A compressor is a crucial element in industrial manufacturing systems. Delays in the compressed air system can slow down business operations regardless of the duration of the downtime. You will have to cater for repair costs and lose even more money in replacing parts.
You will be surprised to learn that being attentive to the sound that the compressed air system produces can give you hints of an underlying issue.
A humming sound could mean you are overworking the compressor. Once you notice changes in how the compressor runs, seek professional help for a detailed review to identify the underlying problem.
It is advisable to do a visual inspection of your system at least once a week. And, although visual inspections are brief, they could be the one procedure that will save your compressor from a breakdown.
Look out for oil leaks and whether the filters are fully functional. Oil leaks can cause ruptures and other unexpected damages.
Compressors need fresh air around for proper cooling. You should, therefore, clean your oil cooler before the heat sets in; a dirty system will lead to overheating and cause downtime. Cleaning the cooler maintains the compressor temperature at an optimum for proper running.
A compressed air system needs oil for lubrication. The oil level should be within the recommended range. However, avoid adding lubricants unless you have confirmed the condition of the compressor. If you notice abnormal oil levels and there is no sign of a leak, it could mean that the leakage is internal.
Compressors do a lot of work in industrial systems, from generating heat to filtering dirt. Practically, the amount of work should cause downtime. You can, however, observe the above measures to keep the compression processes at optimal functionality.