Motor Maintenance for Air Compressors


Release time:

2025-07-24

1. Temperature Monitoring
Normal Temperature Range:
During operation, the motor casing should be 20–40°C higher than ambient temperature.

Weekly Check:
Use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature at the bearings and windings.

Warning Sign:
If the temperature rise exceeds 65°C or 40°C above ambient, it may indicate:

Overloading

Poor ventilation

Winding failure
➤ Action: Stop the machine immediately and inspect.

2. Vibration and Noise Inspection
Vibration Monitoring:
Check for abnormal vibration via hand-touch or vibration meter. Possible causes:

Worn bearings (typically last ~40,000 hours)

Loose mounting

Noise Analysis:

Sharp scraping noise → Bearing lubrication issue

Loud humming/buzzing → Possible winding failure

3. Lubrication & Insulation
Lubrication Schedule:

Add grease every 1,000–2,000 hours

Replace completely every 2 years

Insulation Testing:

Use a megohmmeter monthly to test winding insulation resistance (phase-to-phase & phase-to-ground).

Minimum acceptable value: ≥0.5 MΩ at room temperature.

If lower, perform drying treatment.

Control Cabinet & Inverter Maintenance
As the control hub, the cabinet and inverter directly affect energy efficiency and operational stability. Routine checks should cover:

1. Dust Removal
Clean internal dust monthly using dry compressed air, especially on:

Contactors

Relay contacts
Dust buildup causes:

Overheating of components

Contact sticking

2. Connection Tightening
Regularly check wiring terminals for looseness.

Pay special attention to main circuit bolts, ensuring they meet the torque requirements.

3. Parameter Verification
Every quarter, verify voltage, current, and other key parameters.

If deviation exceeds ±5%, recalibrate settings.

4. Cooling System Cleaning
Clean fan blades once per quarter.

Ensure cooling channels are not blocked.

5. Capacitor Health Check
Every 6 months, inspect filter capacitors:

Replace immediately if bulging or leaking is found.

6. Frequency & Current Matching
Compare output frequency and current with set values.

If discrepancies are observed, reset inverter parameters.

Sensors & Protection Devices
1. Sensor Calibration
Pressure and temperature sensors must be zero-calibrated quarterly:

Power off the system

Disconnect signal lines

Compare readings with a standard gauge

Replace if error exceeds ±3% of full scale

Check for terminal oxidation and apply conductive paste to prevent corrosion.

2. Monthly Functional Tests
Manually trigger the emergency stop button.

Ensure shutdown response time is ≤0.5 seconds.

3. Protection Parameter Setting
Overload settings should match the motor nameplate (typically 115% of FLA).

4. Safety Valve Testing
Simulate overpressure/overtemperature scenarios.

Confirm valve releases within ±0.2 bar of the setpoint.

 

Maintenance Schedule Summary
Frequency                                            Tasks
Daily                   Motor temperature check, Control cabinet appearance check
Monthly            Insulation resistance test, Terminal tightening, Sensor calibration
Annually           Bearing grease replacement, Capacitor replacement, Protection devices setting test