How frequently have you encountered a compressed air system that isn’t operating correctly? It likely had more than a few components in good functioning order. And chances are it had at least one or two components that needed maintenance, such as a clogged filter, an undersized aftercooler, an ill-suited pressure regulator, or no air drier where one should have been. Regrettably, an air compressor is only as powerful as its weakest component.
That’s why it’s critical to equip your compressed air system with all of the air compressor parts it needs to perform correctly. The correct accessories will improve your energy efficiency and reduce maintenance during the compressor’s life. Here, we break down the most necessary accessories to consider.
Take care of filters.
Filters eliminate ambient impurities from the air at the intake, ensuring that your compressed air system is clean and the air output is pure. As a result, cleaner machines operate more effectively, prevent component deterioration, and minimize the frequency of necessary maintenance. However, filters inherently accumulate particulate matter as they perform their functions. Thus they must be cleaned and frequently replaced depending on the working environment.
It is crucial to have the correct filter for your specific application. For example, some applications may necessitate the use of specialist oil-removing filters, while others will require the use of dust and pre-filters. Take the time to determine those specifics and then design an appropriate filtration system to match.
Look after regulators
If your air compressor runs at a higher pressure than you need, you’re squandering energy – and lost energy equals wasted money. However, you are exerting unnecessary strain on the hoses, fittings, and equipment, incurring excessive wear and limiting the lifespan of your system components. If a tool is rated for 120 psi, that is the pressure at which it is designed to work best, thus feeding it 150 psi will result in inferior performance. (Air compressor parts)
This is when regulators step in. Regulators control the machine’s air pressure levels to meet the needs of the tool. Almost every air compressor parts application will require instruments with varying pressure ratings. Therefore regulators are a must-have in most applications.
But there’s also the issue of overall system regulation to consider. Advanced air compressors will include intelligent monitoring systems that read and react to air distribution pressure and air demand employing on/off controls, modulation, and variable rotational speed control to achieve the best efficiency ratio between air demand and energy consumption.
Replace your hoses
Hoses are the veins that link the heart of your compressed air system (the compressor) to its organs (tools). Hoses can wear out over time, bending, kinking, and leaking. Thus they should be examined frequently and changed as needed. But that’s not the only reason to replace your hoses and the rest of the air compressor parts.
You are losing energy if you use a hose that is too lengthy. Is it too short? You’re lowering your employees’ productivity. The hose gauge influences energy efficiency as well. Some hoses are more durable than others. Some require incredibly high heat capabilities. On the other hand, retractable or recoil hoses can give spatial flexibility and storage that is virtually necessary for some applications. It is critical to ensure that the hoses in your system are appropriate for your application; otherwise, you will be wasting money.
4. Tools and attachments
The chain’s ultimate link and the rationale for compressed air in the first place. It doesn’t matter how well-designed your compressed air system is if you don’t have well-maintained or correct tools.
Nail guns, blowguns, paint sprayers, drills, sanders, grinders, air knives, and food filling machines – there’s a whole buffet of equipment available for both general and very particular uses (see: chocolate pan-coating sprayer). But, of course, nothing is more vital than having the proper tools for the job(s) at hand.
Aftercoolers and sir dryers for increasing efficiency.
The process of compressing air naturally produces vapour content. Therefore, aftercoolers and air dryers are required to remove moisture from compressed air before it reaches the tooltip. (Air compressor parts)
Air dryers, like desiccant dryers, employ silica gel, activated alumina, or molecular sieves to de-vaporize air. On the other hand, aftercoolers use temperature control to remove water content from the air. Cooler air is also denser (more pressured). Therefore aftercoolers have the added benefit of enhancing the efficiency of air compressor parts.
Fix the panel filters
Panel filters are used to protect the control board of an air compressor from aerosol and dust particles. Magnetically, these particles are drawn to the control panel board. One of the more prevalent effects is electrical failure owing to a short. This is caused by a buildup of greasy dust over time. Panel filters will safeguard your investment within the air compressor and decrease downtime of the air compressor parts.
Retrofitting A Panel Filter: It is crucial to remember that older systems may not have a panel filter enclosure. So, how can we keep muck from clogging up your control panel? First, we can supply filtering material for older equipment. This material is placed over the grates that are perforated into the enclosure’s sheet metal. A set of magnets holds this filter material to the sheet metal. By installing this filter over the grates using magnets, you can prevent buildup on the control panel and change the filters as needed. This solution will last up to two years and is a cost-effective way to safeguard older machines. (Air compressor parts)
Replace oil filters
Most oil filters have a lifetime of 1,000 hours. Depending on the age of the equipment, some will go for 2,000. Parts with a shorter lifespan should be the first to go on the shelf. This is also why it is critical to have yearly maintenance conducted on the air compressor parts of the compressed air system.
Keep a check on air values.
These are essential air compressor parts of every compressor. They help to manage air demand by opening and closing the IVO (Inlet Valve Open) and IVC (Inlet Valve Closed) (Inlet Valve Close). If this control fails, your IVO and IVC signal is not transmitted, and your compressor falls offline. These valves are often more costly, but they are vital to your system. That is why we believe they deserve to be on your shelves.
Replace rubber gaskets once a year
These air compressor parts are installed in your oil return line to prevent seepage. If one fails, you will notice oil leaking from the gasket. Replacement oil can cost between $100 and 125 dollars per gallon. That is why it is a good idea to have a spare pair of them on hand in case of a leak. Keep two of these on hand, and if you change one side of your coupler, change the other as well. We recommend replacing these firm rubber gaskets once a year as a prudent maintenance practice. (Air compressor parts)
The minimum pressure check valve
The minimum pressure check valve stops compressor control valves at pressures lower than a specified fixed point. Failure of these valves can cause oil seepage and control valve failures, both typical symptoms. This might also result in oil carryover in the machine. By keeping a repair kit on hand, you can handle any difficulties that develop and avoid oil carryover.
That’s all there is to it. These ten air compressor parts and accessories should get you by in a hurry. You may also wish to consider contingency pipes on compressed air systems that are mission important to your business for further emergency protection.