www.hkaircompressors.com
214-428-2868
This blog post is going to hopefully answer some of the basic questions about air compressors and air compressor service. Each compressor is different so you should always consult the manufacturer of your compressor brand should you need expert advice. Having said that, here are the most common asked questions.
1. How often should you service your compressor?
PISTON COMPRESSOR
The process and regularity of compressor service and maintenance depends on the machine. For example, a compressorusing petroleum-based oil (piston/ reciprocating compressor) needs an oil-change every 500 hours of service. A good oil for these machines is a high grade teresstic ISO 100 oil...30 weight oil.
Now, if you do the math...you run your compressor 8 hours per day X 5 days= 40 hours. At that rate, you would probably need to change your oil out ever 3 months. Depending on the environment inside your facility, you might need to change out the air filter too.
1B. Do all piston compressors take the same air filter?
ANSWER: NO..There are hundreds of different brands and probably hundreds of different air filter manufacturers. But, many of the big brands do share the same air filter sizes and dimensions.
1B. Do all piston compressors take the same air filter?
ANSWER: NO..There are hundreds of different brands and probably hundreds of different air filter manufacturers. But, many of the big brands do share the same air filter sizes and dimensions.
2. How often should you service a rotary screw air compressor?
Answer: You should definitely check with the manufacturer. Your compressor may require food grade oil or it might require synthetic oil. Typically, most rotary screw air compressors require service every 2,000 hours/ every 4,000 hours and every 8,000 hours. They require different types of service at these milestones. Some rotary screw compressors require that you change out the air filter and oil filter every 2,000 hours while other manufactures suggest that you also change out the oil every 2,000 hours. You may need to change out the separator every 4,000 hours and just change out the oil every 8,000 hours. Each manufacturer has their own requirements and typically the suggested routine maintenance stickers can be found just inside the cabinet door. A good rule of thumb is to follow these suggested routine service in-order to keep your warranty on the compressor.
Answer: You should definitely check with the manufacturer. Your compressor may require food grade oil or it might require synthetic oil. Typically, most rotary screw air compressors require service every 2,000 hours/ every 4,000 hours and every 8,000 hours. They require different types of service at these milestones. Some rotary screw compressors require that you change out the air filter and oil filter every 2,000 hours while other manufactures suggest that you also change out the oil every 2,000 hours. You may need to change out the separator every 4,000 hours and just change out the oil every 8,000 hours. Each manufacturer has their own requirements and typically the suggested routine maintenance stickers can be found just inside the cabinet door. A good rule of thumb is to follow these suggested routine service in-order to keep your warranty on the compressor.
rotary screw oil
So, you ask yourself, why is it so important. Oil is oil and it's cheap! I can afford to change out the synthetic rotary oil every time the service light comes on. Well...Rotary screw oil is NOT CHEAP!!!!!!!
Rotary screw machines can take anywhere from 4 to 50 gallons of oil depending on the size and horsepower of your machine. The typical cost of OEM rotary screw 5 gallon pail of oil can vary.
Ingersoll Rand: $500+
Atlas Copco: $450+
Kaeser: $500+
Quincy: $500+
Curtis: $425+
Champion $450+
rotary screw oil
Of course, you can always shop around and buy some generic oil off the internet and save your company some money, but when it completely destroys your machine, you may be asked to hand in your two resignation. Also, by putting some generic oil into your machine, you will probably void out the warranty. When you destroy the air end on your rotary screw, be prepared to fork over thousands and thousands of dollars.
FYI: We visited a plant in 2019 just outside Dallas, Texas. They had a two year old Quincy 250HP rotary screw worth around $120,000-$180,000 dollars. They let some small outfit service their machine with some generic oil and it FLASHED!!!!!!! Nothing we could do to help them here. The compressor was toast.....
hkaircompressors@gmail.com
3. Do air compressors work in the cold?
Answer: YES and no.
Air compressor oil tends to become thicker when ambient temperatures are cold, thus reducing its lubrication capabilities. ... Because of this moisture, cold ambient temperatures can lead to freezing up of these lines within the compressor. To avoid this from happening, you might consider leaving the compressor on all night and crack an air line inside the building. Or you might try insulating the machine; perhaps build a small building to keep the compressor from freezing. Rest assured, once the weather warms up, and gets well above freezing, your compressor should work.
