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Maintenance Tips Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Air Compressor
After acquiring an air compressor, furnishing it with regular and systematic maintenance is the choicest way to enhance its work life. Employing preventive maintenance is always a better option instead of waiting until a critical scenario arises, to guarantee the smooth running of the air compressor whenever necessary. Following this process can extend the machine’s life and also cuttle down repair/replacement costs in the long run.There are no stated numbers showing the exact life expectancy one should expect from an air compressor. It all boils down to one big fact, that is, the better maintenance you provide to your machine the longer you expect it to run your operations.
Let’s have a look at 10 maintenance tips which should provide your air compressors with a longer work life helping you to reduce your downtime crises and also going easy on your pocket.
1. Examine The Oil Level
In order for an air compressor to function properly, adequate lubrication should be done. It is best advised to inspect the oil levels of your air compressor once daily, or else every time it’s used. In order to check the oil level, look for the sight glass of the air compressor oil level. It should be at half or somewhere around the center of the gauge mark.
2. Restore or Change Filters
An air filter catches debris particles when the compressor pulls in air to prevent them from getting stuck in the compressed air system, hence making it necessary to change the filter on a regular basis of once a week to keep it running smoothly.
If your business employs an oil-injected air compressor, then it might be advisable to replace the oil filter more often. Different models have their own processes of changing the oil filter. To ensure it’s done properly, refer to the operating manual or consult your air compressor services provider.
3. Keep a Check On Temperature
All air compressors have a distinct temperature range within which they operate. If it becomes too hot, the machine can undergo unwanted wear and tear, resulting in a reduced lifespan. Most air compressors these days are equipped with an in-built shutdown system that cuts off the power supply once it gets overheated.
It is always better not to work up the machine to the point of overheating. It is best to stay familiar with the air compressor capacity and its temperature limitations to ensure a healthy life of the compressed air system and its accessories.
4. Tighten & Reinforce Loose Bolts
The regular operational activities resulting in vibrations in an air compressor can cause bolts and screws to become loose over time. It is advised that at least once a month, a thorough inspection should be conducted to tighten any fasteners or screws that might have come loose due to extended or even regular periods of use. A timely check of such nature will help in keeping your air compressors healthy and avoid any hardware downtimes.
5. Channel out Residual Moisture
An air compressor removes the accumulated moisture from the air it pulls in and then stocks it in a separate receiver tank. Now, this moisture has the potential to cause rust and damage to the air compressor, if it is left in the receiver tank for too long. It’s good to develop a habit of draining out this accumulated moisture before every use to ensure this liquid does not build up inside. You can even call in your air compressor solutions provider.
6. Look for Leaks
Over time, the hoses inside of your air compressor can become corroded or cracked. If this happens, it can result in reduced air pressure or leaks. To prevent this, regularly inspect the hoses by looking for holes or potential weak spots. If you notice anything amiss, it’s a good idea to replace the hose to keep the air compressor working efficiently.
7. Address Repair Issues At The Earliest
Trivial maintenance instances, like a soiled air filter or accumulated moisture in the reserve tank, might look like they pose no harm, but delaying the maintenance of such minor issues will surely turn into much bigger problems in the due course of time. If left unattended, a little leak can become the reason for a lot of monetary expense.
If the damages turn ugly over time, then replacing the air compressor might also become necessary. It is wise to sign up for an annual maintenance program with your air compressor services provider who will conduct timely checks on certain fixed intervals to save you from any unwanted heavy losses.
8. Monitor Air Quality
Any kind of unnecessary fluid or particles in the system will lead to airstream contamination that can jeopardize the entire compressed air system. Inspection of air lines, filters and other accessory parts at timely intervals will ensure good air quality flowing inside the system.
[Bonus Tip]
Know Your Machines Well
After or before deploying a machine to run your business operations one should always research and know each air compressor capacity and their functionality limitations. In the scenario of any problem, it is better to first consult the operating manual and to strictly follow the laid down instructions for any repair. If you are unsure of what should be done, always contact your air compressor solutions provider for assistance. Zentech Systems & Solutions provides the best range of air compressors available in the market at very competitive prices. Feel free to contact us for all types of customised solutions ranging from piping, air compressors, maintenance, consultation & much more.
Business Owner at Zentech Systems and Solutions, providing innovative industrial solutions for compressed air services, cooling towers, vacuum pumps, and gas generators since 1998. Bringing efficiency to your production process!
