Parts for Air Compressors
There is a vast inventory of compressor parts out there for varying models. Today we break down the crucial parts for air compressors you should know. Read below for more…
Are you looking for reliable information about air compressor parts? Air compressors are mechanical devices and crucial power sources for many commercial facilities. They are used in various applications and can work hard and long, depending significantly on your environment.
This is why it is vital to ensure the internal workings or components of this unique air supply system are well maintained. This will significantly benefit your business production and revenue/profits.
Each part of an air compressor was put there for a reason. If any part is left uncared for, it can severely affect energy consumption, air supply, frequency of service, etc.
Knowing the parts of your air compressor will be of great benefit. This makes you readily understand and pinpoint the exact faulty component when technicians carry out maintenance checks on your air compressor.
The Parts of Your Air Compressor You Need to Know
The following are some of the air compressor parts you should get familiar with and their distinct functions, arranged in no particular order:
Actuators
Actuators are mechanisms that create linear or rotary movement within an air compressor. They are responsible for outputting the compressed air to the processes or tools that use pressurized air for power.
Any deficiency, including leaks, in the air movement to the actuator, results in a significant decrease of the air force that comes out.
If small particles somehow find their way into the air that goes right into the actuator, they will cause blockages within the mechanism and other parts of the compressor.
Bearings
This component, especially the industrial-class variety, ensures extensive operating life for highly demanding operations. High-quality bearings allow the air compressor to operate optimally at high revolutions and high pressure.
Bearings are generally dependent on adequate lubrication at the proper viscosity.
Bushings
Bushings are designed to create enough space between moving internal components of a compressor. The bushings provide adequate protection from severe breakdowns, significantly reducing side-to-side play.
Connecting Rods
Connecting rods facilitate the up-and-down movements of the piston in the crankcase. The Connecting rods take a hefty workload and are one of the most durable parts of air compressors.
Replacing the connecting rods of an air compressor is a rare occurrence unless you do not carry out proper and regular maintenance on the system.
Bumpers
Valve bumpers are positioned around the valves for extra protection from accidental contact. This small shielding component must be replaced when required to prevent valves’ much more expensive replacement.
Gauges
The work of this component is to measure the pressure of the air in the compressor’s tank. Gauges are highly informative in several ways, specifically on day-to-day checks.
This ensures the pressure is at the intended level, enabling you to attend to any deficiencies that crop up as soon as possible.
Gaskets and Seals
The air compressor should be airtight to maintain the intended pressure and reliable airflow. This is made possible with the use of high-quality gaskets and seals.
Various sections within a compressor have seals and gaskets. This include:
- Oil seal
- Crankcase gasket
- Shaft seal
- Valve plate to head gasket
- Intercooler gasket, etc.
These small components ensure contaminants are prevented from gaining access to the inner workings of your compressor. They also work to keep pressurized air inside the machine.
Piston Rings and Rods
The movement of the piston and connecting rods create air pressure. These components are primarily under tremendous pressure during motion. They always require high—quality lubricants free of contaminants.
Motors
Air compressors come with electric motors that run the unique operation of compressing air. Different air compressors have different motor sizes (in horsepower).
If you need to replace the faulty motor of your air compressor, make sure to use only a highly recommended option.
O-Rings
O-rings help the system run at optimal performance by providing a tight seal at appropriate quarters.
Shims
There will be a need to add supporting spacers during the air compressor installation.
Metal shims provide the needed support to get and enjoy a highly reliable system.
Rotors
Rotors are usually found in rotary screw air compressors. The two interlocking helical rotors compress the air via the inlet valve.
Proper operation of your air compressor ensures these rotors have a prolonged life span.
Valves
Valves are highly crucial components in air compressors. They work to regulate airflow, allow air in and out, and drain water.
This is why valves require regular inspection during interval checks and routine servicing.
Springs
Numerous components within your air compressor use springs for the overall mechanics of the entire system.
It is your responsibility to determine precisely when to replace springs via regular service checks.
Couplings
Couplings are used extensively on the internal components of an air compressor to prevent leaking from this high-pressure system.
Belts
Belts work to drive the smooth operation of the air compressor. Therefore, they must fit properly and be of the highest quality. It is crucial to check belt tension at least every 40 hours for operation and wear.
The following air compressor parts require regular replacement. Therefore, familiarize with them as soon as possible:
Air/Oil Separator
It is vital to perform regular checks on these components. Inject the routine replacement of filters into your maintenance schedule before they become so clogged that performance becomes zero.
Oil Filter
With scheduled oil filter replacements and fluid changes, you can maintain the necessary lubricant quality in your compressor. All these are geared to the overall activity of the system and the working environment.
Inlet Air Filter
The inlet air filter is another component that works to keep foreign particles from entering the compressor system.
This component should be included as a preventive measure since it must be replaced at regular intervals. It should also be replaced if a routine inspection calls for the need to replace the element.
The Need to Create a Maintenance Schedule
You should never overlook proper and regular maintenance. It is crucial to maintain the overall integrity of your air compressor system. This helps prevent unnecessary interruptions in your day-to-day business operations. It keeps every component in excellent working order for as long as possible.
Therefore, create a maintenance schedule. Set it at a period when production is low so that it doesn’t interrupt the regular flow of operations and affect your revenue or profits.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance checks help prolong the life of your compressed air system while allowing you to detect problems early.
But this is practically impossible if you do not know your air compressor parts and their distinct functions in the system. These components require regular checks for optimal performance and to prevent unnecessary downtimes. Therefore, get to know these air compressor parts, so you know what to do if and when they start acting up.
From industry standards like Ariel compressor parts to Gemini and White Superior compressor parts, we carry compressor parts you can trust and a service you can count on.
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