4. Will my air dryer work at when at 32 degrees and below?
Answer: NO.
If the weather dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; you might as well turn off your air dryer.
5. Can I use regular motor oil in my air compressor?
Answer. NO... NO...
The manufacturer usually recommends a non-detergent 20-weight or 30-weight compressor oil. A synthetic or standard blend can work on an air compressor if the manufacturer advises you to use it
www.hkaircompressors.com
214-428-2868
6. How does an air compressor work?
Answer:
An air compressor is a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air tank. Similar to a car, a crankcase turns, pushing pistons up and down. The valves oven and close. The low pressure piston essentially forces the compressed air over to the high pressure piston. The high pressure piston essentially squeezes the air into the storage tank.
7. Do all air compressors need oil?
Answer. Yes and no.
For maximum efficiency, a piston chamber needs adequate lubrication, for which oil is used. These are oil air compressors. Oilless compressors do not need oil.
8. Which brands are the best air compressors to buy for an automotive shop?
Answer: Definitely not these ones!!!!!!!!
· PORTER-CABLE
· Hitachi
· Bostitch
· PORTER-CABLE
· Campbell Hausfeld
· DEWALT
· California Air Tools
Craftsman
Husky
| Model | HP | Part No. | Pump | Voltage | CFM | |
| ML5 | 5 | FML05D96BXS-A2L1XX | D96 | 1/60/230V | 19.1 | |
| ML5 | 5 | FML05D96BXS-A9L1XX | D96 | 3/60/200-208V | 19.1 | |
| ML5 | 5 | FML05D96BXS-A3L1XX | D96 | 3/60/230V | 19.1 | |
| ML5 | 5 | FML05D96BXS-A4L1XX | D96 | 3/60/460V | 19.1 | |
| ML7.5 | 7.5 | FML07C79BXS-A2L1XX | C79 | 1/60/230V | 28.7 | |
| ML7.5 | 7.5 | FML07C79BXS-A9L1XX | C79 | 3/60/200-208V | 28.7 | |
| ML7.5 | 7.5 | FML07C79BXS-A3L1XX | C79 | 3/60/230V | 28.7 | |
| ML7.5 | 7.5 | FML07C79BXS-A4L1XX | C79 | 3/60/460V | 28.7 | |
| ML10 | 10 | FML10D97BXS-A9L1XX | D97 | 3/60/200-208V | 39.8 | |
| ML10 | 10 | FML10D97BXS-A3L1XX | D97 | 3/60/230V | 39.8 | |
| ML10 | 10 | FML10D97BXS-A4L1XX | D97 | 3/60/460V | 39.8 | |
| ML15 | 15 | FML15D97BXS-A9L1XX | D97 | 3/60/200-208V | 49.5 | |
| ML15 | 15 | FML15D97BXS-A3L1XX | D97 | 3/60/230V | 49.5 | |
| ML15 | 15 | FML15D97BXS-A4L1XX | D97 | 3/60/460V | 49.5 | |
| ML15+ | 15 | FML15C89BXS-A9L1XX | C89 | 3/60/200-208V | 55.8 | |
| ML15+ | 15 | FML15C89BXS-A3L1XX | C89 | 3/60/230V | 55.8 | |
| ML15+ | 15 | FML15C89BXS-A4L1XX | C89 | 3/60/460V | 55.8 | |
| ML20+ | 20 | FML20C98BXS-A9L1XX | C98 | 3/60/200-208V | 79.3 | |
| ML20+ | 20 | FML20C98BXS-A3L1XX | C98 | 3/60/230V | 79.3 | |
| ML20+ | 20 | FML20C98BXS-A4L1XX | C98 | 3/60/460V | 79.3 | |
| ML25 | 25 | FML25C98BXS-A9L1XX | C98 | 3/60/200-208V | 82.4 | |
| ML25 | 25 | FML25C98BXS-A3L1XX | C98 | 3/60/230V | 82.4 | |
| ML25 | 25 | FML25C98BXS-A4L1XX | C98 | 3/60/460V | 82.4 | |
| ML30 | 30 | FML30C98BXS-A9L1XX | C98 | 3/60/200-208V | 102.2 | |
| ML30 | 30 | FML30C98BXS-A3L1XX | C98 | 3/60/230V | 102.2 | |
| ML30 | 30 | FML30C98BXS-A4L1XX | C98 | 3/60/460V | 102.2 |
BEST ROTARY SCREW COMPRESSORS:
| Model | HP | VOLT | PSI | CFM | Part Number |
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 100 | 196 | FNB30DXX3HXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXX4HXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 125 | 173 | FNB30DXX3JXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXX4JXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 150 | 163 | FNB30DXX3KXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXX4KXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 175 | 149 | FNB30DXX3LXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXX4LXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 100 | 234 | FNB37DXX3HXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXX4HXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 125 | 203 | FNB37DXX3JXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXX4JXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 150 | 193 | FNB37DXX3KXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXX4KXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 175 | 180 | FNB37DXX3LXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXX4LXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 100 | 196 | FNB30DXD3HXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXD4HXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 125 | 173 | FNB30DXD3JXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXD4JXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 150 | 163 | FNB30DXD3KXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30DXD4KXXX | ||
