Valve Deposits — The Primary Failure Mode

Carbon deposit build-up on compressor valves is the leading cause of compressor failure and unplanned shutdown. Mineral oils oxidise and polymerise at discharge temperatures above 160°C — forming the hard carbon deposits that cause valve sticking and breakage. Rarus 827's synthetic formulation exhibits a virtual absence of deposit formation even at 200°C continuous discharge temperature.

Fire & Explosion Risk Reduction

Mineral oil deposits in compressor discharge lines and receivers create a fire and explosion hazard — oil-soaked deposits can ignite from the heat of compression. Rarus 827's synthetic formulation has a significantly higher autogenous ignition temperature than mineral oils and leaves virtually no combustible deposits — dramatically reducing this risk in mining compressor installations.

Extended Drain vs Mineral Oils

Rarus 827's exceptional oxidation and thermal stability safely allows significantly extended drain intervals compared to mineral compressor oils — reducing the frequency and cost of oil changes on large compressor installations where oil changes require planned shutdown, flushing and specialist labour.

Downstream Equipment Protection

Exceptional water separating characteristics and minimal oil carryover protect downstream air treatment equipment, airlines, pneumatic tools and production machinery from the sludge, contamination and corrosion caused by mineral oil carryover from poorly maintained compressors.

Continuous High-Temperature Operation — to 200°C

Particularly effective for continuous high temperature operation with discharge temperatures up to 200°C — the operating condition where mineral oils fail most rapidly through oxidation and deposit formation. Maintains performance and cleanliness at temperatures that would cause rapid deterioration of mineral-based compressor oils.

Outstanding Oxidation & Thermal Stability

Resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation greatly superior to mineral oils — maintaining oil integrity and performance at elevated discharge temperatures in continuous-duty mining and industrial compressors operating across shift cycles in high-ambient-temperature South African environments.

Excellent Wear Protection

Design-specific synthetic base oils and high technology additive system deliver excellent wear protection for compressor cylinders, valves, bearings and rotors — extending compressor component life and reducing the frequency of valve replacements, the most common maintenance cost in severe duty reciprocating compressor operations.

Excellent Rust & Corrosion Protection

Outstanding protection against rust and corrosion for compressor internal surfaces — protecting cylinders, coolers, separators and downstream piping from the corrosion accelerated by the combination of condensed moisture and high discharge temperatures in continuous-duty compressor operations.

Exceptional Water Separability

Exceptional water separating characteristics prevent emulsion formation and reduce oil carryover into downstream piping and equipment — protecting air dryers, filters, airlines and pneumatic tools from the contamination and corrosion caused by water-in-oil emulsions in poorly performing mineral oil compressor installations.

Meets Major OEM Requirements

Engineered to meet or exceed the stringent requirements of major compressor manufacturers — covering the reciprocating and rotary compressor OEMs in use across South African mining and industrial operations. Simplifies procurement by providing a single specification that covers all major compressor types requiring ISO VG 100 synthetic compressor oil.

Severe Duty Reciprocating Compressors

Primary design application — single and multi-stage reciprocating air compressors in mining, industrial and marine applications operating under severe duty conditions: continuous operation, high discharge temperatures up to 200°C, high ambient temperatures and extended drain requirements. Not recommended for breathing air applications.

Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw air compressors in mining and industrial applications specifying ISO VG 100 synthetic compressor oil — where extended drain intervals, lower operating temperatures and superior deposit control are required versus mineral-based rotary screw compressor oils.

Mining Site Compressors

Continuous-duty air compressors on South African mining sites — Northern and Western Cape open pit operations, underground mines and processing plants — where high ambient temperatures, continuous shift operation and the need for extended drain intervals make synthetic ISO VG 100 compressor oil the correct specification.

Marine Reciprocating Air Compressors

Severe duty main and emergency marine reciprocating air compressors on vessels — where ExxonMobil specifically recommends Rarus 827 and 829 for marine compressor applications requiring supreme performance synthetic compressor oil with excellent water separability and corrosion protection.

Rotary Vane Compressors

Rotary vane compressors requiring ISO VG 100 lubricant — where the synthetic formulation's superior vane tip lubrication, deposit control and water separability extend service life and reduce maintenance versus mineral-based vane compressor oils.

High-Temperature Industrial Compressors

Any reciprocating or rotary air compressor where mineral oils are not meeting performance expectations — high discharge temperatures, short oil life, excessive valve deposits or frequent unplanned shutdowns. The Rarus 800 Series was specifically designed to solve these problems where mineral-based products have proven inadequate.

Both grades are fully synthetic — same supreme performance formulation. Select by viscosity grade specified in your compressor OEM manual