Air compressor leakage is a major setback in industrial plant tool usage. If you’re facing an air compressor leak issue don’t worry we give you the best solution here in this article on how to fix an air compressor leak.
The air compressor leaks waste plant energy almost 10% to 30% of its reality. It may affect productive work as well become the cause of high repair costs.
Don’t panic, air leaks are common but it is important to understand why they occur and how to deal with them. After reading the article on how to fix an air compressor leak you’ll get ready to prepare yourself if this arises next time.
How to detect air compressor leak
The simplest and easiest way to detect air compressor leakage is to hear it. It may leave an assignment for someone during its regular monetary walk in case production may not occur. At that time you will be able to hear a high-pitched sound of an air compressor leaking.
As a human being, it’s very hard to listen to all air leaks. You may also take advantage of a hand ultrasonic leak detector. The device is very useful for detecting high-frequency sounds that may make an air compressor leak.
What type of air compressor leak can happened
An air leak majorly occurs when pressurized air or contained fluids or transferred from one compartment to another. Generalized two basic air leaks may occur.
Air leak
This type of air compressor leak may occur along the pipes and its hoses or another way it may happen on the connecting point between the compressor and pneumatic tools. Both types of air leak rapidly down air compressor power as well its efficiency.
Oil leak
This type of air compressor leak may happen around the air compressor compartment in which oil is stored or distributed.
What are the causes of air compressor leaks?
To wear and tear there’re various susceptible to an air compressor which means the leaking of an air compressor are various causes. If you’re facing an oil or air leak in an air compressor it may happen due to a problem with the tank itself or other leaky components.
- Tank worn
- Switch broken pressure
- Unloader valve loss
- Tubes or hoses leaks
- Piston chamber damage
1-Tank worn
The usage of heavy-duty holes or old age becomes the cause of air compressor leaks. Corrosion and rust also become the cause of air leaks. The water will accumulate when air compressed sits in the tank.
The moisture is not correctly drained away slowly wear at the tank, the result is pinholes forming which allow air and water to escape. Damaged or rusted air tanks hardly need to be replaced, because welding or patching increases the risk of explosion.
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Sometimes the small pinholes can be repaired but you do it quickly as soon as possible. If you make some delay in its repair process it can go bigger or prevent it from holding tank air.
2-Switch broken pressure
To measure the pressure inside the tank the pressure switch is used, it can be turned off when the compressor reaches its capacity. If it’s over its ability or over time, the pressure will crack and the result is air leaking outside the tank from holes.
If you will be able to notice the air leaks coming from odd places like mounting elements, then you need to check the pressure switch. Another pressure switch issue is air leaks from an exterior unloader valve.
3-Unloader valve loss
If you are sure the pressure switch is fine, the air leaks another cause is the unloader valve itself. Unloader valve attached to the pressure closing the valve and sealing the air pressure at a time when it reached its recommended setting.
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When the rings of the valve lose it becomes an air leak. You identify it by yourself when the air feels a steady stream at the bottom of the air compressor. You may also hear a hissing noise more than a few seconds after turning off an air compressor.
4-Tubes or hoses leaks
More delicate components of an air compressor are tubes and hoses, the result is they are prone to wear and tear. When the air compressor is running, you will notice an air leak.
It may cause a hole to leak or crack in one of your lines. You can feel tube leaks which you can often identify and need to fix. It’s highly important to fix the leaking hose or tube issue.
5-Piston chamber damage
Another cause of air leaks is damage to the chamber piston. Mainly the problem occurs in oil leaks that might be happening due to the piston chamber. Another cause of oil leaks is excessive oil in the air compressor chamber or filter leaking.
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The cause of filter leaking is through the oil filter head or air filter. Piston chamber damage air leaks are only seen in oil leaks, in most excessive oil issues it may happen.
How to fix an air compressor leak
In the system, the leak is not covered to the point or extended too far. To fix an air compressor leak, the most straightforward way is to tighten connections and replace parts. The short-term solutions provide tightening connections and internal fasteners.
On the other hand, the wise investment to get lifetime benefits from complete or your compressor service is replacing and repairing parts and equipment. If you’re applicable according to your situation, the following steps are easy to remedy compressor leaks and preventative maintenance.
- Tubes and hoses replace
- Tighten connectors
- Valve seals replace
- O-ring replaces
- Replace condensate drain
- Internal fasteners tighten lose
- Replace piston seals and oil gasket
1-Tubes and hoses replace
Tubes or hoses you’re isolating need to replace new ones and remove the affected part. The new part is too strong and properly fitted. If you want to improve your system performance then you need to shorten the distance between the compressor and pneumatic tools which are attached to the unit.
2-Tighten connectors
If tightened is necessary all connecting points should be inspected across your air compressor system regularly. If the connections find ill-fitted or not properly fastened then you need to replace the connector. After that, it is possible then you reduce the number of connecting points between the compressor and your tool endpoint.
3-Valve seals replace
On an air compressor, the valves are the vulnerable spots for air leaks. If you want to ensure all outgoing air is pressurized to pneumatic tools and the machine then you inspect the outlet valves of your device. For any worn or defective seals, you need to replace them.
4-O-ring replace
As time goes on your air system can be weak to enforce various connecting points. In terms of pressure and temperature taking effect, the rubber o-ring becomes vulnerable. If the o-ring is old in your system then you need to replace it with a fresh one.
5-Replace condensate drain
If you do not want to pass through the system, the air compressor water holds a lot of things. If the draining part or component of an air compressor can do its job good as long as they remain in good shape, that means they’re free from mold or wear. Replace that part of an air compressor if they’re not in a position to perform well.
6-Internal fasteners tighten lose
The motor of an air compressor is one of the inside parts of the compressor, it can be destabilizing if screws become unhinged or loose. Inside your air compressor inspect its fasteners, you just need to tighten these shaky, loose, rusted, or unstable parts of the air compressor.
7-Replace piston seals and oil gasket
If you’re dealing with oil leaks then you need to replace the seals in the piston. When oil comes to the pistons and rotors it can corrupt incoming air quality. On the other hand, if the gasket gets damaged or worn, you need to replace it immediately.
Conclusion:
In the past, if you do air compressor maintenance, these preceding steps should be easy to perform if you know some about the internal and external parts of an air compressor. With this, we hope you clearly understand how to fix an air compressor leak on your own. The trick is none of these following measures you’re facing, it means you’re facing a more serious issue than you need to get services from professionals.
Abdul Sattar is the owner and main author of Bestairtools. I’m a meticulous guy who loves to deal with the perfect tools for various needs. I don’t compromise the quality and usability. Working in blogging for over 7 years to share my knowledge with the world. I founded this blog to aid others like you with my knowledge and experience.