Amsoil PCK compressor oil and polycarbonate

[Brad_C]

I've been using Amsoil PCK 100 in my compressor for > 10 years now. In that time I've toasted a couple of water trap/filters. The bowls just developed micro-cracks until they were clearly unsafe and required replacement.

After doing another replacement, and oil change I've just checked the data sheet for the oil and it says :
"Not recommended for “breathing air” or refrigeration compressors or for use with polycarbonate or PVC plastics and butyl, ethylene-propylene or SBR rubber."

Given these trap bowls are all polycarbonate, could it be the oil carryover that's killing them rather than environmental factors?

Edit: It also says incompatible with PVC, which is the lining of _all_ my hoses. Am I missing something or is this oil incompatible with most of the polymers used in a compressed air system?

 

[wpod]

I would give Amsoil a call.

 

[Brad_C]

That might be a bit awkward. I'm in Australia and all we get here are "distributors" with no more product knowledge that what's on the data sheet. Guess I could try calling the mothership, but then surely I'm not the only person using this stuff in a small system with a recip.

 

[Tom NJ]

Most synthetic ISO 100 recip air compressor oils are based on esters in order to keep the valves free of deposits. Esters will cause "crazing" (micro cracks) in polycarbonate bowls. Amsoil should be able to advise what kind of bowls to use.

 

[Brad_C]

G'day Tom,

Much appreciated. SMC say use a Nylon bowl for exposure to synthetic oil. I've managed to find a nylon bowl at an acceptable price for the primary separator, so that should put an end to that.

 

[Pablo]

Good to know on the bowl. I'm checking on hose linings, most hoses that I know of are not straight PVC, but rather hybrid polymer. I'll find out for you.

 

[Pablo]

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hose is constructed from a thermoplastic hybrid polymer that is created by polymerizing vinyl chloride and other elastomers. No, it will not interact with this.

 

[Brad_C]

Thanks Pablo.