The compressors They are work machines and, as such, require adequate care and maintenance to ensure their proper functioning and to extend their useful life.
Due to its characteristics, this type of machine requires certain conditions that allow it to perform correctly, and therefore help to its care and preservation. So how do you maintain a compressor?
Compressor care aspects
Compressor location
A compressor In general terms, it is an air respirator, so it requires operating in a wide environment surrounded by fresh and clean air. This machine should be located in an area where there is enough space around it so that you can carry out your routine work without any inconvenience.
The space around the compressor It is required for proper air recirculation, which prevents overheating of the motor, as well as other sensitive electrical components. The intake air also requires space for its correct recirculation.
Intake air filter
A key point in caring for the compressor It is represented by the cleanliness of the air you breathe. This air that the machine absorbs reaches the internal components, so if the air is contaminated with dirt, abrasions or humidity, the useful life of these components will decrease considerably.
The intake air filter should always be kept in a clean and easily accessible place for constant inspection and service.
Compressor oil
This machine uses oil to seal and keep its mechanisms lubricated. Due to the use of oil, the compressor it requires a lubricant of excellent quality and in the correct quantity. Care must be taken to use oil whose specifications comply with the manufacturer of the compressor. To verify this, the user manual can be consulted.
On the other hand, a record should be kept of the amount of oil the machine consumes, to know with certainty when it should be changed. A standard recommendation indicates that it is good practice to change the oil every 1,000 hours of machine operation.
The water in the compressor
In environments with high levels of humidity, the water will enter the machine mechanism in greater quantity. To avoid excessive and harmful accumulation of water, it is very important that a suitable drainage system or device is in place.
It must be taken into account that water is always present in the air, and the condenser will absorb this water during its operation.
Also, the compressor It is a machine that consumes energy so it needs to be connected to a correct source of electrical energy. It also generates heat during operation, requiring an adequate chiller supply. During the execution of the work, the compressor vibrates and that is why it needs adequate foundations and pipes.
Compressor
Compressor maintenance
Regardless of their model or design, compressors They must receive periodic maintenance, according to the number of hours of work performed by the equipment. For this, it is recommended to keep a record of the machine’s working time.
Before starting maintenance work, it is imperative that the compressor is switched off using the “ON / OFF” switch. The appliance must then be disconnected from the electrical source and left completely without pressure.
Cleaning the compressor
Keeping the external components and especially the internal ones, free of dirt and dust, is one of the most relevant actions of the process of compressor maintenance. Cleaning must be carried out weekly, since the accumulation of impurities is frequent due to the absorption of air carried out by the compressor.
Excessive accumulation of these external materials can impair the operation of the equipment, causing it to clog and can even hide minor oil leaks. During the cleaning process, dirt must also be removed from the coils and winding fins.
Another part that needs to be cleaned thoroughly is the suction filter. This filter should be cleaned with a blow gun after 50 hours of use. When finishing painting and sanding jobs, checking and cleaning this filter is vital.
Belt review
The compressors that work driven by belts, they must be inspected to verify the tension of the transmission belt. Belt tension varies between compressors, but proper tension value must be maintained, per manufacturer’s specifications.
A loose or slack drive belt will begin to slip and lose its efficiency. In the event that the belt is too tight or too tight, it will considerably reduce its useful life, as well as the useful life of the bearings associated with the compressor.
Bolt review
Over time, the compressor screws loosen, and even fall off. That is why each and every one of the screws that keep the compressor armed must be reviewed and adjusted if required.
This brief review, can avoid greater evils and the total loss of the equipment.
Electrical maintenance
Another aspect to check is the electrical connections of the compressor. Taking the time to verify each and every connection, and ensure that all of them are properly adjusted, is a highly recommended practice.
An improperly adjusted electrical connection can permanently damage the electric motor.
Check valve
The non-return valve must be cleaned once a year, or if required it must be replaced. The state of the valve’s rubber disc must be taken into account, if it is very worn, then it is time to change said part. If it is not possible to clean the rubber disc seat, the complete non-return valve must be replaced.

Compressor Maintenance
All these actions of compressor care and maintenanceThey will not only extend its useful life, they will also ensure its operation and the performance of a good job. Of course, they also have a positive influence on the user’s economy, by avoiding medium or major damage to the equipment.
These are all compelling reasons to properly and thoroughly perform the care and maintenance of these useful machines.
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