1. Lubricant Oil
Role
Lubricant oil reduces friction between parts inside the air compressor, helping prevent fast wear. It also helps cool the machine and removes dirt from the system, keeping the inside clean. If the oil isn’t changed on time, it won’t work as well, which can cause problems with the machine.
Change Time
For new machines, it’s best to change the oil after the first 500 hours of use. This is because some dirt might build up in the system at the start. The first oil change clears this out. After that, you should change the oil every 3,000 hours. But if the machine works in a dirty or humid place, you should change the oil sooner.
Risks of Not Changing
If you don’t change the lubricant oil on time, friction between parts will increase, making the machine wear out faster. Old oil can also make the machine overheat, which can cause it to stop working. Regularly changing the oil is key to keeping the air compressor running efficiently.
2. Oil Filter
Role
The oil filter cleans the lubricant oil, removing dirt to keep the oil fresh. If the oil filter isn’t changed, it won’t filter well, and dirt may get into the machine and cause damage.
Change Time
The oil filter should be changed at the same time as the oil. Change it after the first 500 hours of use, then every 1,500 hours after that. This keeps the oil clean and ensures the machine runs smoothly.
Risks of Not Changing
If the oil filter gets clogged, dirt will enter the machine and make parts wear out faster, leading to problems with the air compressor. Fixing the machine costs much more than changing the oil filter, so don’t skip this step.
3. Pre-Filter
Role
The pre-filter catches large particles in the air, preventing them from entering the air compressor. If these large particles get inside, they can cause wear and damage to the machine.
Cleaning and Change Time
The pre-filter needs to be cleaned regularly. It’s best to clean it every 10 days. If the environment is very dirty, you should clean it more often.
Risks of Not Cleaning
If the pre-filter is clogged, large particles can get into the machine and cause parts to wear out faster. A clogged filter also makes the machine work harder, increasing energy use and shortening its lifespan.
4. Air Filter
Role
The air filter catches fine particles in the air to make sure only clean air goes into the compressor. If the air filter is dirty, the compressor will work less efficiently, and the parts inside can get damaged faster.
Change Time
You should clean or replace the air filter every 1,000 hours, or when the machine gives you a signal. If the work environment is dusty, you may need to change it sooner.
Risks of Not Changing
If you don’t clean or replace the air filter on time, dirt will get into the machine, reducing its performance and speeding up wear on internal parts. Air filters are cheap, and regularly changing them prevents bigger, more expensive problems.
5. Oil-Gas Separator
Role
The oil-gas separator separates oil from the compressed air, making sure only clean air is released. If the separator isn’t working right, too much oil can get into the air, which can cause pressure problems and affect other air-using equipment.
Change Time
The oil-gas separator should be changed every 3,500 hours. If you see the warning light on or notice the oil pressure going too high, check or change the separator right away.
Risks of Not Changing
If the separator gets clogged, oil and gas won’t separate well, which raises the compressor’s pressure and puts more strain on the machine. This can cause the compressor to break down. Be careful when changing the separator to avoid dropping any dirt into the oil tank, as that could harm the machine.
Why Maintenance Matters
If you skip these maintenance steps to save time or money, the compressor’s overall performance will drop, and you may face bigger problems. For example, using a dirty filter or old oil will not only increase energy use but could also make the compressor overheat or stop working. In the worst case, you’ll have to replace major parts or even the whole machine, which costs much more.
So, replacing these parts on time is not only about extending the machine’s life but also about avoiding bigger hassles and expenses. Regularly checking and following the manufacturer’s maintenance advice is the best way to keep the equipment running smoothly.
The smooth operation of a screw air compressor depends on regular maintenance and care. Key parts like lubricant oil, oil filters, pre-filters, air filters, and oil-gas separators all have set replacement times. Ignoring regular maintenance can lead to serious damage to the equipment. While changing these parts might seem like a hassle or cost money, it's much cheaper than fixing or replacing the whole machine. Regular care ensures the air compressor runs at its best for a long time.