The little maintenance needed for an oil-free air compressor is one of its key advantages over an oil-lubricated compressor. Unlike oil-injected air compressors, which require frequent oil changes, the permanently lubricated pump cylinder does not require further lubrication.
Though they don’t require much care, oil-free air compressors nevertheless need to be maintained sometimes. Preventive maintenance can assist in prolonging the compressor’s lifespan and guarantee safe and effective operation.
You can maintain the optimal functioning of your air compressor by taking a few simple actions regularly.
An oil-free air compressor: What Is It?
Oil-free air compressors operate without using oil on the compression chamber or cylinder walls, as the name suggests. Rather, they are pre-lubricated with a material that makes internal pistons glide freely, such as PTFE or water.
This oil-free, permanently lubricated compressors generate pressurized air with a similar quality as the input air. This implies that there won’t be any moisture or oil vapor present.
Oil-free air compressors are the best option for applications that operate in hazardous settings or for which the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has specified certain air quality requirements. These kinds of compressors are frequently useful by vehicle air compressor suppliers and other sectors, such as the ones listed below.
- Medications
- Food and drink preparation
- Uses in medicine, such as respiration machines
- Manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics
- Textile production
- Vehicle aerosol painting
How Do Air Compressors Without Oil Operate?
The basic concept of operation for air compressors is to compress air until the volume grows and the pressure lowers. Oil is not present in the compression chamber of oil-free air compressors, yet they function in the same manner as oil-injected air compressors.
Oil is not present in oil-free compressors since the spinning components inside the chamber do not come into touch with one another. The compressor’s gears are nevertheless greased in another method. An overview of the operation of oil-free air compressors is provided here.
Pull Air in
The air compressor pulls air in from the exterior of the device first. Dust and other foreign objects are prevented from entering the air using a filter. When the compressor is full, air flows through a valve and the compressor starts to operate.
Condensation
The air will compress by the compression element as it passes through the device. This may result in a significant increase in the unit’s temperature.
Cooling of Intercoolers
Once compressed, the air is pushed through an intercooler by pistons. Before the device can compress the air anymore, it cools. Because there is no oil for lubrication, this further lowers the possibility of the machine overheating.
Complementary Stress
The air returns to the compressor for further compression after cooling. More heat may also take place by this procedure.
Additional Cooling
With temperatures as high as 150 degrees, the air is cooled a second time. A check valve will let the air pass through to stop any backflow inside the machine. The air can be discharged or retained when it has cooled down enough.
Observing
To measure the amount of air pressure retained in the system, these devices additionally have a pressure switch monitor. The compressor will turn on to pressurize the system if that pressure decreases.
Guidelines for maintaining an oil-free air compressor
Here are some of our recommendations for routine maintenance to prolong the life of your oil-free air compressor and keep it operating correctly.
Empty the air compressor tank first
As moisture is extracted from the compressed air, it will fill the air compressor tank and decrease the volume of air held, thus emptying the tank as directed. The tank will decay and contaminate the compressed air if the air receiver is not routinely emptied. The compressor will ultimately sustain damage from this and cease to function.
Examine the power lead often
Maintaining the integrity of the air compressor is achievable by periodically inspecting the cable to check whether wear and tear has caused any damage. To make sure the compressor is safe to use, it’s crucial to stop using it and notify an electrician if there is any damage.
Verify the force
Make sure the pressure is not too high when the air compressor is operating since this might shorten its lifespan and cause damage over time.
Examine the compressor’s performance
Make sure your compressor is operating as it should by giving it a regular inspection. Any unexpected activity on your air compressor might indicate a problem, so you should either call a repair specialist or shut it down, unhook it from the mains, and inspect it.
Look for any leaks
Examine the vicinity of your compressor to ensure that no leaks are occurring during operation or shutdown. It’s crucial to contact an engineer or get the air compressor fixed if you discover a leak before using it once again.
Examine your air filter
It is crucial to refer to your compressor’s owner’s handbook to determine the precise placement of the air filter, as it changes depending on the type. When it begins to exhibit symptoms of wear and tear, the inside paper or felt air filter needs to a replacement. You should be able to clean the foam filter with soap if that’s the case. Replace any worn-out or broken filters, and make sure the filter has had time to dry out.
Examine your air compressor visually
Make sure all of the fittings on your air compressor are still tight and periodically check the hoses, valves, and seals for cracks or other wear and tear. It’s critical to get any wear and tear or damage repaired or to have it inspected by a professional to stop issues from growing worse and costing more money.
It’s crucial to look for corrosion or weak areas in the air tank. If the tank breaks down, it will have to a replacement because it cannot repair easily.
Look over the safety valve
It’s important to routinely check with your oil free piston compressor suppliers. Make sure you’re wearing safety glasses before inspecting. After plugging the unit in and letting it run until the shut-off pressure is reached, remove the safety valve ring to relieve the pressure in the tank.
