All components in a compressed air system should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. Manufacturers provide inspection, maintenance, and service schedules that should be strictly followed. Because the manufacturer-specified intervals are intended primarily to protect the equipment rather than optimize system efficiency, in many cases, it is advisable to perform maintenance on compressed air equipment more frequently

One way to tell if a compressed air system is well maintained and operating effi - ciently is to periodically baseline its power consumption, pressure, airfl ow, and temperature. If power use for a given pressure and fl ow rate increases, the system’s efficiency is declining. Baselining the system will also indicate whether the com- pressor is operating at full capacity, and if that capacity is decreasing over time. On new systems, specifications should be recorded when the system is fi rst installed and is operating properly. Types of Maintenance Maintaining an air compressor system requires caring for the equipment, paying attention to changes and trends, and responding promptly to maintain operating reliability and effi ciency. To assure the maximum performance and service life of your compressor, a routine maintenance schedule should be developed. Time frames may need to be shortened in harsher environments. Proper maintenance requires daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual procedures. Please refer to the Compressed Air System Best Practices Manual for the types of procedures that are relevant to the compressors and components in your system. Excellent maintenance is the key to good reliability of a compressed air system; reduced energy costs are an important and measurable by-product. The benefits of good preventive maintenance far outweigh the costs and efforts involved and strategic maintenance planning are essential to a good PM system. Good maintenance can save time, reduce operating costs, and improve plant manufacturing effi ciency and product quality