| Symptom: Frequent air/oil separator plug-up/collapse |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Wrong type of lubricant in compressor.
|
- Review and analyze lubricant. Replace with correct lubricant.
|
- Ingestion of chemically active gases.
|
- Inspect and replace separator. Review oil analysis. Review/correct inlet air source.
|
- Ruptured intake air path/filter.
|
- Inspect inlet filter, inspect air path, check for voids. Replace repair as needed.
|
| Symptom: Failure to start |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Safety shut-down tripped.
|
- Re-set compressor safety.
|
- Main switch disconnected.
|
- Check switch, verify power is ON.
|
|
|
|
| Symptom: High air temp switch auto shutdown (water cooled unit) |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Sump lubricant level low.
|
- Fill lubricant to recommended level.
|
- Clogged or varnished heat exchanger/lubricant cooler.
|
- Inspect lubricant lines for blockage. Analyze lubricant. If varnish present, flush with AIRSOLVTM.
|
- Plugged oil filter element.
|
- Replace oil filter element(s).
|
- Faulty thermal by-pass valve.
|
- Rebuild or replace by-pass valve.
|
| Symptom: High air temp switch auto shutdown (air cooled unit) |
| Cause |
Correction |
|
|
- Fill to recommended lubricant level.
|
- Faulty thermal by-pass valve.
|
- Rebuild or replace by-pass valve.
|
- Restriction of heat exchanger airflow.
|
|
- Clogged or varnished heat exchanger/air cooler.
|
- Power wash cooler tubes & fins. Pre-soak if needed. Analyze lubricant. If varnish present, flush with AIRSOLVTM
|
- Plugged oil filter element.
|
- Replace oil filter element(s).
|
- Insufficient air circulation at oil cooler.
|
- Check location - make sure there is no restriction of cool fresh air.
|
| Symptom: Improper discharge pressure |
| Cause |
Correction |
|
|
- Evaluate plant air demand. Inspect plant for air leaks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Plugged inlet air filter.
|
- Clean or replace air filter.
|
- Inlet valve stuck partially closed.
|
- Check inlet valve assembly. Rebuild as needed.
|
| Symptom: Excessive lubricant consumption |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Overfilled lubricant sump.
|
- Drain receiver to proper level.
|
|
|
|
- Lubricant return scavenge line not positioned properly in separator. Plugged scavenge line.
|
- Check scavenge line connections. Insure scavenge line cut at 45 degree angle, reaches bottom of separator and is free of blockage.
|
- High compressor discharge temperature.
|
- Inspect and clean coolers. Inspect temperature control valve.
|
| Symptom: High power consumption |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Plugged air/oil separator.
|
- Change separator element.
|
|
|
|
- Improper air pressure setting.
|
- Adjust setting to specified level.
|
- Obstructed inlet air filter.
|
- Inspect and replace as needed.
|
- Lubricant viscosity problems.
|
- Test and replace oil as needed.
|
| Symptom: Premature lubricant breakdown |
| Cause |
Correction |
- Compressor operating too hot.
|
- See HIGH AIR TEMPERATURE SWITCH AUTO SHUTDOWN.
|
- Ingestion of chemically active gases.
|
- Review plant/operations/make-up air. Analyze lubricant. Correct inlet air source, as needed.
|
- Negligence in draining condensate from receiver.
|
- Drain condensate from receiver periodically. Inspect auto-drains, drain lines and valves.
|
- Mixing different types of lubricant.
|
- Drain old lubricant and replace with new lubricant. Analyze old lubricant. Flush compressor with AIRSOLVTM compressor cleaner.
|
Glossary
