If you have an industrial sized air compressor in your business, then you probably use the compressor as a power source for your tools and equipment. This means that your air compressor must always be kept in great condition or production will stop. Air compressors are just like any other piece of equipment and they need to be maintained regularly. Some of the maintenance can be completed by you or one of your workers, and one of the most important things you can do is make sure that air can flows freely through your compressor system.
Change Air Filters
The air filter in your air compressor allows clean air to move through the air storage tank, through the regulator, and out the hoses. This filter works in a similar manner as the one on your air conditioner or heater. This means that all dust, debris, oil and other foreign material is removed from the air just as soon as it is pulled into the compressor system. This filter may become clogged extremely quickly if you own a machine shop or woodworking facility. Even if there is not a great deal of debris in your work area, the air filter can clog within several months.
When the air filter clogs, air pressure may reduce substantially throughout the compressor system as air can no longer flow quickly into the air storage tank. This means that the tank will not fill as quickly as it is discharged. There will also be some resistance that can place stress on the motor of your machine.
Cleaning and Replacement Practices
The air filter in your compressor will be held in a compartment called the filter housing and this housing is generally located near the compressor motor. Release the housing to remove the filter and look for a number located on the top of the filter. Speak with the manufacturer of your air compressor to find out where you can find a replacement filter that matches the one that you removed. You can locate filters at your nearest industrial supply store or home store as well.
After you remove the old filter, you need to clean out the filter housing. In many cases, debris will float around inside the housing until it is trapped by the filter. This means that a layer of debris can build up on the plastic enclosure. This is especially true if your filter was extremely dirty. Use a wet rag to clean out the housing and then secure the new filter in place.
Clear Out the Cooling Fins
Not only does air run through your system so that it can be compressed, but air is also used to cool the motor. This is extremely important to keep all hoses, motor parts, and pistons from overheating. The air cools the compressor by flowing through small vents called cooling fins that sit on the top of the machine. These fins tend to fill with dust and debris just like your air filter, and this means they need to be cleaned out regularly. You do not want to force debris inside the compressor when you do the cleaning, so consider removing the top cover of your compressor where the fins are located.
Good Cleaning and Lubrication Practices
Generally, the cover that holds the air fins will be secured with several screws. Use a screwdriver to release the screws and then pull off the top cover of your compressor. Rinse the piece in a sink or with a hose.
Once you have removed all the debris, use a damp cloth to clean the area just underneath the fins. If there is a large accumulation of debris, then you may want to consider removing the motor casing to clear dirt out of the belts and other pieces within the motor. If you do this, just make sure to use proper lubrication on all parts after they are cleaned. This will prevent the build-up of friction and heat in the motor.
If you have an industrial air compressor in your business, then you probably know that it is extremely important to keep air flowing through the machine. This means that you need to do several things to maintain your compressor. Changing the air filter and cleaning the cooling fins are two of the most important maintenance practices.
