In industrial production, oil-free water-lubricated air compressors are widely used in industries with stringent air quality requirements, such as pharmaceuticals, food, electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive painting, because they can provide 100% oil-free compressed air with a cleanliness level meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 0 standards. However, many users have questions about a key issue: what kind of "water" does a water-lubricated air compressor actually use? Can ordinary tap water be used? Today, we will answer these questions in detail.
I. The Key Role of "Water" in Water-Lubricated Air Compressors
A water-lubricated air compressor, as the name suggests, uses water as the core medium to achieve lubrication, sealing, and cooling functions in the compression process. This is fundamentally different from traditional oil-lubricated air compressors. In this type of equipment, water not only replaces the lubricating effect of lubricating oil, reducing operating costs, but also avoids oil and gas pollution, ensuring that the compressed air is completely oil-free and meets the stringent requirements of high-end industries for gas cleanliness. Meanwhile, the cooling effect of water is significant, helping to improve the volumetric efficiency and operational stability of the equipment.
II. The Ideal "Water": Pure Water Meeting Drinking Water Standards
Based on professional technology and industry practice, the "water" used in water-lubricated air compressors cannot be chosen arbitrarily. The standard should be drinking water-grade pure water. This type of water has the following characteristics:
- High purity: Extremely low impurity and mineral content, effectively preventing scale formation and avoiding blockage and corrosion of precision internal components.
- Good chemical stability: Will not react adversely with equipment materials, extending equipment lifespan.
- Meets hygiene standards: Especially in pharmaceutical, food, and other application fields, using water that meets drinking water standards ensures the hygiene and safety of the entire production process.
III. Can Ordinary Tap Water Be Used? — Potential Risks to Be Aware Of
Many users ask: "Since it's called water lubrication, can we use ordinary tap water directly in our factory?" The answer is: It is not recommended to use ordinary tap water directly. Ordinary tap water usually contains a certain amount of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, chloride ions, and suspended solids. Long-term use of ordinary tap water may lead to the following problems:
1. Scale buildup: Minerals easily precipitate and form scale under high temperature and pressure conditions, adhering to critical parts such as the main unit and cooling system. This reduces heat exchange efficiency, increases energy consumption, and may even cause overheating and damage to the equipment.
2. Corrosion risk: Chloride ions and other components in the water may corrode internal metal parts, shortening the equipment's lifespan and increasing maintenance costs.
3. Impact on sealing and lubrication: Impurities may affect the uniform formation of the water film, reducing lubrication and sealing effects. In the long term, this may affect the quality of compressed air and the stable operation of the equipment.
IV. Professional Advice and Maintenance Tips
1. Prioritize Pure Water: To ensure optimal performance and maximum service life of the water-lubricated air compressor, it is strongly recommended to use pure water or deionized water that meets drinking water standards.
2. Water Quality Monitoring: Regularly test the water quality to ensure that its conductivity, hardness, pH value, and other indicators meet the equipment requirements.
3. System Maintenance: Although the maintenance cost of water-lubricated air compressors is relatively low, regular maintenance according to the manufacturer's instructions is still necessary. This includes checking the water filter, drainage system, etc., to ensure the cleanliness and smooth flow of the entire water circulation system.
Choosing the right water is a crucial step in maximizing the advantages of water-lubricated air compressors and ensuring stable production. Don't sacrifice long-term benefits for short-term convenience by using substandard water sources. Let's work together to use water scientifically, making our equipment more efficient and providing longer-lasting support for your production!
