Air Compressor Maintenance, Does it Really Matter?

Preventative maintenance (PM) of your air compressor is crucial for the secure and effective functioning of your compressed air system and may significantly cut down on or even eliminate the expense of air compressor system repairs. However, the majority of facility maintenance specialists are unaware of all the details of correct air compressor equipment maintenance. Here are some things that facility managers and maintenance personnel need to know and some tips for lessening the workload of compressed air system PMs.

Your business will lose money as a result of an unmaintained air compressor, both directly and indirectly. These costs include, among others:

• Higher energy expenditures since your air compressor has to work harder than it should owing to issues including overloaded filters, obstructions, inadequate lubrication, and other issues.
• Shorter equipment life due to system wear and tear that is exacerbated.
• Increased frequency of emergency repairs, which are virtually usually significantly more expensive than what would have been necessary for preventative maintenance.
• Increased chance of unplanned downtime, which may cost businesses that rely on compressed air to keep production lines running thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in losses

Preventive maintenance extends the life of your air compressor and ensures that it operates securely, dependably, and effectively. A consistent PM routine will assist you in identifying minor issues, such as a worn belt or an oil leak, before they develop into costly emergencies. Regular PMs take very little time and money compared to the costs of an emergency repair that takes down your system at a crucial point in your production operations.

You may prevent more issues with your compressed air system by doing PMs on a regular basis. Filters, air lines, and other compressor parts should all be properly maintained to avoid fluid and particle accumulation that might enter the air stream. For many manufacturing operations, air stream pollution from corrosion or fluids in the compressed air system might be problematic. Consistent monitoring and problem remediation at the first hint of a problem can prevent these issues.

PMs for air compressors are also necessary for safety. Accidents with air compressors are uncommon, although abuse or poor maintenance can cause a fire or an explosion. The air compressor motor may ignite when it short cycles, increasing the possibility of a fire. A dangerous rupture of the air receiver tank may result from over pressurization, the failure of relief valves or other components. Regular system component inspection, maintenance, and appropriate operation may almost eliminate these dangers.