Compressor air pollution - strong oil odor

by Pete
(Annapolis, MD)

Hi, I have a 60 gal., oil-lubricated Compressor. I want to use it to run an orbital sander in a basement workshop. I am noticing a strong oil odor when I use the unit. It is clear that I do not have the correct filtration setup. I am having a hard time determining the exact specifications of filtration I need to safely run the sander without contaminating the air in my home. Do you have specific recommendations for this kind of setup?

Thanks,
Pete

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Bill says...

Hi Pete. The oil odor is created by heat and oil carryover from the sump, into the compressed air stream.

As the compressor works, it heats up. The pump head gets very hot. As the piston cycles oil is deposited on the cylinder barrel. The quantity of oil is predicated on the piston rings sealing ability. An older compressor will allow more oil through, newer ones (with better piston rings) less, but all recip compressors put lube oil into the air.

The heat and the movement of air from the cylinder into the tank takes some of that oil with it, then it it's in your tank, and then it's in your air stream to your tools.

For specs on breathing air contamination, you'll want to visit the OSHA website.

To remove oil from the air stream, you'll want a coalescent filter.

Please see Filters from the site map for much more info on treating compressed air.

Cheers,

Bill