Oil-Free Air Compressor Maintenance: 5 Tips to Increase Its Life

The rise of oil-free air screw compressors in different industries is undeniable.

These air compressors require minimal maintenance, unlike their oil-lubricated counterparts. The oil is used only for lubrication of the bearings and gears and is not a part of the compression process. The oil works at a lower pressure and temperature than in an oil injected screw compressor.

But preventive maintenance of oil-free air compressor is necessary to ensure it is fully operational at all times, especially in the weather of the United Arab Emirates.

The benefits of maintaining air compressor systems are uncountable.

With regular maintenance, you can minimize the risk of contamination, reduce maintenance costs over time, and eliminate the need to buy a new one anytime soon. You definitely need regular maintenance if you operate in the metal fabrication industry which deals with sandblasting and painting applications, automotive, agricultural, woodworking, and others.

If you haven’t been regular with the maintenance of your oil-free screw air compressor, don’t worry. We got you covered.

Let’s get started.

Here are some tips for maintaining your oil-free air compressors regularly:

You can’t take any risks with the cables of your air compressor. The power lead may go through wear and tear over time and reduce the efficiency of the oil-free screw air compressor.

This can result in more power required to run the compressor and can cause heat build up in the cable, the starter and the main motor leading to expensive failures.

Regular check the cable and replace it without waiting to stop working or get damaged. If you see initial signs of wear and tear, make sure you replace it or have it fixed.

Faulty cables can lead to electrical shocks or other mishaps. Schedule a regular checkup of the power lead with your electrical team so that any further trouble can be avoided.

This cannot be stressed upon enough. You must keep a close check on your oil-free air compressor to ensure that it is not leaking.

Make sure that you run a check when the air compressor is operating as well as when it is off to identify any possible leaks.

Make sure to add this in your oil-free air compressor maintenance checklist and fix it if any hint of leakage is observed. Your oil-free screw air compressor’s performance will go down the hill in case of any leakage.

The air filter has to be fault-free for the oil-free air compressor to do a good job.

If you have trouble locating the air filter, check the manual to find its location. If the air filter is made with paper, make sure you replace it at the first sign of wear and tear.

Before replacing your air filter, ensure that it is dry. We insist that you replace the air filter right away as it has a major impact on the performance of air compressors.

• Visual inspection of your air compressor is important. Regularly check the seals, valves, hoses, and other parts for leakage, cracks, or signs of wear and tear.
• Ensure that your air compressor’s safety valve is fully-functional. You can do so by allowing the air compressor to reach its shut-off pressure limit and pulling the safety valve ring. If it doesn’t shut off automatically or does not release the air, get it checked.
• Keep a close check on the behavior of your air compressor. Make sure that it is operational at the right pressure.
• Dedicate a team for the regular maintenance of your oil-free compressors, as UAE’s hot temperatures and weather demand frequent maintenance.
• Also, take a look at this generic maintenance checklist for every air compressor.

Ensure that you have high-quality and proficient air compressors that require less maintenance, lower maintenance costs, and a higher lifespan, such as those of Atlas Copco.

We’ve provided you with a complete checklist of oil-free screw air compressor maintenance and now if you want us to assist you or if you are looking to invest in better options - Atlas Copco provides energy-efficient, safe, and reliable solutions to customers in the UAE and serves various industries like manufacturing, construction, pharmaceutical, automotive, and electronics.