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Batoyle highlights synthetic lubricant advantages

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 9, 2008

Batoyle Freedom Group has highlighted the long- and short-term savings that can be made by opting for a synthetic compressor lubricant.

Edward Baresh, sales manager at Batoyle Freedom Group, explains.

We are all aware that if customers want to reduce their cost of generating compressed air, then auditing the current system and reviewing system components can uncover low and in some cases 'no cost' ways to save on energy.

However, one area that may be overlooked in this process is the type of compressor lubricant used - often because there is an initial price premium attached when converting to an energy efficient synthetic alternative to the mainstream mineral oil-based lubricants popularly used.

However, the performance characteristics and related benefits of a synthetic compressor lubricant far outweigh the initial 'price per litre' disadvantage of such lubricants.

At Batoyle we have recently enhanced the technology of our range of compressor oils - including Typhon Syn46 - a fully synthetic rotary screw compressor lubricant.

Typhon Syn46 provides an energy efficient compressor lubricant solution which demonstrates that significant energy cost savings can be generated, in addition to gaining technical performance benefits associated with synthetic based lubricants.

Energy savings accrue almost immediately the conversion to Typhon Syn46 is made.

Primarily these are generated as a result of the stability in viscosity of the lubricant in relation to temperature; ensuring easy start-up of the compressor, less 'viscous drag' effects and reducing energy consumption overall.

In addition, viscosity at elevated temperatures is maintained, giving optimum lubrication during periods of continuous running under high loads.

Energy cost savings of between two and five per cent have been reported for rotary screw compressors running on Typhon Syn46.

In addition to energy savings, compressor maintenance costs can also be reduced when utilising high performance synthetic compressor lubricants.

As an example, the synthetic nature of Typhon Syn46 makes it resistant to oxidation and thermal degradation.

As a result, the formation of carbon, lacquer and varnish-type deposits are minimised.

Compressors running on Typhon Syn46 have remained much cleaner in comparison to those using conventional mineral oil lubricant types.

As a result, compressor downtime and wear and tear are significantly reduced.

Extended drain capabilities of synthetic compressor lubricants can additionally create a cost benefit to the user by extending operating hours and reducing lubricant consumption.

Typically standard mineral oil-based compressor lubricants will have an operating capacity of approximately 3,000 hours.

This service life can be extended by using synthetic lubricants, which have operating capacities up to 6,000 hours (depending on ruling site conditions).

Low temperature flow, high temperature viscosity, oxidation stability and thermal stability all contribute to improved compressor performance and reliability.

The long-term impact of utilising such high technology lubricants is the potential to extend the total working life of a compressor.

In particular, the ashless additive system and the blend of synthetic base stocks in Typhon Syn46 provide lubricant film strength, reduced mechanical abrasion and enhanced wear protection.

This combination creates a superior anti-wear performance lubricant which leads to enhanced compressor life.

Clearly if users of compressors want to create long-term cost and energy savings, they should review all areas of the compressed air system, including the quality and the technology of the lubricant they use.

By doing so, significant reductions in energy consumption, lubricant consumption and maintenance costs can be realised, with the ultimate benefit of enhanced compressor life.