How to Spring Clean your compressed air system

There are actually a number of things you can do yourself to ready your compressed air system for the warmer months ahead, thing includes;

1. Check temperature and ventilation: as the temperature rises outside, so can the operating temperature of your compressor. Left unchecked, this can lead to the compressor overheating causing costly downtime, increased wear and tear and maintenance requirements, as well as reduced efficiency.
   To do: Install a thermometer in your compressor room. If the room temperature exceeds operating limits then look at increasing ventilation. 
   
   
2. Check filters: filters have to work harder in the springtime to remove an increase in airborne particles caused by pollen and the like. It is essential therefore to make sure your filters are clean.
   To do: Inspect your filters and remove any loose dust from them with a vacuum cleaner. 
   
   
3. Check coolers: there is a good chance that dirty coolers will overheat and lose efficiency as you go from operating them in colder to warmer temperatures.
   To do: Inspect the exterior of your coolers and remove any loose dust from them with a vacuum cleaner. If heavily soiled, you should engage your service provider to undergo the cleaning work. Click here to learn more about Cooler Cleaning.
   
   
4. Check the dryers: dirt and debris can cause compressed air dryers to overheat.
   To do: Check the condenser. Remove any dust or dirt with a vacuum cleaner. If your dryer has winter and summer settings, consult the OEM’s operating manual. Spring may be the right time to change this setting. 
   
   
5. Check the drains: with more moisture in the air, your drains will be working harder to extract this additional water from your compressed air system.
   To do: Check your drains are clean and functioning properly. Most drains will have a ‘test button’ feature. 
   
   
6. Check condensate treatment: here again, increased moisture in the air means your condensate treatment will be working harder to handle the increased condensation.
   To do: Check the operation of your condensate treatment by referring to the cloudiness test containers. A raised float indicates “Alarm”, which means that the filter should be replaced as soon as possible. Consequently schedule maintenance as necessary. 
   
   
7. Check the electric cabinet: increased airborne particles and moisture can find their way into the electric cabinet. Increased dirt, dust or moisture levels here, may lead to bad electrical contacts, raise the heat, short circuits, cause premature failures and cause corrosion.
   To do: Disconnect the compressor from its power source, then open the cabinet. Check for any dust/dirt or moisture. Remove any dust or dirt with a vacuum cleaner. 
   
   
8. Schedule a service: performing the tasks above will go a long way to ensuring that your compressed air system is better able to handle the warmer months. However, these tasks are just a few to consider and those which you can perform yourself as an end user. For optimum results it is recommended that you contact your service provider for a comprehensive ‘clean’/service.
   To do: Contact your service provider to book your compressed air system in for a comprehensive ‘Spring Clean’ service.

Important Information: ^*Tips based on an electric rotary screw compressor. Only qualified and authorised personnel should perform maintenance tasks that have read, are conversant with and adhere to the safety instructions and section of the service manual applicable to maintenance of the piece of compressed air equipment.

For more information on spring cleaning your compressed air system with KAESER AIR SERVICE, just phone 0800 447 820 or simply fill in the form below and we will get back to you