MINERAL OIL TO OILTECH SYNTHETIC COMPRESSOR LUBRICANTS

Converting to Oiltech Synthetic Compressor Lubricants is easy!

Synthetic compressor lubricants offer much performance advantages over petroleum 
based oils.

Whilst all Oiltech synthetic air compressor lubricants are compatible with petroleum 
based oils, it is important that compressors be properly drained and cleaned in order 
to achieve maximum benefit of the changeover.

Draining
1. Drain all old oil from the unit while the oil is warm.

2. Be certain that all condensate drain valves are emptied of all fluids and 
sludge.

3. Remove all pipe plugs in the compressor, oil reservoir, separator and oil lines 
and drain completely.

4. Remove pipe plug from bottom of oil cooler.

5. Replace or completely clean the oil filter.

Cleaning
For old compressors, or one with chronic high temperature problems, it is particularly 
desirable to drain the oil while hot, and then flush the system with a flushing charge.  
The fluids listed below are in order of descending efficiency as flushing media.

a. Use the Oiltech synthetic compressor oil that will eventually become the final 
long life lube used.  Oiltech synthetics have excellent inherent solvency for 
effective cleaning of residual deposits.  Run the unit separators and oil filter 
pressure differentials during this period as they may become plugged by 
loosened deposits.  Drain and refill with correct Oiltech synthetic lubricant and 
replace all filters.

b. Deposit cleaning solvents; such as “Thermosolv” have been recommended by 
some compressor manufacturers.  In such cases, the recommendations of the 
flushing solvent supplier should be followed.  A preferred alternative is to 
substitute up to 20% of the crankcase oil capacity with the synthetic to 
eventually be used for 200 to 500 operational hours.
c. Flush with a fresh charge of the previously used petroleum compressor oil for 
50 to 100 operational hours, drain as previous instructions and charge with 
fresh synthetic.

Note: 	Due to the continuing deposit cleaning characteristics of Oiltech 
synthetics, filters, traps and air/oil separators should be regularly 
monitored in the early stage for fouling by loosened gums and resins.


STARTING UP NEW AND REBUILT COMPRESSORS
Running-in of new or rebuilt compressors can take 50 to 100% longer with synthetics 
than with petroleum oils due to the better anti-wear properties of synthetics.  It is 
therefore recommended that new or rebuilt units be run for 150 to 300 hours on 
mineral oil, before upgrading to the synthetic.

COMPATBILITY
Oiltech synthetic compressor oils are compatible with the materials of construction 
used in all major compressor manufacturers.

Compatible materials include: Viton, high nitrile Buna N, epoxy and oil resistant alkyd 
paints, Teflon, Delrin and Celcon.

Materials not recommended include Neoprene, low nitrile Buna N, SBR rubber, 
lacquer and acrylic paints, ABS, polystyrene and PVC plastics.















The information contained herein is considered to be correct but should only be taken as a guideline.  No guarantee or warranty is 
expressed or implied for the product described and we assume no responsibility for its use.
Change Over Procedure-Synthetic Compressor Oil	TECHNICAL BULLETIN
Oiltech Australia Pty. Limited		16 July, 1998
10 KYLIE PLACE, CHELTENHAM NORTH, VICTORIA 3192, AUSTRALIA
PHONE:+61 3 9553 2544  FAX:+61 3 9553 4846
E-mail: info@oiltech.com.au