Industrial air compressors are used in nearly every major industry worldwide, quickly becoming known as the fourth utility — after natural gas, electricity and water. In fact, the global industrial air compressor market size is set to surpass $17.8 billion by 2027, according to Global Market Insights.

When an uninterrupted flow of air is essential for business, downtime can be a huge setback and cost more than money. It can impact reputation, credibility and production. Not only do you need equipment you can rely on, but you also need to know how to avoid unplanned maintenance.

How to Avoid Unplanned Air Compressor Downtime

Sullair, an industry leader in industrial air compressors, has been known to build efficient and sustainable products around the world since 1965. Here are some expert tips for getting the most productivity from your air compressor system.

✔ Tip #1

Install Your Air Compressor in an Optimal Location

You know what they say: location, location, location. The same goes for how and where your air compressor is installed. Here are some helpful tips:

DO: Install in a space with plenty of ventilation. An enclosed space may cause the compressor to overheat and lead to unplanned maintenance and downtime.

DON’T: Install an industrial air compressor where there’s an abundance of particulate that can clog the cooler and cause overheating.

DO: Install where the ambient temperature doesn’t surpass the acceptable temperature ranges.

✔ Tip #2

Check the Coolers, Dust Evacuators and Filters

Clean the coolers as often as needed, especially if you’re in a dustier environment rather than a pharmaceutical or semiconductor application. You may also want to consider a daily check of your dust evacuators and filters, especially in the warmer months.

✔ Tip #3

Ensure Thermal Valves Are Functioning Properly

Did you know that elevated discharge temperatures may signify that your thermal valve is malfunctioning? Several conditions may be the culprit, so contact your distributor for help troubleshooting these complex cooling systems.

✔ Tip #4

Perform Routine Compressor Fluid Analysis

Fluid is essential to your compressor and the success of your operation. It’s important to understand what may be in the fluid, such as dirt, water and other process materials, to ensure peak performance and pinpoint abnormal wear or contamination.

Some of the things you can learn from an oil sampling include:

• pH levels that suggest warning signs of corrosive wear of bearings.

• Acid number to indicate the remaining useful life of the fluid.

• Viscosity to measure the resistance of a fluid to flow at a specific temperature. A higher viscosity may indicate higher operating temperature.

• Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides molecular information, including additives, fluid breakdown products, and external contamination, which can help establish optimal change-out intervals.

• Water levels, which can identify leaks.

• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy measures and quantifies elements associated with wear, contamination and additives.

 

Did you know that Sullair offers a range of lubricants designed to extend service life, improve economics and maximize equipment performance?

Sullair lubricants include:

Air Compressor Solutions for Every Industry

There is a reason industry leaders in more than 64 countries trust Sullair equipment to keep their business running smoothly and a reason Sullair is part of Fusion for Industry from Hitachi, offering best-in-class solutions and products. From food and beverage to automotive and gas compression, or even construction to mining, Sullair offers a range of compressed air solutions that are built to last.

“Sullair’s brand promise is reliability and durability performance. Combined with Hitachi’s global reach, both companies have decades of air compressor experience in their DNA and are here for the long term.”

But while Sullair products are known for running on year 40 the same as they did on day 1, the idea of unplanned maintenance interruptions can keep anyone up at night. Fortunately, a few easy steps can help extend the reliability, durability and performance of your Sullair air compressor another 40 years.

Whether you’re in discrete manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or food and beverage, you can trust Sullair air compressors to help maximize efficiency and production while decreasing cost and, most importantly, stress from unplanned maintenance issues.

 

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