Reduce energy and maintenance
July 01st 2008 As all businesses continue to feel the impact of crude oil and energy prices, where can
genuine cost and energy savings be created? Edward Baresh, sales manager at Batoyle
Freedom Group highlights the long- and short- term savings that can be made by
opting for a synthetic compressor lubricant
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. Primarily
these are generated as a result of the excellent stability
in viscosity of the lubricant in relation to temperature;
ensuring easy start up of the compressor, less 'viscous
drag' effects and overall reducing energy consumption.
In addition, viscosity at elevated temperatures is
maintained, giving optimum lubrication during periods
of continuous running under high loads.
Energy cost savings of between 2 and 5% have been
reported for rotary screw compressors running on
Typhon Syn46. In addition to energy savings,
compressor maintenance costs can also be reduced
when using high performance synthetic compressor
lubricants.
As an example, the synthetic nature of Typhon Syn46
makes it highly resistant to both oxidation and thermal
degradation. As a result the formation of carbon, lacquer
and varnish type deposits are minimised. Compressors
running on Typhon Syn46 have therefore 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 3000 hours. This service life
can be extended by using synthetic lubricants such as
Typhon Syn46 which have operating capacities up to
6000 hours (depending on use).
Low temperature flow, high temperature viscosity,
oxidation stability and thermal stability all contribute to
improved compressor performance and reliability. The
long term impact of using such 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 superior lubricant film strength, reduced
mechanical abrasion and enhanced wear protection.
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." More articles from Batoyle Freedom Group: | 
