Industrial air compressors are essential machines for a wide range of industrial applications. Whether it is powering tools, machinery, or systems, compressed air is a safe and reliable source of energy for industrial applications. Due to their large sizes, heavier usage, and complex systems, wear and tear is inevitable. Here are five common signs that indicate your industrial air compressor might need some repair work.
Low Air Pressure
Lower pressure for large-scale operations means entire production lines could be disrupted. There can be multiple causes of low pressure. One potential cause includes blockage in the piping or manifold. Malfunctions in the dryer can also cause low pressure, however, the compressor might not always detect them.
To troubleshoot, begin by confirming all valves are in their correct open or closed position and are operating as usual. Control panels and multi-stage compression elements should also be inspected for functionality and leakage. Seeking assistance is always advisable if you are unsure of the diagnosis.
Overheating
With a lot of heat consumption comes a lot of oil consumption. Oftentimes, when your industrial air compressor is overheating, start by checking oil levels. You might also need to consider checking the ambient temperature in the room, the heat exchanger, and the HVAC. Clogged filters, failures in the cooling system, or lack of proper ventilation in the room can be significant problems if not addressed.
Check the compressor's thermostat to ensure it is working properly and does not need a replacement part. The cleaning of filters can be done yourself depending on the site conditions. If the filters or coolers need to be removed from the unit, it is best to send it to an alternative shop for thorough cleaning.
Excessive Noise
While compressors are not typically the quietest machines, you may at times notice a change in their sound. This slight change can often be an important clue that signals there is something wrong. Excessive noise can be the outcome of loose components or general wear of the machine. Large vibrations from the compressors can also be a sign of alignment issues. It is best to conduct regular maintenance. To resolve noise issues, you may need to lubricate moving parts of the compressor or replace worn-out elements. If you cannot properly identify the cause of the sound change, a vibrational analysis can be a useful tool.
Rust and Corrosion
Industrial applications often require dry air, especially in pharmaceutical and electrical manufacturing. When your air compressor’s components meet water, rusting and corrosion can occur. The excessive moisture in the area can impact the function of the compressor and overall cause various complications. It is important to regularly service the moisture management systems of the compressor when wet applications become an ongoing problem.
Electrical Problems
When electrical problems occur, it can often be a broad range. Issues like motor failure, tripped breakers, or faulty pressure switches can occur. Any of these problems can stem from loose wires or overloaded circuits. It is best to perform regular inspections of the wiring, voltage levels, and control systems to help overturn downtime. Sometimes it is as easy as pressing the reset button, or as costly as replacing a motor. As always, if you are unable to diagnose the problem, call your local experienced compressor mechanic to properly identify and perform the necessary repairs.
Industrial Air Compressor Parts at Iron Wing Parts
Looking for replacement Industrial Air Compressor parts? Iron Wing has a large, growing inventory of valves, filter, hoses, switches, and more. All of our parts are In-Stock and Ready-to-Ship in order to help minimize downtime. Search our inventory by part #, category, or manufacturer to find the parts you need. For further assistance, contact us at: sales@ironwingsales.com or 216-912-9089.