Mechanical Insights

Air Compressor Maintenance: An In-Depth Guide

May 2, 2023 11:43:52 AM / by Tate Engineering

KRSP2 compressor 200 125 start up at Solenis 3

Spring is here, and it's time to plan for air compressor maintenance. The spring is the ideal time to inspect your industrial air compressor system and perform necessary maintenance to prepare it for the upcoming hot summer. Your compressor and other parts of your compressed air system can save money by avoiding costly repairs and downtime by receiving a complete spring cleaning.

Related: Summer Air Compressor Maintenance

Why Preventive Maintenance?

Preventive measures allow you to identify mechanical issues before it leads to system failure and critical repairs.

To ensure everything is operating as it should, this form of maintenance encourages consistent inspections of entire system components to keep the projects running and active.

Preventive maintenance occasionally entails inexpensive actions that help avert more expensive problems. For instance, when you identify the damage to the belt in the compressor, you can immediately replace it and save your business money. As a result, you can avoid expensive repairs where the belt snaps, causing breakdown and production halts. At the same time, you try to figure out the issue and fix it.

In-Depth Guide for Air Compressor Maintenance

Check the air filter.

The air filter is one of the most important parts of your air compressor, and it needs to be changed regularly to prevent dirt and debris from entering the system. Check the air filter every month and replace it as needed.

Check the oil level. 

The oil in your air compressor helps to lubricate the moving parts and keep them from overheating. Check the oil level every month and add oil as needed.

Check the belts.

The belts on your air compressor help to power the compressor and keep it running smoothly. Check the belts monthly for signs of wear and tear, and replace them as needed.

Check the electrical connections. 

Ensure that all the electrical connections on your air compressor are tight and in good condition. Loose connections can cause sparks and fires, so checking them regularly is essential.

Clean the air compressor.

Dust and debris can build up on your air compressor over time, reducing its efficiency. Clean the air compressor with a damp cloth every month to remove any dirt or debris.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your compressed air system will continue to run smoothly and efficiently all year long.

Although fixing problems is a good thing, it’s even better to keep them from happening in the first place. Work on developing a preventative maintenance schedule that includes a leak detection program. Keep records of your program so that you can see how problems change over time, as well as how repairs perform. When working on your preventative maintenance plan or air compressor leaks at your facility, reach out to the experts at Tate for help. Our trained professionals can get you up and running so you can focus on what matters most. And don’t forget about our air compressor maintenance checklist - it could be just what you need to keep yours in top form.

Download Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist

Tags: Education, Maintenance, Equipment, compressors

Written by Tate Engineering