Best Practices for Rotary Screw Compressor Maintenance

Maintaining your rotary screw compressor is essential for protecting your investment, ensuring optimal performance, and preventing costly downtime.  Here are the key areas to focus on during maintenance to keep your compressor running efficiently:

1.  Air-end

The air-end is critical for pressurizing air.  To ensure its longevity (over 40,000 hours with proper care), follow these practices:

· Condensation Management: Drain the drip tray daily to avoid moisture buildup.

· Temperature Monitoring: Regularly check the compressor’s temperature to prevent overheating.

· Corrosion Checks: Inspect for rust, indicating moisture or inadequate lubrication.

· Lubrication Inspection: Ensure all parts are adequately lubricated to reduce friction.

· Over pressure Signs: Monitor for excessive pressure that could indicate a malfunction.

· Control Settings: Train operators on proper settings to avoid accelerated wear.

· Leak Detection: Address oil seal leaks immediately to prevent increased friction and heat.

· Noise Monitoring: Listen for unusual bearing noises, which may signal problems.

· Vibration Monitoring: Stop the compressor if unusual vibrations are detected and inspect for issues.

2.  Drive Train

The drive train regulates the compressor’s operation, requiring proper alignment and lubrication:

· Belt Inspection: Examine for wear and fraying.

· Belt Tension: Ensure it is adjusted correctly for efficient operation.

Perform these checks every 500 hours or bi-monthly.

3.  Motor Health

Regularly inspect the air compressor motor:

· Lubrication: Ensure the motor is correctly lubricated to avoid overheating.

· Grease Quality: Check for proper viscosity of grease;  avoid hardened or runny grease.

· Grade of Grease: Use the correct grease type for your operational environment.

· Contaminants: Prevent mixing different greases to avoid chemical reactions.

4.  Filter Maintenance

Filters (oil, inlet, air/oil separator) prevent contaminants from spreading:

· Filter Checks: Inspect inlet filters every 2,000 hours and fluid filters every 1,000 hours.

· Dirt Control: Regular maintenance prevents airend wear and contamination of components and oil.

5.  Lubricants

Proper oil maintenance is crucial for the compressor's functionality:

· Schedule Changes: Change oil every 2,000 to 4,000 hours based on operation type.

· Leak Detection: Identify and fix oil leaks promptly.

· Oil Quality: Ensure oil is not acidic, contaminated, or has the wrong viscosity.

Selecting the Appropriate Compressor For enterprises aiming to invest in a rotary screw air compressor, Compressor Services provides an extensive array of top-quality products. Prophylactic maintenance is crucial for the longevity of the machine. Contact us for a complimentary consultation to sustain optimal performance and evade costly breakdowns.