Air compressor oil Shrieve ZEROL® AIR 5068 AIR 5000 Series

Shrieve Air 5068 Compressor Oil: ISO VG 68 Lubrication for Industrial Air Compressors

In most plants, compressed air is the “fourth utility” after electricity, water and gas. When an air compressor stops, packaging lines, presses, pneumatic robots and valve actuators can stop with it. Many airend failures begin in the oil sump: oxidized oil, varnish, poor sealing or poor water separation. Choosing the right compressor oil is therefore an operating-cost decision, not just a consumables purchase.

Who is Shrieve?

Shrieve is an industrial and technology-driven specialty chemicals company with market-leading expertise in sulfur and sulfuric acid, compressor lubricants and oilfield chemicals, operating across Europe, Asia and South America. Its ZEROL® brand has filled more than 600 million compressors in air-conditioning and refrigeration, and its PROGILINE® range serves industrial air compressors.

That depth in compressor lubricant chemistry is the foundation of the Air 5000 Series for industrial plants.

What is in the Air 5000 Series compressor oil range?

The Air 5000 Series compressor oil range is organized by ISO viscosity grade; the last two digits of each product code indicate the grade:

*Always follow the compressor manufacturer’s manual first.

What is Shrieve Air 5068 compressor oil?

Shrieve Air 5068 air compressor oil is an ISO VG 68 air compressor lubricant (kinematic viscosity of approximately 68 mm²/s at 40 °C), formulated providing oxidation resistance, anti-wear, rust protection and foam control.

Across the industry, ISO VG 46 is the most widely used grade for rotary screw compressors in temperate climates, while ISO VG 68 is typically selected for high-ambient or high-pressure applications. That makes it a strong fit for plants in hot, humid regions such as Southeast Asia, where compressor rooms run warm and machines operate around the clock.

Which industrial air compressors suit Shrieve Air 5068?

Shrieve Air 5068 is suitable for the following industrial air compressors, provided the manufacturer specifies ISO VG 68 and a compatible base-oil chemistry:

• Oil-injected rotary screw compressors, single- or two-stage, operating under heavy load, high pressure or high room temperature.
• Rotary vane compressors requiring grade 68.
• Industrial reciprocating compressors, single- and multi-stage, where the OEM recommends ISO VG 68.
• Common brands found in industrial plants (Atlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, Kaeser, Sullair, CompAir, Hitachi, Kobelco, Fusheng, Hanshin…)

Do not use in breathing-air compressors, oxygen compressors or oil-free compressors.

Typical industries: textiles and yarn, plastic packaging, steel and metalworking, cement and building materials, wood and furniture, electronics, processing (areas not requiring food-grade lubricant), mining.

Benefits of Shrieve Air 5068 for industrial plants

1. Robust oil film at high temperature: The 68 grade maintains film thickness as discharge and room temperatures rise, protecting bearings and rotors.
2. Effective rotor sealing: The oil seals clearances between rotors and housing, reducing internal air slip and keeping air delivery stable.
3. Oxidation and varnish control: Keeps separators, coolers and filters cleaner, lowering pressure drop and energy use.
4. Fast water and air release: Limits emulsification in humid environments, reducing rust and foaming.
5. Extended drain intervals: Recommended interval of 8000-10000 hours under standard conditions, meaning fewer shutdowns and lower maintenance labor.
6. Lower total cost of ownership: Less unplanned downtime, longer filter and separator life, energy savings.

How to change over to Shrieve Air 5068

1. Check the OEM manual to confirm ISO VG 68 and a compatible base-oil type.
2. Drain while warm to remove as much contamination as possible, including oil in coolers and lines.
3. Replace the oil filter and separator element, especially when switching from mineral to synthetic oil or when the old oil is dark.
4. Flush if needed when changing between chemistries (mineral, PAO, PAG, ester); do not mix different base oils.
5. Fill with Shrieve Air 5068 to the correct level, run the machine, and check discharge temperature and leaks.
6. Use routine oil analysis (viscosity, TAN, water content) to optimize the drain interval for your real operating conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shrieve Air 5068 compressor oil used for? It lubricates oil-flooded industrial air compressors (rotary screw, rotary vane and reciprocating) where the manufacturer specifies an ISO VG 68 oil.

What is the difference between Air 5068 and Air 5046 in the Air 5000 Series? Mainly viscosity: 5046 is ISO VG 46 and 5068 is ISO VG 68. The 68 grade is thicker and better suited to heavy load, high temperature or high pressure.

Can I top up my current oil with Shrieve Air 5068? Not recommended. Drain the old oil, replace the filter and separator, then fill with fresh oil, especially if the base chemistry differs.

How often should Shrieve Air 5068 be changed? Every 8000-10000 hours under standard conditions; shorten the interval in hot, dusty or humid compressor rooms. Oil analysis gives the most accurate change point.

Is Shrieve Air 5068 suitable for breathing air or food processing? No. Breathing air requires dedicated systems, and food contact areas require NSF H1-registered lubricants.

ZEROL® AIR 5000 Series compressor oil is formulated for reliable compressor lubrication and protection. It helps provide stable viscosity, oxidation resistance, anti-wear performance, and dependable operation for compressor systems. The product is suitable for applications requiring the corresponding viscosity grade and may be used as a replacement for equivalent compressor oil products.

Get technical advice and a quote

Running industrial air compressors that call for ISO VG 68 oil? Contact TayHoStar for engineering advice on choosing the right grade in the Air 5000 Series compressor oil range, genuine TDS/SDS documents, and volume pricing for Shrieve Air 5068 compressor oil.

Test standards: ASTM D445, ASTM D2270, ASTM D92, ASTM D97, ASTM D892, ASTM D130.