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BUYER GUIDES

What oil should you use in an air compressor?

First identify whether the compressor is reciprocating or rotary screw. Use its manual to choose the oil family and full grade designation.

Air compressor application illustration
Application illustration
01

Identify the compressor design.

The compressor model and manual are the starting point. L-DAB in this range addresses medium-duty reciprocating air compressor applications. DAH addresses low- and medium-duty rotary screw applications. The broad phrase compressor oil does not distinguish these requirements.

02

Keep the complete grade designation.

The L-DAB grades listed here are 68, 100, 150 and 220. DAH lists 32, 32A, 46 and 46A. Retain the A suffix when asking for information; 46 and 46A are not presented as the same variant.

03

Compare the product with the equipment requirement.

Ask for the technical data for the selected grade, including the information needed by the equipment supplier. Do not assume that all products in a range have the same base oil, approval or maintenance interval. Review the current oil before proposing a change.

04

Include the operating and service context.

Send the compressor model, lubricant requirement and current product. State whether the inquiry concerns an initial fill or an oil change. Operating conditions and maintenance guidance belong in a technical review of the proposed lubricant.

05

Check the application exclusions.

L-DAB and DAH described here are not for oxygen or chlorine compressors. For any specialist gas application, obtain the equipment-specific lubricant requirement and suitable technical advice rather than selecting a normal air compressor oil.

FROM THE GUIDE TO YOUR REQUIREMENT

A practical reference for your review.

Review itemWhat to recordHow to use it
Compressor designReciprocating or rotary screwUse the family specified for that machine.
L-DAB inquiry68 / 100 / 150 / 220 designationKeep the full grade and compressor requirement.
DAH inquiry32 / 32A / 46 / 46A designationAn A suffix identifies a distinct variant.
Operating contextMake, model, duty and current lubricantUse the actual service requirement for product review.
ChangeoverTop-up or complete replacementRequest compatibility and procedure information.
Service intervalEquipment guidance and selected product dataDo not assume one interval across different oils and machines.
RELATED PRODUCTS & READING

Use the guide for your next decision.

01

Reciprocating compressor requirement

Review the L-DAB family and listed grades.

View L-DAB Oil
02

Rotary screw requirement

Review DAH designations including 32A and 46A.

View DAH Oil
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