Regular preventative maintenance of compressed air system equipment should be conducted as per the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Some tasks for maintenance staff include:1
- checking for leaks (see Detect and eliminate leaks)
- apply lubrication, including grease, and top-up and/or replace oil
- clean and replace filters
- correct any anomalies identified by indicator readings and set points
- correct the tension of drive belts and replace worn belts
- maintain the operation of valves, oil coolers, intercoolers, and aftercoolers
- close condensate traps
- check that compressor intake air is drawn from a cool space (e.g. outside) rather than a hot space (e.g. boiler room). Every 3°C reduction in intake air temperature saves about 1% of energy required to run the compressor2
- schedule or conduct major overhauls of compressors
For more information
Compressed Air Overview 2012
- UK Carbon Trust
This website features an introduction to opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of compressed air systems in a UK context. Information is categorised under maintenance, housekeeping, and upgrading equipment and systems. Further detailed information is also available in a range of subject-specific PDF guides to compressed air technology.
Note, publications on this website are free to access, but users must register first.
Footnotes ~ Show 2 footnotes