The filters of a screw air compressor include the intake air filter, oil filter, and air/oil separator. Regular maintenance of these components is crucial for prolonging the service life of the compressor and reducing overall maintenance costs.
The following are key maintenance points for each type of filter:
1. Maintenance of the Intake Air Filter
The intake air filter is responsible for filtering out dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the incoming air, ensuring that clean air enters the screw compression chamber. The screw airend only allows particles smaller than 15 microns to pass through. If the air filter becomes clogged or damaged, particles larger than 15 microns can enter the internal circulation of the compressor. This not only accelerates wear on the oil filter and air/oil separator but also leads to excessive particle contamination in the bearing chamber. This results in increased bearing wear, reduced rotor efficiency, and even potential rotor seizure. Our company uses high-quality filter paper for the air filters, with a service life of approximately 2000 hours.
2. Maintenance of the Air/oil Separator
The air/oil separator is critical for separating lubricating oil from the compressed air. The performance of the air/oil separator is directly affected by the quality of the lubricating oil and the effectiveness of the air filtration system. In harsh operating environments, it is important to shorten the maintenance and replacement cycle of the air filter, and consider the use of a pre-filter. The air/oil separator should be replaced when the pressure differential exceeds 0.12 MPa to avoid motor overload and oil leakage due to separator damage. Our oil separators are made from high-quality imported glass fiber filter materials such as American HV and Lydall, with a lifespan of 3500-5000 hours.
Replacement Procedure for the Air/oil Separator filter:
– Remove the control pipe joints on the air/oil barrel cover.
– Disconnect the oil return pipe from the air/oil barrel cover.
– Remove the fastening bolts and take off the air/oil barrel cover.
– Extract the old oil separator filter and clean any debris or dirt from the cover.
– Install the new oil separator, ensuring that both the upper and lower asbestos pads are properly aligned and pressed to prevent blowouts.
– Reinstall the cover, oil return pipe, and control pipes, and check for leaks.
3. Maintenance of the Oil Filter
The oil filter should be replaced after the first 500 operating hours. Use a specialized wrench to unscrew the filter, and add new compressor oil before installing the new filter. When reinstalling, hand-tighten the filter into the oil filter seat. It is recommended to replace the oil filter every 1500-2000 hours of operation, or whenever changing the oil. In harsh environments, the replacement interval should be shortened. It is essential to never exceed the filter’s service life, as a clogged filter can cause excessive pressure differential, which may trigger the bypass valve to open. This allows dirt and contaminants to enter the compressor internals, potentially leading to severe damage.
