Compressor Oil Carryover and Its Effect on the Pneumatic System

Oil carryover is present in all pneumatic systems where the compressed air is generated by oil lubricated compressors. With the increased use of electronic and small orifice components on trucks and coaches, the problem of contamination and failure related to oil carryover in the compressed air system has increased. Even though the rate of oil carryover out of the compressor has improved over recent years, problems persist.

This paper will describe how the oil is transported out of the compressor, the various states oil is generated including vapor pressure profiles and size distribution of the condensed aerosols. Also reviewed is the oil removal effectiveness of various components downstream of the compressor. A model of oil liquefaction from vapor and aerosol states will be presented. The effect of liquefied oil combined with other contaminates in the pneumatic system and various design criteria for downstream equipment will be discussed.