The functions of a compressor lubricant

As is well known, one of the main factors contributing to economic loss in a company that uses compressed air machinery is the waste of energy. Fortunately, however, solutions are being sought and found to eliminate or at least minimize this risk. The focus should certainly be on lubricants: which ones should be used to avert the risk of losses? Dissipating heat, adequately lubricating bearings, eliminating metal-to-metal contact, minimizing reflux losses, and protecting against corrosion and wear over time from ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These are the main characteristics that a good compressor lubricant should have. One of the main factors contributing to the inefficiency of compression systems—and therefore to the consequent economic loss for the industry that uses them—has been identified as the use of poor-quality lubricants. So how do you choose the best lubricant to ensure the full functionality of compressed air systems? One of the best lubricants on the market appears to be the one produced by Fuchs Lubrificanti Spa, an Italian company directly affiliated with the Fuchs Group, based near Asti (more precisely in Buttigliera d’Asti). This site is home to the production plant, the Research and Development department, and the sales departments of the Industry and Automotive divisions. Today, this company offers a range of 1,500 products, including lubricants, functional fluids for industry and automotive (which clearly also include compressors), and greases, and represents one of the most concrete solutions for companies that use compressed air. These high-quality lubricants effectively prevent the risk of short service life or even breakdown of compressors, which obviously leads to costly production downtime.