PROCESS GAS AND MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY GUIDE FOR COMPRESSORS

The information presented below is meant to serve only as a guide. It is intended to provide the user with a general idea for the types of materials which have typically been compatible with the AMSOIL compressor oils, and also those materials which should have minimum contact with these products. Changes in methods of manufacture, application, degree of exposure and severity of environment can sometimes cause unpredictable effects in a material's compatibility.

PC Series

The AMSOIL PC Series Oils are compatible with seals, paints, plastics and virtually all materials that would be used in compressor applications. They are satisfactory for use with all materials that are compatible with petroleum oils.

DC Series

The AMSOIL DC Series Oils are diester-based products. This product is the focus of the material compatibility chart. It has some compatibility issues that should be addressed when recommending this product for an application.

Other Compressor Oils

AMSOIL PC Series and DC Series Compressor Fluids are compatible with petroleum, diester-based and synthetic hydrocarbon (PAO) based compressor fluids. Glycol and silicone compressor fluids are incompatible with petroleum and other synthetic oils, therefore also incompatible with AMSOIL Compressor Oils. Because of the DC Series' good polarity, AMSOIL recommends using the DC Series as a flushing agent and as the replacement compressor oil when changing out glycol or silicone based compressor oil. To change from these types of fluid to AMSOIL, please refer to the Procedure for Flushing Compressors. It is recommended that a sample be taken after the system is in operation with the new fluid to ensure a complete change out.

Seals, Paints, Plastics and Polycarbonate Bowls

AMSOIL DC Series Compressor Oils tend to make polycarbonate bowls brittle and subject to fracture and rupture. When using the DC Series in conjunction with polycarbonate bowls, cover the bowls with metal bowl guards or replace them with metal bowls.

DEFINITIONS

Compatible: hose materials which are generally unaffected by diester-based lubricants.

Marginal: Those materials for which the effect on them is dependent on their use, and composition, which can vary. Evaluation of the specific material under simulated and/or actual operating conditions is suggested prior to use.

Not Recommended: Materials which have been found to be adversely affected under most circumstances and should not be considered for use where excessive contact with the DC Series is involved.

The compatibility reference guide is directed toward the use of the DC Series Oils.

Process Gases Suitable for Use with DC Series and PC Series Oils

Inert or Reducing Gases

Nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide (dry), ammonia*.

*DO NOT USE THE DC SERIES WHEN COMPRESSING AMMONIA.

Hydrocarbon Gases

Ethylene, ethane, methane, propane, butane, propylene, butylene, natural gas, benzene, butadiene.

Other Gases

Furnace (crack gas), hydrogen sulfide (dry), sulfur hexafluoride, synthetic gas, sulfur dioxide.

Process Gases Not Recommended

Oxygen, halogen gases, hydrogen chloride.