Q: My compressor runs hot. What
should I do?
A: Elevated compressor
temperature may be caused by restricted air, water or oil flow, a low oil level,
or excessive ambient temperature. Check the water flow, pressure and quality,
and clean the heat exchanger as needed. Check the compressor oil level and add
oil as required. Remove any flow restrictions and replace parts if necessary.
Make sure your compressor and compressor room are properly ventilated. Check with
the manufacturer to determine the maximum operating temperature. Q:
What are the most common problems caused by water in compressed air systems?
A: Washing away of required lubrication, increased maintenance, sluggish
pneumatic equipment, rust, instrumentation clogs, paint spotting, airline freeze-up
and dramatically shortened tool life. Q: Why am
I getting water in my air lines?
A: Condensation in the tank
and air lines is a natural occurrence when compressing air. To prevent water in
the lines, drain the air receiver frequently to eliminate the condensate. Consider
adding an automatic drain to eliminate the manual process of draining the tank.
Add a moisture separator to your air line and drain on a regular basis. If you
have an air dryer, water in the lines may be a sign that you need to repair or
replace your dryer. Have the dryer serviced to see if that eliminates the water
problem. Q: What is the hidden cost of bad air
quality?
A: Bad Air = Repair Cost + Replacement Cost + Lost Production. Q:
Why am I getting low air pressure at the point of use?
A: Low
pressure can be caused by a number of factors. You may have air leaks in the distribution
piping or clogged filter elements. The pressure at the compressor discharge may
not be sufficient to overcome system pressure drop. Check the lines, connections
and valves for leaks. Clean or replace filter elements. Raise the compressor discharge
pressure as a last resort. Q: The pressure at
compressor discharge is low. What should I do?
A: For systems
with modulating load controls, the air capacity control system may not be adjusted
properly. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for adjustment of the modulation
system. In reciprocating compressors, another cause may be worn or broken valves
or the wrong setting on your air pressure switch. Check the valves and repair
or replace as required. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for setting
the air pressure switch. If none of the above solves the problem, the low-pressure
problem may be caused by an undersized compressor. You may require additional
capacity (CFM) to maintain the desired system pressure. Q:
What can I do to prevent oil in the air lines?
A: All lubricated
compressors send oil downstream. The quantity will depend on the type of compressor.
In a rotary screw compressor, oil in the lines may be due to faulty separation
equipment or a compressor oil level that's too high. Check the air/oil separation
system and change the separator element if necessary. Also follow the manufacturer's
recommendations for the proper oil level. In a reciprocating compressor, the force
feed lubricator may be set at an excessive level. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation
for proper feed rate. If oil carryover continues to be a problem, you may need
to add a coalescing filter to your system. Q:
Why am I getting dirt or rust in the air lines?
A: As compressed
air lines age, dirt can accumulate in the air lines and rust can be caused by
water carried over to the piping system. To prevent damage to your equipment,
install filters at the point of use. When replacing or adding piping, consider
the use of copper or extruded aluminum piping which will not rust. Adding a dryer
to remove water before the air enters the piping system will reduce rust problems. | 
