Air Compressor Maintenance

Air Compressors

• Air compressors should use food-grade approved oils by USDA/FDA to minimize deposits, temperature, wear, and maintenance.
• Filters and water traps are necessary to separate water and condensate from the compressed air.

Piston Compressor Example

• Unidad Compresora: aspirates and compresses atmospheric air.
• Tank: stores compressed air.
• Motor Eléctrico: drives the unit compresora through a belt and pulley, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• Interruptor de Presión: turns the compressor on/off through a pressure switch.

Oil Quality and Maintenance

• Using low-quality oil can cause deposits and carbon buildup in cylinders, increasing maintenance.
• High-quality oils have high oxidation resistance and last longer (up to 8000 hours).

Dynamic Compressors

• Radial (centrifugal) or axial flow compressors have continuous flow and fewer moving parts, reducing energy loss and heat generation.
• Characteristics: oil-free air, constant air flow, variable flow rate with fixed pressure, high flow rate at moderate and low pressures.

Radial (Centrifugal) Compressors

• Uses a series of vanes on a single shaft, sucking in air through a wide inlet and accelerating it through centrifugal force.
• Lubrication is by high-quality R&O oil or grease.
• Characteristics: oil-free air, continuous air flow, variable pressure with fixed flow rate, high flow rate at moderate and low pressures.

Conclusion

• Before choosing an air compressor, consider the quality of air or gas to be compressed, and the need for filters, dryers, and other equipment.
• Determine if a constant or periodic flow rate is required, and the necessary pressure.