Daily Air Compressor Maintenance Tasks To Complete

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Large air compressors are vital instruments that allow you to power some or all of the power tools in your manufacturing or industrial plant. However, if you have recently purchased your compressor, then you may have no idea how to maintain it properly. This can lead to low air pressure and the overworking of the compressor motor. To prevent these issues, make sure the following tasks are completed daily.

Release Moisture

Air compressors work by pulling air into an intake vent. Once the air is inside the machine, a piston compresses it and the air moves to an air storage tank. The motor keeps running and then turns off as the tank becomes full. During this process, air from your facility is utilized. Unfortunately, air is not pure and contains many particulate substances. Atmospheric dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, soot, and general dust are few of these materials. The filter on your compressor machine will collect most of the particles that are considered fine in terms of micrometer diameter. However, water vapor will slip through and the water will build within the air collection tank. One pound of air can hold up to almost .03 pounds of water depending on temperature. This type of water volume or a similar volume is likely to be seen if your manufacturing facility is usually humid and warm.

This may mean that your air compressor will collect a good deal of water a day if you continually use your compressor. This moisture should be released since it will reduce the amount of air your compressor tank can hold. Also, the water can cause pressure to build in the tank as you run the machine and the moisture can then force its way out of the outtake hose.

To release the water from the air compressor, look for a small valve on the bottom of the compressor tank. Turn the valve to the left and listen for the release of air. Water should drip out of the valve at the same time. If you notice a large volume of water, then you may need to start releasing moisture twice a day. You can also cut down on the amount of water in the air by installing a dehumidifier in your plant. You may also want to think about investing in the placement of a pneumatic drain system that releases moisture automatically with the assistance of a plug and float system. This may involve the replacement of your tank as well to make sure the device works properly, so speak with your air compressor specialist about this.

Remove Dust

There are many points of air entry and exit around the air compressor where dust and debris will have the ability to collect. The first point of entry is around the air intake where air initially enters the system. The intake or inlet valve should be covered with a variety of cooling fans or grates. These grates need to be cleaned daily and so do the fan grates that allow hot exhaust air to release from the system. You may also see some small openings along the pressure switch box, the air safety valve, the inlet port, and the filter housing. All of these areas of the compressor should be wiped down daily with a damp cotton cloth.

If you notice that your cloth appears dirtier than usual when wiping the fan grates clean, then air being pulled through the compressor may not be filtered properly. This means that it is also time to clean the air filter. Some air filters can be cleaned while others need to be replaced completely, so check with your manual to see which one your system contains. A vacuum cleaner can clean permanent filters fairly easily, so use the hose attachment and then replace the filter when you are done. If you need to get a brand new filter, then look for one for your make and model of compressor at your local home store. 

24 February 2016