Optimizing Air Compressor Maintenance
Air Compressors are a massive investment for organizations, but they’re the safest bets if they are well maintained. Keeping your air compressor equipment in optimal condition helps increase lifetime value and reduce operational costs. In this article we shall consider the maintenance aspects of air compressors for cost-saving opportunities in air compressor usage.
More effective compressed air systems can provide massive benefits, including:
- Savings on expenses: If the compressor user can generate the same amount of air quite efficiently—or reduce the amount of air required overall—their energy costs will be significantly reduced.
- Environmental advantages: Using the minimum amount of energy required for compressed air will result in environmental benefits because of the reduced energy draw.
- Maintenance enhancements: Several inefficiencies in compressed air systems are caused by air leakages or unproductive setups. Resolving these problems can lessen the tension on the system and, as a result, help minimize maintenance requirements.
When should air compressors be serviced?
When budgeting for routine compressor upkeep, users must consider how often their system will necessitate upkeep. There's no simple explanation for regularity because various factors will determine the system's maintenance requirements. Having said that, users could indeed start developing a routine upkeep schedule depending on the type of compressor they have. Factors such as intensity of use and setup constraints can be used to adjust the regular maintenance schedule to meet those needs effectively. Users could be enticed to ignore maintenance requirements till something goes wrong, but in creating a successful air compressor maintenance cost, users should concentrate on preventative maintenance. This form of upkeep is much easier to predict, and it can assist users in avoiding system malfunctions. Routine maintenance should be performed at different intervals from daily to every two years or more. Let's consider an example of routine maintenance at these different time intervals. Users should keep in mind that each of these tasks only focuses on the particular types of air compressors, so users should only perform the maintenance tasks required for their system:
Daily: Keep an eye out for leaks and other problems, inspect hydraulic fluid or oil balance, flush the receiver sump, and check the dew point on dryer processes. Check the operation of the drains.
Weekly: Keep the air compressor and coolers clean, check the compressor and tubing for leaks, and change the intake air filter.
Monthly: Evaluate the belt tension, service the filter if it hasn't been changed recently, and clean the fluid chillier fins and aftercooler.
Quarterly: Keep an eye on the oil separator and replace it if it needs to be. Check the tightness of nuts and bolts.
Biannually: Replace lubricant, collect oil samples, and clean the compressor and oilways.
Annually: Lubricated motors, re grease the bearings, check safety valves, and ensuring the safety protections are working properly.
Biennially: Substitute the V-belts or coupling elements and check valves on a screw compressor.
Budgeting for air compressor maintenance
It is essential to review maintenance, as costs will skyrocket if service are forgotten or neglected. Here are six pointers to keep in mind when budgeting for compressor maintenance:
Compressor type: Is the air compressor injected with oil or oil-free? It is significant when deciding the service duration!
Conditions of installation: Is the compressor located in a humid, hot, dirty, or dusty environment? The more serious the environment, the more frequent maintenance is required.
The cycle of operations: Customize the maintenance cycle for seasonal or cyclical purposes. But keep in mind that service time frames should not exceed one year.
Level of utilization: Is the compressor used regularly? As consumption increases, so do the maintenance requirements. In one case, if people have backup compressors, they can keep the maintenance schedule longer if they want.
System of cooling: As this is assessed independently of the compressor maintenance, remember that the type of cooling system will influence the compressor service timeframe.
Compressor accessories: The dryers, filters, and drains - these components, like the compressor, must be serviced regularly.
Benefits of using an Atlas Copco air compressor
Credible air compressors
Designers value the continuity of having a good production as much as users do. As a result, Atlas Copco air compressors are among the most dependable machines available. Atlas Copco has been a manufacturing company at the leading edge of compressed air development for over 140 years.
The minimum total cost of ownership for compressor systems
Air compressors are long-term assets that will benefit a company for many years. Air compressors are typically replaced every 7–10 years in the average production plant. This means that the new capital costs are just a small portion of the total cost of a compressor. The energy cost will account for 70% or more of the air compressor's lifespan cost.
The total cost of ownership of Atlas Copco air compressors is the lowest because of the constantly evolving design and energy-efficient features. This leads to a much lower bottom line for oneself and your factory.
Conclusion
With appropriate air compressor upkeep, users can be presumed to get well over a decade of solid performance out of the machines. On the other hand, if the machine is not properly cared for, it could give the user years of expensive, troublesome, unproductive behavior and aggravation.
We hope this article helped you with a better understanding of your air compressor needs.