Your guide to dealing with air compressor failures
Air compressors are the backbone of many sectors, improving productivity and contributing to a safer and cleaner working environment. But like any equipment, they aren't immune to breakdowns.
This article has been written to help you better understand the most common compressor failures (technical issues, lack of maintenance, non-original parts, air leaks, etc.), spot the warning signs (excessive noise, inability to start, loss of pressure, overheating, etc.), apply the right troubleshooting techniques, and implement effective preventive maintenance. The objective? To extend the life of your compressor, avoid costly repairs, and ensure optimal operation day after day.
Introduction
Air compressors, like any machine, can encounter problems over time. In this article, we discuss all the most common faults and signs of malfunction to watch out for. In addition, we present a number of preventive maintenance and troubleshooting methods that will keep your compressor running efficiently for a very long time.
Common Air Compressor Failures
An air compressor can experience failures at several levels.
The first failures will concern what are known as technical problems. These may be due to factors such as age or wear and tear on internal components. In this type of configuration, it will therefore be necessary to carry out regular inspections and replace worn components in good time.
Furthermore, neglecting maintenance tasks such as replacing filters can seriously damage your compressor, hence the need for regular maintenance.
Compressor failures can also be caused by the use of non-original spare parts. These may not meet quality standards, causing wear and tear and directly damaging the compressor. It is therefore strongly recommended that you use original parts when replacing components in your installation.
Finally, during its life cycle, your compressor may encounter problems with its control system and sensors, leading to malfunction, but it may also encounter leaks caused by loose connections, damaged components or worn seals.
It is therefore essential to carry out regular checks and repair these problems as soon as they are detected.
Signs of Air Compressor Malfunctions
Your compressor may experience various faults, but how can you identify and recognise them before a breakdown occurs?
Well, there are several warning signs:
Excessive Noise
Excessive noise can indicate loose components, worn-out parts, or unbalanced motor components. Addressing these issues can help reduce noise levels and prevent further damage.
Failure to Start
An air compressor may fail to start due to motor issues, power supply problems, or air end malfunctions. That’s why it’s crucial to diagnose the specific cause in order to be able to resolve the startup problem.
Oil System Issues
Problems with the oil system can lead to severe damage to the compressor, hence the importance of carrying out regular checks and proper lubrication to prevent oil system issues.
Excessive Vibration
This can be a signal of internal malfunctions that may require adjustments to prevent further issues.
Loss of Pressure
Loss of pressure can be caused by compromised components like the intake valve, pressure valve, gasket, piston seal, or tank check valve. It is therefore necessary to identify, and replace those components to restore pressure levels.
Overheating
Overheating can result from restricted airflow, dirty components, or issues with the cooling system.
Troubleshooting Techniques
Once you have identified the problems with your compressor, you will want to address them! Here are a few lines with our best advice to help you deal with the problems listed above:
Overheating
To address overheating, you need to check for restricted airflow, to clean dirty components, and inspect the cooling system. Ensuring also proper ventilation and regular cleaning can help prevent overheating.
Excess Noise
Excess noise can be reduced by tightening loose components, replacing worn-out parts, and balancing motor components. Maintenance is also key to address this kind of issue.
Resolving Blown Fuses
If an air compressor repeatedly blows fuses, you’ll need to check for electrical faults, inspect the wiring, and ensure proper voltage supply.
Fixing Startup Failures
In order to fix startup failures, it’s necessary to diagnose motor issues, power supply problems, or air end malfunctions, to then be able to address them properly.
Locating and Repairing Air Leaks
Air leaks can be detected using soapy water or a leak detection spray. Therefore, sealing the leaks with appropriate methods, such as tightening connections or replacing damaged components, can help maintain air pressure and system efficiency.
Preventative Maintenance
As we mentioned earlier, maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of your compressor.
There are several maintenance tasks you can perform:
First of all, regular inspections. It is possible to take action on your machine before a problem occurs. That's why our experts recommend carrying out regular inspections on the various components in order to identify and address potential problems before they become failures.
Then, we advise you to replace your filters regularly to ensure a clean air flow and prevent overheating.
Finally, as mentioned above, it's essential to use original spare parts, which guarantee quality and compatibility with your installation. This way, you can be sure of having an efficient machine for a long time to come.
Our expert advice: Do not leave the maintenance of your installation to chance; call upon our dedicated team! Our preventive maintenance contracts aim to help you detect underlying problems before they cause significant damage.
Conclusion
Compressors enable a large number of industries to thrive, and to ensure that this continues to be possible in a sustainable manner, they require special attention. It is therefore important to pay attention to specific signs in order to prevent underlying problems. In general, regular and preventative maintenance, timely repairs and the use of original parts are essential to the longevity of your installation.
Our expert advice:
Maintenance and repairs should only be performed by a person qualified to work on a compressor. Contact us to speak about service options just for your installation.
Got questions?
Have questions about choosing the right compressor for your specific needs? Our experts are here to help you make informed decisions that will improve your business processes and enhance your operational efficiency.
With decades of experience in compressed air, we offer a comprehensive range of screw compressors, piston compressors, oil-free compressors, and air treatment solutions. We also provide a wide range of service options to meet all your compressed air needs. Trust our expertise to deliver reliable, high-quality solutions at the forefront of innovation. With various connectivity options, we have a solution to meet your needs. Contact us today for personalised assistance and answers to all your questions!