| NxB30 | 40 | 230 | 175 | 149 | FNB30DXD3LXXX |
| NxB30 | 40 | 460 | FNB30EXD4LXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 100 | 234 | FNB37DXD3HXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXD4HXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 125 | 203 | FNB37DXD3JXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXD4JXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 150 | 193 | FNB37DXD3KXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXD4KXXX | ||
| NxB37 | 50 | 230 | 175 | 180 | FNB37DXD3LXXX |
| NxB37 | 50 | 460 | FNB37DXD4LXXX |
9. What weight oil should I use in my air compressor?
Answer:
Typically, compressor manufacturers will recommend a 20 weight or 30 weight (non-detergent) compressor oil.
10. How do you change the oil in a piston compressor? Turn the unit off.
Answer.
1. Turn the power off at the fuse box and lock it out so no one can turn the power back on.
2. Cover the unit in case of spillage.
3. Open the drain valve with an open end wrench.
4. Open the oil intake valve.
5. Insert a funnel so the oil can drain into a bucket.
6. Drain the oil.
7. Pour the oil into the compressor making sure that you keep your eye on the sight glass located on the pump. There is a line in the glass. Make sure that you don’t overfill and definitely don’t under fill.
WHAT ARE THE BEST LARGE INDUSTRIAL SCREW COMPESSORS?
| BRAND | SERIES | HP | VOLT | PSI | CFM | Part Number | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 100 | 554 | FRD85FUXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 125 | 522 | FRD85FUXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 150 | 465 | FRD85FUXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 100 | 731 | FRD90FUXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 125 | 723 | FRD90FUXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 150 | 544 | FRD90FUXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 100 | 930 | FRD92MUXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 125 | 860 | FRD92MUXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 150 | 770 | FRD92MUXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 100 | 1218 | FRD93MUXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 125 | 1050 | FRD93MUXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 150 | 970 | FRD93MUXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 100 | 1360 | FRD94MUXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 125 | 1350 | FRD94MUXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 150 | 1050 | FRD94MUXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 100 | 554 | FRD85FEXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 125 | 522 | FRD85FEXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 125 | 460 | 150 | 465 | FRD85FEXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 100 | 731 | FRD90FEXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 125 | 723 | FRD90FEXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 150 | 460 | 150 | 544 | FRD90FEXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 100 | 930 | FRD92MEXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 125 | 860 | FRD92MEXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 200 | 460 | 150 | 770 | FRD92MEXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 100 | 1218 | FRD93MEXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 125 | 1050 | FRD93MEXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 250 | 460 | 150 | 970 | FRD93MEXXB4K1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 100 | 1360 | FRD94MEXXB4H1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 125 | 1350 | FRD94MEXXB4J1XXXX | |
| CURTIS | NX SERIES | 300 | 460 | 150 | 1050 | FRD94MEXXB4K1XXXX |
· Rotary Screw Compressors
· Rotary screw air compressors provide 100% of continuous duty cycle from 5hp to 350hp. The robust compressors from Curtis are a true icon in the compressor industry, known for their longevity and superb warranties. They are also the most energy efficient in the industry. They offer the widest array of compatible control systems to meet the customer’s demand needs.
www.hkaircompressors.com
214-428-2868
h&K PUMP On-Site Services
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· Preventative Maintenance
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