Which Lubricant Is Right for You?
With so many different product options out there, how do you choose the best lubricant for your application? Fluid Dynamics’ CPI product line has a full range of products for rotary screw, rotary vane, reciprocating and centrifugal compressors with field-proven performance to provide you with peace of mind. We work closely with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer a wide range of products that meet key criteria for optimal compressor performance, including superior thermal and oxidative stability, excellent rust and corrosion protection, enhanced wear protection, and low volatility.
Our knowledgeable technical sales staff will help you navigate the extensive Fluid Dynamics portfolio to choose the right product for your application. Furthermore, our technical assistance doesn’t stop at product selection; Fluid Dynamics and CPI’s in-house oil testing provides used oil analysis with a 48-hour turnaround to ensure your equipment is running optimally. Our experienced report writers analyze your results and compare them to your fluid’s used oil specifications and previous samples. As the fluid developer, CPI’s technology is formulated to meet the exact standards of air compressor OEM manufacturers.
Benefits of Synthetic Lubricants
Synthetic lubricants provide improved performance over mineral oils and synthetic blends. Key performance characteristics for air compressor lubricants are shown in the selection matrix below.
CPI® Compressor Lubricant Selection Guide
All ratings are evaluated at a 180°F discharge temperature.
| Product | Viscosity Range | Viscosity Range | Rated Oil Life | Base Oil Type | Description & Recommended Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPI®-9331 | 46 | — | 4,000 hrs | HTMO | Formulated with high-quality hydrotreated, isodewaxed mineral oil and oxidation protection. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-9301 | 46 | — | 5,000 hrs | HTMO / Ester | Hydrotreated, isodewaxed mineral oil and ester-based lubricants with oxidation protection. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-4600-F | 32–150 | ✔ | 4,000 hrs | PAO | NSF H1 registered polyalphaolefin lubricants with oxidation protection. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors and centrifugal compressors with incidental food contact requirements. |
| CPI®-4601 | 32–150 | — | 8,000 hrs | PAO | CPI’s flagship air compressor product. A polyalphaolefin-based lubricant with excellent corrosion and oxidation protection. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors, rotary vane compressors, and centrifugal compressors. |
| CPI®-4265-F | 46–68 | ✔ | 8,000 hrs | PAO / Ester | NSF H1 registered polyalphaolefin and food-grade ester lubricants with superior oxidative stability and resistance to sludge and varnish. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors with incidental food contact requirements. |
| CPI®-4201 | 32–68 | — | 12,000 hrs | Ester | Premium ester-based lubricants with superior thermal and oxidative stability and no tendency to form sludge or varnish. Recommended for high-temperature applications in flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-1522 | 46 | — | 8,000 hrs | PAG / Ester | A cost-effective blend of polyalkylene glycol and ester with excellent thermal and oxidative stability. Recommended for use in high-temperature, high-humidity applications in flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-1542 | 32–46 | — | 8,000 hrs | PAG / Ester | Premium polyalkylene glycol and ester-based lubricants with excellent thermal and oxidative stability. Recommended for use in high-temperature, high-humidity applications in flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-Comp Clean II | N/A | — | 500 hrs | Ester | Ester-based compressor cleaning fluid. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors when switching from competitor fluids and cleaning varnished compressors. |
| CPI®-Comp Flush FG | N/A | ✔ | 500 hrs | Alkylated Naphthalene | NSF H1 certified food-grade compressor cleaner. Fully compatible with mineral oils and PAO base oils. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors when switching from competitor fluids, and for cleaning varnished compressors used in food processing facilities where NSF H1 certified products are required. |
| CPI®-9370 | 46 | — | 4,000 hrs | HTMO | Lubricants formulated with high-quality hydrotreated, isodewaxed mineral oil with oxidation protection. Recommended for use in flooded rotary screw compressors, rotary vane compressors, and reciprocating compressors. |
| CPI®-FMO | 32–220 | ✔ | 4,000–6,000 hrs | WMO | Lubricants formulated with food-grade technical white mineral oil and anti-wear protection. Recommended for use in reciprocating compressors, gearboxes of oil-free compressors, and other gear applications. |
| CPI®-4608-F | 32–220 | ✔ | 4,000 hrs | PAO | NSF H1 registered polyalphaolefin lubricants with oxidation and anti-wear protection. Recommended for use in reciprocating, rotary vane, and centrifugal compressors with incidental food contact requirements. |
| CPI®-4100 | 46–220 | — | 8,000 hrs | Ester | Ester-based lubricants with excellent oxidative and thermal stability and anti-wear protection. Recommended for use in high-temperature reciprocating, rotary vane, and flooded rotary screw compressor applications. |
| CPI®-4126 | 100–150 | — | 8,000 hrs | Ester | Cost-effective ester-based lubricants with oxidation and anti-wear protection. Recommended for use in reciprocating, rotary vane, and flooded rotary screw compressors. |
| CPI®-4200 | 32–150 | — | 12,000 hrs | Ester | Premium ester-based lubricants with superior oxidative and thermal stability, anti-wear protection, and no tendency to form sludge or varnish. Recommended for use in high-temperature reciprocating, rotary vane, and flooded rotary screw compressor applications. |
Chemical Base Oil Legend
- HTMO: Hydrotreated Mineral Oil
- PAO: Polyalphaolefin (Synthetic)
- PAG: Polyalkylene Glycol (Synthetic)
- WMO: White Mineral Oil (Food-Grade Base)
