If your company relies on a screw compressor for its operations, then you know how important it is to keep that compressor in good working condition. With proper maintenance, a screw compressor can last many years without problems. This article will give you some tips and tricks for screw compressor maintenance. Following these tips can keep your compressor running smoothly for years.
What is a screw compressor?
Screw compressors are machines that use screws to compress air. Screw compressors are used in many industries, including oil and gas extraction, petrochemicals, and food processing. They are also used in the construction of pipelines and the production of compressed natural gas. Screw compressors have several advantages over other types of compressors. They are more efficient than centrifugal or reciprocating compressors and can operate at higher pressures.
You will need to keep your screw compressor maintained, though. One great example of screw compressor maintenance is keeping your compressor correctly grounded. This means you must have a good ground connection from the compressor to the electrical panel. Any fault in the grounding can create a dangerous situation where electricity could arc and cause an injury. There are a few ways to check if your compressor is properly grounded.
One way is to use a multimeter and test for continuity between the ground wire on the compressor and the ground screw on the electrical panel. Another way is to use an ohmmeter and test for resistance between the two points. If there is no continuity or resistance, you will need to fix the problem before using your compressor again.
How do you clean a screw compressor?
One of the most important things you can do to keep your compressor running well is to clean it after each use. This may seem like a hassle, but it’s easy and takes only a few minutes. First, remove the intake filter and clean it with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Then, disconnect the oil drain hose and let the oil run out into a container. Clean the drain hole with a paper towel if necessary. Next, remove the compressor head (the part with the valves). Clean off any dirt or debris with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
Make sure to check inside the valve chamber for any build-up of oil or other materials. If there is any build-up, remove it using compressed air or an appropriate solvent. Be very careful not to damage the valves while doing this. Then, reattach the compressor head and reconnect the oil drain hose. Pour some fresh oil into the fill hole, and be sure to consult your owner’s manual for proper viscosity. Next, start your compressor and let it run for about 5 minutes. Finally, shut it down and allow it to cool before replacing the intake filter.
Do you need to lubricate all moving parts?
Lubricating compressor parts is an essential step in maintaining your compressor. Without proper lubrication, the compressor’s moving parts can grind against each other and cause damage. In addition, a lack of lubricant can lead to excessive heat build-up, which can shorten the life of your compressor. Compressor oil is the most common type of lubricant used for compressors. It is designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures and helps keep the compressor’s moving parts cool.
To lubricate your compressor, shut off the machine’s power supply. Then locate the oil ports on the machine and carefully pour a small amount of oil into each port. You may need to use a funnel for this part. Next, start up the machine and allow it to run for a few minutes so that the oil can circulate throughout all of its parts. Shut off the machine again and check to ensure no excess oil leaks from any of its ports; if there is, you may have poured too much oil in. Wipe away any extra oil with a clean cloth before restarting the machine.
