When it comes to your compressed air equipment, proper operation strongly depends on how well it’s maintained. This is especially important considering the cost to generate compressed air. Most industrial processes depend on clean and dry compressed air that can be delivered at sufficient volume and pressure depending on the application it is being used for. Often referred to as “the fourth utility” in production facilities, if your compressed air equipment is not operating as efficiently as it should, you could be facing an even greater expense through increased power costs and unexpected breakdowns due to a poorly maintained system. Preventative maintenance is therefore a necessary process to achieve optimal system performance.
5 Maintenance Tips for Your Compressed Air System
The success of your compressed air system starts with your compressed air equipment. The key to maximizing your system up time, especially with regular use, is to practice proper preventative maintenance. However, high production businesses may often forget that compressed air systems need routine servicing to function properly. Here are a few reasons why it’s important not to overlook the processes that help improve efficiency and ensure the longevity of your compressed air system:
• Replace the Air Filter: If your air compressor is frequently being used, the intake filter constantly accumulates dust and debris which will ultimately impact the performance of your equipment. If your filter is dirty, chances are your compressor is running harder than it should to produce its rated amount of compressed air and will likely cost you more to operate. What’s more, if the filter is damaged, you may be unknowingly allowing contaminants into the compressor lubrication system, leading to compressor damage. To avoid this problem, it’s important to regularly inspect, clean, or replace this filter.
• Manage the Condensation: The primary “by product” of compressed air production is water, which left unchecked may contaminate any compressed air system. While most industrial compressed air systems feature dryers to address this problem, make sure you are regularly checking these components to ensure they are working properly. These checks should always include the draining of any air receivers (tanks) in the system either manually or by testing any automatic drains that may be installed.
• Change the Oil: Not all air compressors need oil to function but if yours requires lubricants, make sure it has a constant supply of clean oil to keep the metal components of your equipment running smoothly. Monitor the oil levels on a weekly basis and change it as directed by the manufacturer with the specific type of oil that is required.
• Flush the Cooler: If you rely on a large air compressor, chances are there is a cooler installed in your equipment. If your cooler is dirty, your system will not be able to cool the lubricants and your air effectively, thus leading to bigger problems down the line. Before the warmer temperatures arrive, check to see if your cooler(s) needs degreasing or flushing before continued use.
• Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule: One of the best ways to ensure your system continues to perform to the highest standard is to have your compressed air equipment serviced by a trained technician at least once or twice a year. A professional will be able to identify any problems you may have missed and address them before they lead to downtime or significant repair bills.
Reliable, Affordable Servicing for Your Compressed Air System
Take the necessary steps to protect your compressed air system. By applying these preventative measures, you will save valuable time and money in the long-term. To ensure your system is running as it should, partner with a trusted maintenance expert from Trident Compressed Air. We are committed to providing high-quality air compressor products and services including scheduled maintenance, repairs, rebuilds and more. All our services are tailored to your needs so you can grow into a more productive and profitable business operation. Additionally, with decades of experience and technical expertise behind us, we are able to provide you with the required knowledge and capabilities it takes to be your industry-leading air system service provider.
Please contact our office at (519) 737-9905 or fill out our online form for more information about our compressed air system products and services. Our service department is on call 24 hours a day and we are eager to help answer any questions or concerns you may have about your equipment.
