Why do air compressors spontaneously combust? Analyzing the three core causes

一、First, understand: Why do air compressors spontaneously combust? Analyzing the three core causes

Many people assume that air compressor spontaneous combustion occurs "suddenly," but in reality, there are often underlying causes. Based on real-world industrial cases, we've identified three common triggers to help you identify and troubleshoot:

1. Improper lubricant selection or untimely maintenance is an "invisible fuse"

When an air compressor is operating, lubricating oil not only lubricates components but also aids in heat dissipation. If the selected lubricant is too viscous, has poor oxidation resistance, or is used beyond its replacement interval, the oil will decompose at high temperatures, producing carbon deposits. These deposits adhere to the oil tank and oil-gas separator, and once the temperature reaches the ignition point (usually above 200°C), they can spontaneously combust.

An electronics factory once failed to replace the lubricating oil on time, which resulted in carbon deposits on the air compressor during operation and ignited oil mist. Not only did the equipment burn out, but the production line was also shut down for three days, resulting in a loss of nearly one million yuan.

2. Failure of the cooling system causes the device to "run out of temperature control"

If a problem occurs in the air compressor's cooling system (such as the radiator, fan, and cooler), heat cannot be dissipated promptly, causing the compressor head and oil and gas tank temperatures to continue to rise. For example, if the radiator becomes clogged with dust or oil, cooling efficiency will decrease; or if the fan malfunctions and stops, cooling will be ineffective. When the temperature exceeds the flash point of the lubricant, it may cause the oil to ignite, leading to spontaneous combustion of the entire machine.

Especially in the high temperature environment in summer, the workshop ventilation is poor and the "load" of the cooling system will be greater, so this kind of hidden danger should be paid more attention.

3. Electrical system short circuit or line aging, burying the "electric spark hidden danger"

An air compressor's electrical components, such as the motor, contactor, and cables, can easily generate sparks if the insulation layer deteriorates over time or if wiring becomes loose during installation. The oil-air mixture (oil mist from evaporating lubricant + compressed air) inside the air compressor can explode or spontaneously combust if it encounters sparks.

Some old factories have air compressors that have been in use for more than 10 years, and their electrical circuits have never been fully inspected. Such equipment is actually a "mobile safety hazard."