WHEN IT COMES TO AIR COMPRESSORS, REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS CRUCIAL TO THE LONGEVITY OF A MACHINE.
The three basic components are air filter, oil filter and air/oil separator. The two sources where these parts can be purchased are: the original equipment manufacturers, also known as OEM and high quality genuine equivalent parts, known as GE. These items are generally outsourced by the compressor manufacturers. Genuine equivalent parts can thus be sourced directly from these companies at huge savings to the customer. GE parts are also available for inline filters, Drains, and Dryers. Having said that, it is crucial that customers source these parts from the quality manufacturers.
There are also genuine equivalent repair kits for most control components that make up the 8000hr kit, which again, can lead to big savings and quality parts.
We cannot stress the importance of oil in rotary screw compressors. The reason being that oil has three major roles in the system; the first being lubrication; the second, the sealing of the air end passages; and thirdly, maintaining proper temperature in the unit. There are three types of oil that are available: mineral oil, synthetic oil, and food grade oil. It is important that the correct oils be used and replaced at the proper intervals. The oil samples can then be tested on a regular basis to determine its quality and whether there is a need for it to be replaced. It is important to know that different oil grades cannot be mixed. It is important that food grade oil be used where required as per regulations.