Keeping Your Air Compressor Ready For Service

Air compressors are critical parts of industry and often life-saving emergency devices. From powering pneumatic tools to pumping up tires on the road, a failure at the air compressor could mean a critical failure that can set you back hours or even days. Before disaster strikes, consider a few points to include in your air compressor training and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Cleaning The Air Filter Isn't Enough

An air compressor's air filter is responsible for keeping damaging debris out of the system. As air compressors are high pressure systems, allowing in certain debris such as sand or stone grit can cause internal damage.

As you perform air filter maintenance, be sure to inspect the filter carefully. Even if you intend on throwing away the old filter, its condition can tell you a lot about the air compressor's situation. If there's excessive damage on the filter's mesh or around the frame, the compressor may be in an environment that can lead to the early failure and destruction its internal components.

The air compressor should be located in an area that is reasonably free of debris. If you're in an area that can't simply be cleared of debris such as a beach, desert area or marshland, elevate the compressor on a platform to reduce the amount of debris that could enter the system.

If the filters are violently torn or damaged, make sure to review the way that you and other users install the filter. There could be an issue with incorrect installation or even manufacturer faults with the filter or the filter loading area.

Inspect Attachments And Connecting Points

Hoses, attachments and connection ports are susceptible to a lot of damage because they're the most often used. By either connecting a hose to a tire, attaching a pneumatic tool or changing a hose, you put a lot of stress on the attachments and fittings.

Be sure to train any tool users in the proper way to attach, remove and store attachments. The threading of a device can begin to wear away if the user aggressively twists or snaps the attachment on and off, which is the cause of a lot of leaks and slipping attachments.

Even though many attachments are metal, dropping the attachments on a regular basis can lead to a crack in the connection point. Especially in pieces that are made out of two connected molds, you can expect a split in the metal over time if the tool users aren't careful.

Contact a tool professional with experience in air compressors to design a reliable maintenance plan and to find compressors that fit your needs. Take a look at the site here to learn more.

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