Through years of practice, it has been found that the main reasons for increased oil consumption in screw-type air compressors include the following aspects:  

1.Use of Low-Quality Lubricating Oil

In the operation of screw-type air compressors, the quality of lubricating oil has a crucial impact on performance and efficiency. However, if low-quality lubricating oil is used, it can lead to a series of problems.

First, low-quality lubricating oil often fails to meet viscosity standards, meaning it cannot form an effective lubricating film between machine components. This increases frictional resistance, requiring more energy to overcome it, thereby raising oil consumption.

Second, low-quality lubricating oil has poor oxidation resistance, making it prone to oxidative degradation under high temperature and pressure. This further reduces its lubricating effectiveness, increasing operational resistance and leading to higher oil consumption.

Additionally, long-term use of unsuitable or inferior lubricating oil can cause cumulative damage to the machine, such as accelerating seal aging and corroding metal surfaces, further degrading overall performance and increasing maintenance costs.

2.Leakage in the Oil System

During the operation of a screw-type air compressor, if leaks occur in the oil system—such as in pipelines, joints, or sealing components—lubricating oil will be lost. Since lubricating oil is essential for normal operation, leaks necessitate continuous replenishment to maintain proper functioning. This not only increases lubricant usage but also significantly raises oil consumption. Moreover, oil system leaks can trigger other issues, such as equipment overheating and accelerated component wear, further affecting stability and service life.

3.Unreasonable Design of the Oil-Gas Tank

In the operation of screw-type air compressors, the oil-gas tank is a critical component. However, some compressors on the market have poorly designed internal structures in their oil-gas tanks. For example, the position and shape of baffles may be suboptimal, affecting oil-gas separation efficiency. When separation is inefficient, more lubricating oil is carried into the system with the compressed air, increasing oil consumption and potentially harming normal operation.

4.Damage to the Oil Separator Core

In screw-type air compressors, the oil-gas separator is a vital component, and the oil separator core is its central part. Its primary function is to separate oil droplets from compressed air, ensuring discharged air is as dry and oil-free as possible. However, over time, the oil separator core may become clogged, damaged, or reach the end of its service life. When this happens, separation efficiency drops significantly, allowing more oil droplets to escape with the air. This not only affects air quality but also directly increases oil consumption.

5.Prolonged Operation Under Low Pressure

When a screw-type air compressor operates for extended periods under low pressure, lubricating oil consumption accelerates noticeably. Since lubricating oil is essential for smooth operation, reducing mechanical wear, and improving energy efficiency, its rapid depletion not only necessitates more frequent replenishment—directly increasing maintenance costs and oil consumption—but may also damage the machine if not addressed promptly, such as by worsening friction and wear between components, shortening service life and efficiency.

6.Clogged or Improperly Installed Oil Return Line

If the oil return line in a screw-type air compressor becomes clogged or is improperly installed, lubricating oil cannot flow smoothly back into the compressor. This disrupts oil circulation, impairing lubrication and cooling performance. Since oil cannot return effectively, the machine requires more lubricant to maintain normal operation, increasing oil consumption. Additionally, poor design—such as excessive bends or excessive length—can increase flow resistance, exacerbating the problem.

7.Overfilling of Lubricating Oil

During maintenance of a screw-type air compressor, if the lubricating oil level exceeds the maximum mark on the sight glass, the excess oil may be carried away by the compressed air flow. Due to the force of the airflow, this additional oil is lost to the external environment, increasing overall oil consumption. This not only raises costs but may also pollute the surroundings.