As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to drop, fall is an ideal time to inspect and maintain your compressed air system. Seasonal temperature changes, increased moisture, and heavier winter operating demands can all affect compressor performance.
A little preventative maintenance now can help improve efficiency, reduce unexpected downtime, and extend the life of your equipment throughout the colder months.
Here are 10 important compressor maintenance tasks to complete this fall before the cold winter weather rolls in.
Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow and can force your compressor to work harder than necessary. Inspect your compressor’s intake filter and replace the element if it is dirty or due for replacement.
Your compressed air filters should also be inspected to ensure they are effectively removing contaminants from the system. Filters are an integral part of your compressed air system and as such need to be monitored regularly.
For oil-lubricated compressors, check the oil level and inspect its condition. Dirty or degraded oil can affect lubrication, cooling, and overall compressor performance.
If an oil change is approaching according to the manufacturer’s recommended service interval, fall is a good time to complete it. At NCA Ltd., we help facilities ensure they are changing their oil at appropriate intervals to avoid dirty/degrading oil.
Inspect belts, hoses, and connections for signs of wear, cracking, fraying, or deterioration. Loose or damaged components can lead to reduced performance or unexpected equipment failure. These issues can get even worse during the cold winter months.
Replacing worn components during scheduled maintenance is much easier than dealing with a breakdown during a busy production period.
Dust and debris can accumulate on compressor coolers and ventilation areas over time. This buildup can restrict airflow and cause operating temperatures to increase.
Clean the cooler and make sure there is adequate clearance around the compressor for proper ventilation. Ventilation is very important to avoid overheating and other heat related compressor issues.
Moisture is one of the most common problems in compressed air systems. Temperature changes during the fall can increase condensation throughout the system.
Check drains on the compressor, air receiver, filters, and dryer. Make sure automatic drains are operating properly and manually drain components where required.
Your air dryer(s) plays an important role in removing moisture from your compressed air. Check that the dryer is operating correctly and inspect associated filters and condensate drains.
For desiccant dryers, check the condition of the desiccant and make sure the system is achieving the required dew point for your application.
Proper dryer maintenance can help prevent moisture from reaching downstream equipment and production processes thus reducing potential issues.
Leaks can waste a significant amount of compressed air and increase energy costs. Fall is a great time to conduct a leak survey/air audit before winter operating demands increase. At NCA Ltd., we offer leak detection and air audit services to ensure you are managing any leaks in your system that may be costing you money.
Pay particular attention to fittings, hoses, connections, valves, and other common leak points. An ultrasonic leak detector can help locate leaks that may be difficult to hear or identify manually. NCA Ltd., offers a leak detection device that can be installed in your system to give you real-time data.
Your air receiver should be inspected regularly for corrosion, damage, and other potential issues. Check that the drain is functioning properly and that safety components, including the pressure relief valve, are in good working order.
Air receivers can accumulate moisture, making proper draining especially important as temperatures fluctuate.
Take a look at the pressure your system is operating at. Running a compressor at a higher pressure than necessary can increase energy consumption and wear/tear on your system.
Review your equipment requirements and make sure the system is providing the pressure your applications actually need without unnecessarily increasing operating costs.
As winter approaches, consider where your compressor and compressed air components are located. Equipment installed in unheated areas may be exposed to freezing temperatures.
Moisture in the system can freeze and potentially damage components or restrict airflow. Make sure vulnerable equipment is adequately protected and that condensate is being removed properly.
Fall maintenance is an opportunity to identify small problems before they turn into costly repairs or unexpected downtime. Regular inspections, proper filtration, moisture management, leak detection, and preventative servicing can all contribute to a more reliable and efficient compressed air system.
If your compressor or compressed air system is due for service, fall is a great time to have it inspected before winter arrives.
Need help maintaining your compressed air system? Contact NCA Ltd. to discuss compressor service, maintenance, filtration, dryers, and other compressed air solutions.
Phone: 519-659-2691
Email: info@ncaltd.ca