Your browser is not supported

You are using a browser we do not support any longer. To continue visiting our website, please choose one of the following supported browsers.

Our global presence

Please select a business area and your country and language.

Close

Why is there oil in my rotary screw air compressor tank?

Is oil okay in my tank?

Don’t be alarmed if you find oil in your air compressor tank. Actually, all rotary screw compressors pass trace amounts of oil in the compressed air. The question is how much is the normal amount of oil in my compressor tank?

Normal oil carry-over

Coalescing filters play a big role in keeping the oil out of your tank. Depending on the upkeep, maintenance and overall condition of the compressor will depend on how much oil is being passed along downstream. A trace amount of oil may appear in your tank, which is a normal amount typically seen and nothing to be alarmed about.

Excessive oil in your tank

If you have oil actually “pooling” in your tank, you may have a few things going on with your compressor. Your separator may be saturated, punctured or even collapsed which is creating excessive oil carry over. Additionally, if the scavenger lines or check valves are plugged and not working, that will create excessive oil carryover.

Routine Checks to Help:

- Record the differential across your separator. - Stay up on routine separator maintenance. - Use Original OEM separator which is designed to remove the most oil carry over. - Regularly drain your air receiver tank.

Jim Phillis

You ask, we answer. Visit our Expert Corner for every #CPTechThursday to find answers to common industry questions and highlights of CP's high-quality compressors. We love providing our customers with answers to their technical questions.

Jim Phillis , Technical Support Chicago Pneumatic

Please contact [email protected] for any questions about maintenance kits or parts. For tech support for any Chicago Pneumatic product, please call us at (877)861-2722, opt 1. Or email us directly at [email protected] . We look forward to helping.

Do you have an idea for a #cptechthursday article? Let us know!

Experts' articles

Why a Chicago Pneumatic VSD Expert Corner

Why Is My Compressor Vibrating?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Can my compressor be outside

How Do I Winterize My Air Compressor?

Regardless of whether or not it actually freezes where you live, most winterization service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in northern Maine or South Florida.

Expert Corner Dryer

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor. One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.