Many industrial tools and equipment need air compressors to function. One chink in the compressed air system can put the whole operation in jeopardy. To ensure smooth running and avoid interruptions, regular maintenance must be conducted. In case the compressor is not working properly, immediate contact with compressor repair services could prevent the compressor from operating correctly. Developing a maintenance program can help you prevent most problems down the road and ensure safer and more efficient production.
Air compressors don’t need daily upkeep, which is why they are easy to forget and neglect. This can be a costly oversight. To keep this from happening, here are 10 maintenance tips to keep an eye on:
Maintenance Tip 1: Read and Follow the Air Compressor’s Manual
Each brand or model of air compressor is manufactured differently. As a result, they also need to be handled differently. Nothing can shorten an air compressor’s lifespan more than a person who doesn’t read the instruction manual. It often contains details and simple tips that can help you run your air compressor longer – information that you would never have discovered otherwise. Besides, not following the rules in your air compressor manual can potentially void your warranty.
Maintenance Tip 2: Clean Intake Vents
The air compressor can only do so much heavy-duty operation, turning air into something powerful and useful. As the job gets more intense for the machine, the intake vents become lined with dirt and grime. If you force your air compressor to work harder to intake air, you’ll lose power on your compression. This will eventually wear out the machine.
To ensure that incoming air remains clean and dust-free, inspect the intake vents weekly and clean them when necessary.
Maintenance Tip 3: Drain the Moisture from the Tanks
The receiver tank collects moisture from the air when it is compressing. If you’re working in a humid environment, moisture can accumulate rather quickly. Most tanks have a valve for draining the collected moisture, and it’s your job to have these drained regularly. Be sure to release air pressure from the tanks before draining the water.
Maintenance Tip 4: Tighten All Fasteners
When your air compressors run, its engine vibrates. This can loosen its screws, nuts, and bolts. Always check these and tighten them up as soon as you spot anything loose before your machine falls apart.
Maintenance Tip 5: Clean the Fuel Tank
As with any engine, the fuel tank has to be cleaned regularly to guarantee optimal operating conditions. You should clean out the engine of the air compressor and remove any residual build-up from the fuel at least once every year.
Maintenance Tip 6: Test the Safety Shutdown System
Some air compressors have a built-in safety shut-down (read the manual). The purpose of this system is to shut your compressor off when it gets too hot or if your engine’s oil pressure drops too low. Testing whether this system still works regularly will help your compressor last longer.
Maintenance Tip 7: Check the Hoses Periodically
Hoses are considered the veins of your air compressor. If they are cracked or cored, they could soon leak and put the rest of your compressor’s components under immense pressure. Check all your hoses periodically and replace them if they are cracked or damaged.
Maintenance Tip 8: Change Air Filters as Often as Necessary
The purpose of an air filter is to ensure that the ambient air that goes into the compressor is free of impurities and particulates. Neglecting your filers can hurt your air compressor’s functions and force it to work harder to intake air. Check and remove heavy build-up of dust and dirt. Change the filters every six months or as often as possible, depending on your use. According to dust collector suppliers, you can also get industrial downdraft tables to capture dust, smoke, and fumes, reducing the frequency of filter replacement.
Maintenance Tip 9: Check the Oil Filter and Change the Compressor Oil
Oil can reduce the quality of compressed air if it passes through the system and reaches the end of an application. It could affect the processes of pneumatic spray painters, air cleaners, and other components that oil could corrupt. It is crucial to ensure that oil is properly filtered from the compressed air before the air leaves the machine.
It is also important to check your oil daily to ensure that your machine is topped off. For maximum functioning, you should change the oil every 500–1,000 hours of use.
Maintenance Tip 10: Clean the Heat Exchangers
Overheating is a common cause of air compressor damage. Heat exchangers are meant to reduce the operating temperatures of your machine. If they are dirty and covered in dust, they will have a hard time doing their job. Cleaning them regularly will keep temperatures down and increase the lifespan of your air compressor.
Air compressors are central to many industries nowadays. Whether you have a new compressor or an old one, the longevity of your machine will make any job faster and more productive. Follow these tips to keep your air compressor running smoothly for years to come
