Returning your air compressor to operation

3 Important checks for returning your air compressor into operation

The government has begun to ease COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and they have encouraged certain industries to return to work where safe to do so.

Many of our customers are faced with the reopening of their factories, workshops and testing facilities as they begin steps towards “business as usual”.

Based on recent communication with some of our customers we thought it would be beneficial to offer some guidance for returning your compressed air equipment to operation;

1. Carry out a visual inspection of your air compressor

• • Ensure the compressor is safely isolated from power
  • Safely remove the panels from the compressor
  • Check the compressor is topped up with oil following instructions given by our engineers or in the user manual
  • Check for any leaks (Oil / water) inside or outside of the compressor
  • Ensure the cabinet, cooler and inlet/outlet grills are free from obstruction, dust and grime
  • Ensure all the drive belts are present and there are no signs of ware
  • If safe to do so check to see if the motor and air end pulleys turn freely (in the direction indicated on the air-end casing)
  • Ensure there is no obvious damage to the compressor and its components
  • Check the ball valve on the outlet of the compressor is open and the connection to the delivery hose/pipework looks secure
  • Visually check the electrical connection from the compressor to the isolator and ensure there are no obvious signs of damage
  • Replace panels on the compressor

2. Carry out a visual inspection of the ancillary equipment (Dryer, Filters, Receiver, oil-Water Separator etc)

• • Ensure the equipment is safely isolated from power
  • Check for any leaks from any of the equipment (oil / water / condensate)
  • Ensure the equipment and any coolers are free from dust and grime
  • Check all ball valves are configured correctly
  • Ensure there is no obvious damage to any parts of the equipment
  • Ensure interconnections between the equipment are complete and look secure
  • Ensure the final connection into your pipework distribution network looks secure

3. Complete a walk around to visually inspect your entire compressed air distribution network

• • Check that the there are no obvious signs of damage to the network or to connections from the system
  • Ensure ball valves are configured correctly
  • Ensure point of use air treatment equipment is configured correctly and free from damage
  • Once you start your system repeat this step to ensure there are no leaks or obvious signs of danger once the system is pressurised

Should your checks raise cause for concern please contact us before starting your compressed air equipment for further advice.

If you have completed these checks and there is no cause for concern then you can start your equipment as usual. Proceed with caution and check that the equipment is operating as expected.

If you are unsure of how to complete these checks safely please contact us on 020 8519 1526 and we will be happy to walk you through the process.

We look forward to assisting our customers returning to operation and we hope that we can play our part in keeping your processes moving.