressure to reduce operating costs, protect product quality, and meet stringent environmental standards. One of the most effective ways to meet all three goals is by integrating ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified oil-free air compressors into your compressed air system.

Oil-free air compressors reduce maintenance, eliminate oil contamination risks, and improve long-term energy efficiency making them ideal for high-purity, regulated applications like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and electronics manufacturing.

What is Oil-Free Compressed Air?

The degree of air purity required varies based on the risk tolerance for any industrial process. The International Standards Organization (ISO) created ISO 8573-1 to provide manufacturers with the ability to define the level of tolerance for air purity in their compressed air system. This standard outlines the levels of solid particulates, water, and oil allowed based on the classification.

Class 0, the most stringent of these classes, guarantees compressed air will contain <0.01 mg/m3 of total oil. The key is to select the classification most appropriate for your facility.

Manufacturing Benefits of Oil-Free Air

Eliminates Risk of Contamination

Contamination from oil carryover can cause:

Product recalls
Quality degradation
Regulatory violations
Brand damage

By eliminating oil from the air stream entirely, Class 0 air oil-free compressors eliminate contamination risks associated with post-filtration failures or separator leaks safeguarding your product and reputation.

Equipment Protection and Reduced Maintenance

Residual oil from lubricated systems accumulates on:

Pneumatic tools and actuators
Valves and sensors
Sensitive process equipment

This buildup increases component wear and shortens asset life. In contrast, oil-free systems:

Reduce maintenance frequency
Eliminate oil filter and separator replacements
Extend desiccant and downstream filter life

Lower Environmental Impact

Oil-free compressors drastically reduce oil use and simplify waste handling:

Oil changes are required only every 2–3 years vs. 6–12 months in Oil-flooded screw compressors which require55 gallons of oil every six to twelve months for an oil change.
Oil must be properly disposed of in accordance with regulatory guidelines, whereas oil-free compressors eliminate the need for complex disposal procedures.
Recyclable condensate can often be reused within the facility

This supports corporate sustainability goals and eases compliance with environmental regulations.

Oil-Free Compressors Help Reduce Operating and Energy Costs

Energy consumption accounts for 60–75% of a compressor’s total life cycle cost. Oil-free compressors reduce system resistance by eliminating:

Oil separators
Multiple oil filters
Pressure drops across filtration points

With fewer restrictions in the air path, these systems deliver higher pressure at lower energy input—saving thousands in annual energy expenses.

Who Needs Oil-Free Compressed Air?

Pharmaceutical & Medical Manufacturing

Air purity is critical for sterile environments and must meet strict standards at every process point, from tablet coating to drying chambers. Even trace contamination from oil can compromise product safety and trigger costly recalls.

Food & Beverage Production

Regulatory frameworks like FSMA, GFSI, and BCAS require strict control of air purity in contact with food products. Oil-free air prevents contamination risks and aligns with modern food safety initiatives.

Electronics Manufacturing

Processes such as PCB cleaning and sensor production demand ultra-clean, dry air to avoid defects. Class 0 oil-free systems protect sensitive components from oil vapor and particulates.

Textile Industry

Compressed air used in air-jet looms and spinning machines must remain oil-free to avoid fabric staining and ensure uninterrupted high-speed operation.