Tips To Care For Your Rented Air Compressor
If you're renting an air compressor for the first time, it's important that you understand some of the common complications you could encounter. Knowing how to deal with them ahead of time may help you to be better prepared in the long run. Here's a look at some things you should know to keep the compressor running at its best.
You'll Need a Drain Valve
Most air compressor tanks are crafted with an inner liner that's made of steel. That steel liner may be susceptible to corrosion from accumulated moisture. That's why you should never overlook a malfunctioning drain, because the condensation building up in the system can damage the liner. Although most tanks have a manual drain plug, opting for a drain plug that automatically drains the tank can ensure that you don't forget. Most rental companies offer compressors with a variety of drain choices, including several different types of automatic drain plugs. There are three primary styles of automatic drains that you can choose from.
Valves that rely on electronic timers are regulated so that they only open the valve to drain the water at predetermined intervals. It doesn't matter what the water level is inside the tank, because the valve is regulated by a timed cycle. Since it's electronic, you'll need to make sure you have a backup power source to keep it running.
Electric sensor valves also require a consistent source of power. These valves rely on a probe and sensor assembly that opens the drain valve automatically when the water level contacts the sensor. It only opens when the water level reaches the predetermined level, instead of working on a schedule.
You can also choose a float-controlled valve. These open and close based on the level of a small float that's in the drain tank. When the water level pushes the float to a certain point, the valve opens and drains the water. Then, the valve automatically closes when the float drops below that limit. These don't need any kind of power source, because they're mechanical. They're a great choice if you only want the valve to drain the tank when it's absolutely necessary.
There Shouldn't Be Water In The Air Line
If you're seeing moisture on the tools that you attach to the compressor, that's an indication that there's moisture in the air line. It often means that the condensate trap is clogged or has failed. You can try cleaning it out, but if that doesn't fix the problem, you may need to have the rental company replace the condensate trap.
Another common cause of water in the air line is a malfunctioning air dryer. If the air dryer isn't functioning correctly, it won't keep the condensation out. You may need to call the rental company and inquire about a larger air dryer in that case.
You Can't Neglect The Air Intake
The air intake has a filter attached to the end that's designed to catch dirt and other particles before the air enters the compressor. If you don't keep the filter clean, it may lead to dirt and other debris clogging the inside of the air compressor. Remember that you should check the air filter frequently for any signs of problems and replace it when it gets dirty. The more hours the compressor spends running, the more often the filter will need replacement.
When you're using an air compressor for the first time, it's important to understand the required care. With the information here, you can be better prepared to take care of the compressor and avoid a damage fee on your rental. For more information on air compressor rentals, contact a company like Summit Tool Rentals Division Of Wirtz Rentals.