Common problems with the industrial air compressor
Compressor fails to start
If you press the START button and nothing happens, it can be an electrical problem or the compressor has tripped on a safety device. The first step to undertake is to check the source of power and errors on the display. Check the tank gauge to see what pressure reading is on the tank. If the pressure switch is set with a cut-in pressure that is below the air pressure currently in the compressor tank, then the compressor pressure switch has not tripped to ON and no power is flowing to the air compressor motor, hence, it fails to start.
Compressor runs but does not load
A rotary screw air compressor can run loaded or unloaded; loaded means pumping air while unloaded means idle. The inlet/loading valve opens and closes according to air demand. This inlet valve is controlled by a solenoid valve that supplies control air to the inlet/loading valve. If the compressor fails to load, check the electrical power to solenoid valve or check the solenoid valve coil and solenoid valve operation. You can also check the inlet/loading valve whether it is working.
Air pressure is not enough or it is too low
If there isn’t high demand for compressed air, there must be a leak somewhere. Leaks are significant sources of wasted energy. Leaks usually waste from 20% to 30% of an air compressor’s output. Proactive leak detection can reduce this waste to less 10% of the compressor’s output. Leaks can cause a drop in the system’s pressure which results in the air tools operating less efficiently that may eventually cause downtime. Leaks can appear in any part of the system and the most common problem areas are:
- Couplings, hoses, tubes and fittings
- O-rings required to complete seals may be missing
- Improperly installed filters, regulators and lubricators
- Improperly operating solenoids and dirty seals
- Missed welds at pipe joints
- Poorly maintained air tools can have internal leaks
- Improperly applied thread sealants
Leaks can be fixed through quincy air compressor repair but once the repairs have been completed, a leak prevention program must be established in all the facilities that make use of compressed air. This leak prevention program can improve the compressed air system so that efficiency, reliability, stability and cost effectiveness can be achieved. High quality quincy air compressor repair can lead to substantial energy savings since leaks can be reduced to a minimum.