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Q: My compressor runs hot. What should I do?
A: Elevated compressor temperature may be caused by restricted
air, water or oil flow, a low oil level, or excessive ambient
temperature. Check the water flow, pressure and quality, and clean
the heat exchanger as needed. Check the compressor oil level and
add oil as required. Remove any flow restrictions and replace
parts if necessary. Make sure your compressor and compressor room
are properly ventilated. Check with the manufacturer to determine
the maximum operating temperature.
Q: What are the most common problems caused by water in
compressed air systems?
A: Washing away of required lubrication, increased maintenance,
sluggish pneumatic equipment, rust, instrumentation clogs, paint
spotting, airline freeze-up and dramatically shortened tool life.
Q: Why am I getting water in my air lines?
A: Condensation in the tank and air lines is a natural occurrence
when compressing air. To prevent water in the lines, drain the
air receiver frequently to eliminate the condensate. Consider
adding an automatic drain to eliminate the manual process of draining
the tank. Add a moisture separator to your air line and drain
on a regular basis. If you have an air dryer, water in the lines
may be a sign that you need to repair or replace your dryer. Have
the dryer serviced to see if that eliminates the water problem.
Q: What is the hidden cost of bad air quality?
A: Bad Air = Repair Cost + Replacement Cost + Lost Production.
Q: Why am I getting low air pressure at the point of use?
A: Low pressure can be caused by a number of factors. You may
have air leaks in the distribution piping or clogged filter elements.
The pressure at the compressor discharge may not be sufficient
to overcome system pressure drop. Check the lines, connections
and valves for leaks. Clean or replace filter elements. Raise
the compressor discharge pressure as a last resort.
Q: The pressure at compressor discharge is low. What should
I do?
A: For systems with modulating load controls, the air capacity
control system may not be adjusted properly. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendation for adjustment of the modulation system. In reciprocating
compressors, another cause may be worn or broken valves or the
wrong setting on your air pressure switch. Check the valves and
repair or replace as required. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations
for setting the air pressure switch. If none of the above solves
the problem, the low-pressure problem may be caused by an undersized
compressor. You may require additional capacity (CFM) to maintain
the desired system pressure.
Q: What can I do to prevent oil in the air lines?
A: All lubricated compressors send oil downstream. The quantity
will depend on the type of compressor. In a rotary screw compressor,
oil in the lines may be due to faulty separation equipment or
a compressor oil level that's too high. Check the air/oil separation
system and change the separator element if necessary. Also follow
the manufacturer's recommendations for the proper oil level. In
a reciprocating compressor, the force feed lubricator may be set
at an excessive level. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation
for proper feed rate. If oil carryover continues to be a problem,
you may need to add a coalescing filter to your system.
Q: Why am I getting dirt or rust in the air lines?
A: As compressed air lines age, dirt can accumulate in the air
lines and rust can be caused by water carried over to the piping
system. To prevent damage to your equipment, install filters at
the point of use. When replacing or adding piping, consider the
use of copper or extruded aluminum piping which will not rust.
Adding a dryer to remove water before the air enters the piping
system will reduce rust problems.
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