The changing seasons mean changing environmental conditions for your compressed air systems to operate in, making it sensible to carry out a springtime air compressor audit in preparation for the warmer weather, and to highlight any components that may have failed over the winter months.
Here are five priorities to keep in mind when carrying out a springtime air compressor audit, to make sure you don’t miss any of the finer details.
1. Air compressor lubricants
Air compressor lubricants can be affected by ambient air temperature, becoming more viscous in colder weather – and it’s common to check this at the start of winter and to use an appropriate seasonal air compressor oil in cold conditions.
But don’t forget to re-check your air compressor lubricants as part of your spring air compressor audit, as this time the warmer days will mean less viscosity, and air compressor oil may need changing once again.
2. Operating temperature
Measure the air temperature around your air compressors during use and make sure any enclosed areas are properly ventilated if needed, so your equipment is not running too hot.
This will help to extend the life span of your air compressors between unplanned maintenance incidents, but will also maximise the efficiency you get in your compressed air output even over the short term.
3. Fix air compressor leaks
One of the best ways to restore maximum efficiency to your compressed air systems is to fix air compressor leaks wherever they occur – and that means checking pipework and connectors too.
Compressed air is a fluid, and a high-pressure one at that, so just like water pipes in winter, the cold weather may have led to new leaks over the past six months or so, particularly in flexible hoses or at connections.
4. Air filters and air compressor dryers
It’s not just the temperature that changes with the seasons – the humidity level surrounding your air compressor may vary too, and this is especially crucial if it affects the air intake into your compressed air system.
Check air filters and especially air compressor dryers to make sure you are still getting the best quality of compressed air output, at a time of year when ambient humidity can be caused more by evaporation than precipitation.
5. Repair or replace?
If you notice any major problems as part of your spring air compressor audit, give serious thought to whether it is more economical to repair or replace poorly performing compressors.
At ACE Compressors we can supply spare parts for air compressors from major brands, so you know you are getting brand-name reliability from your repairs, or just call us on 0161 476 3800 to make an enquiry about a like-for-like replacement.
