An effective preventative maintenance plan for any air compressor should include replacing the inlet air filter on a regular basis. The purpose of this change and the air filter itself are crucial to keep your tool running efficiently year-round.
The Role of an Air Filter
Inlet air filters are responsible for keeping debris and other large contaminants out of the compressor. Regardless of the application, air entering a compressor contains some level of dirt, oil, or other debris that can damage your tool. Filtering these contaminants protects different components and helps reduce wear, reducing the likelihood of costly downtime.
Frequency of Filter Change
The general recommendation for changing an inlet air filter is every 2,000 run hours or annually, whichever comes first. After 2,000 hours, the filter is no longer able to effectively filter out particulates and maintain cleanliness. The differential pressure gauge is designed to indicate when there has been a blockage on the filter, alerting a user of pressure spikes that could prematurely ruin a filter. Even the smallest puncture can contaminate the lubricant and damage interior components like temperature probes and bearings.
Conclusion
Regularly changing your inlet air filter is a crucial part of maintaining your air compressor. By doing so, you can protect your tool from damage, reduce wear, and prevent costly downtime.
FAQs
Q1: What is the role of an inlet air filter in an air compressor?
A: Inlet air filters are responsible for keeping debris and other large contaminants out of the compressor. They filter out dirt, oil, or other debris that can damage your tool.
Q2: How often should I change the inlet air filter of an air compressor?
A: The general recommendation for changing an inlet air filter is every 2,000 run hours or annually, whichever comes first.
Q3: What is the purpose of the differential pressure gauge in relation to the air filter?
A: The differential pressure gauge is designed to indicate when there has been a blockage on the filter, alerting a user of pressure spikes that could prematurely ruin a filter.
