Compressed Air System
Compressed air is vital for all workshop applications, from air tools, tyre equipment to pneumatic oil pumps. Proper maintenance and care should be taken of this system to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.
When compressing air it will contain unwanted contaminants for example, moisture (both in droplet and vapor form) along with oil from the compressor itself. Air in the atmosphere always contains moisture in the form of water vapor. Some water vapor is included in the compressed air and can potentially cause problems.
It is important to ensure that filters are installed on all important equipment to maximise equipment life and remove as much contamination as possible from the air system.
Ideally, compressors should be fitted with a refrigerant dryer to help reduce the temperature of the air after compression, allowing the moisture to be returned back into a liquid state and be filtered out.
In addition to this we recommend that all pneumatic pumps be fitted with Tecalemit’s Air Filter / Regulator. Where a workshop does not have a refrigerant dryer fitted a Tecalemit Desiccant Dryer should also be installed.
Systems should be depressurised at least weekly to ensure the poppet valve in FLR can open and drain moisture that has been captured. Failure to follow this step will result in pneumatic pumps being supplied ‘wet air’ which will void their warranty.
(Typical) Maintenance Schedule:
Manufacturers handbook should always be followed to ensure the service scheduled is followed, failure to do so will potentially cause premature failure or increase overall maintenance costs.
Before any maintenance work can commence on the pneumatic system, it should be depressurised, switched off and ‘lock out tag applied.
Weekly Checks:
Drain the condensate.
Check oil/air leaks.
Monthly Checks:
Inclusive of Weekly Checks the following should be conducted:
Check oil level.
Check electric connections.
Check condensate into the oil.
Functional check cooling fan.
Check oil recovery.
Check pressure setting.
Annual Service:
An annual service is recommended on the air compressor inline with the manufacturer’s handbook, it would be reasonable to expect that all filters and oils will be changed.
Important notice:
Air Compressor (and refrigerant dryer - if fitted) must be switched off at the end of each day.