Compressor maintenance: scheduled work is cheaper than breakdowns

Most unplanned compressor stoppages trace back to maintenance that was not done on schedule. The following is a general framework — actual intervals follow the unit manual and the duty.

Four scheduled tasks

• Daily: discharge temperature, pressure and oil level; listen for abnormal noise; check for leaks;
• Weekly: clear dust from the intake filter surface; verify auto-drain operation;
• By running hours: change oil, oil filter, air filter and separator per the manual;
• Seasonally: clean coolers — blow out air-cooled fins, check water quality and scaling on water-cooled units.

Two extra checks on vessels

Salt fog attacks electrical terminals and fins; inspect terminals and coating regularly and touch up as needed. Vibration loosens pipe joints over time; re-tighten anti-vibration mounts and pipe clamps to avoid fatigue leaks.

High discharge temperature

Check cooling first: blocked fins, fan operation and engine-room ventilation on air-cooled units; water flow, temperature and scaling on water-cooled units. Then oil quantity/quality and a sticking thermostatic valve. Most high-temperature events are on the cooling side, not the element.

Use genuine spares

Separator and filter media differences directly affect oil carry-over and pressure drop. Non-genuine parts look fine short term but raise energy cost and stress downstream equipment. We supply genuine spares and service kits long-term by machine serial number.