A Guide to Air Compressor Maintenance
Performing regular service on your compressor system is a vital key to ensuring longevity, performance, and "uptime" with your production.
Regular service helps ensure your machine and all in-line equipment are running at maximum efficiency. Your business is important, but can only operate properly if your compressor is as well. Each type of compressor, and each manufacturer, has a specific schedule and maintenance kit they recommend to complete proper service. We have included some generic standards below for reference but your team should always opt for instructions listed in the compressor manual first.
Rotary Screw Air Compressor Schedule
Quarterly:
- Replace oil filter element
- Oil top off
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Inspect the air filter element
- Sample lubricant
- Inspect the after cooler
Annually:
- Replace oil filter, air filter and separator elements
- Complete oil change
- Check belts – tighten as needed or replace from wear
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Clean the after cooler from debris and dust
Piston (Two-Stage) Compressors
Quarterly:
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Change air filter element
- Change lubricant
- Tighten and inspect belts
Oilless Scroll Compressors
Quarterly:
- Inspect air filter elements
- Grease motor
- Check belts – tighten as needed or replace from wear
- Replace tip seals (Every 7 to 10,000 hours)
Ensure your team follows the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to avoid breaking the warranty.
Air compressors are only one piece of the more complex air system. Other pieces of equipment within the system will also require regular maintenance.
Air dryers' maintenance depends on the type of system installed. Desiccant dryers should have their desiccants inspected and replaced when needed, typically every 3 to 5 years. Refrigerated air dryers should have their exchangers blown out, in addition to having someone inspect, drain, and check the ambient air temperature to ensure the dryer is working properly.
In-line filtration sytems should have their coalescing, particulate, and active carbon filters replaced annually. Pre and post-filtration should also be replaced annually.
Other elements that may require preventative maintenance include oil/water separators and air tanks, though replacement periods may vary for those tools.