While the average lifespan of an industrial air compressor is approximately 15 years, an air compressor can last anywhere from two years to 60 years.
This staggering range is due to the various factors affecting a compressor’s lifespan. Keep reading to learn what these factors are and how this knowledge can help you ensure you’re using the right compressor for the job.
The Factors That Affect Industrial Air Compressor Life Expectancy
It’s essential to choose the right type of air compressor for your specific application to ensure optimal performance and extend the system’s lifespan.
Once you’ve got the right industrial air compressor for the job, its lifespan will depend on factors such as frequency of use, maintenance practices, site environment, and loading conditions.
Frequency of Use
The system’s frequency of use can greatly affect the lifespan of an industrial air compressor.
Some air compressors are designed to operate as start-and-stop machines, running for only 20 minutes per day, while others are designed for continuous use. Start-and-stop machines may last longer with infrequent use, but continuous-use industrial compressors typically achieve significantly more lifetime running hours.
Ensuring you have the right compressor system based on the required frequency of use for your operational requirements is essential for maximizing its longevity.
Amount of Maintenance
Regular maintenance on your air compressor system is one of the only ways that you have the power to extend the lifespan of your compressor.
Want to know exactly what maintenance you should be doing to maximize your compressor’s lifespan? Check out our article, “12 Air Compressor Maintenance Tips for Extending Compressor Life.”
Remember, how well you maintain your system can also impact your warranty coverage. Proper upkeep ensures you’re protected if any issues arise down the road.
Environmental Controls
The site environment is one of the main operational factors that affect the lifespan of an industrial air compressor.
Some applications are much harsher on compressor systems than others, significantly impacting a compressor’s lifespan. Dust from the mining industry, for example, is abrasive, while dust from the sawmill industry tends to be more of an insulator, causing different challenges for air compressor systems.
Additionally, any environment that contains corrosive chemicals in the air requires proper protection. These chemicals can corrode internal components, leading to faster wear and system failure. However, specialized filtration systems or protective coatings on compressor parts have the ability to safeguard the equipment by preventing corrosion.
Loading Characteristics
Another operational factor that affects the life expectancy of an industrial air compressor is the loading characteristics.
Ensuring the loading characteristics of an air compressor meet its design requirements is crucial for maximizing its lifespan. For example, if a 200-horsepower, oil-flooded screw compressor is designed to operate at 50-100% for up to 8,000 hours per year, it is important to ensure that it is not overloaded. However, it is also important that if it is underloaded, there must be adequate storage volume to prevent rapid cycling starts and stops to avoid unnecessary strain on the system.
How Chamco Can Help With Your Industrial Air Compressor Needs
Understanding and meeting the demands of your industrial air compressor system is necessary to ensure its longevity.
Fortunately, Chamco has more than 60 years of experience supplying air compressors from leading manufacturers, including Sullair and Vanair, for various applications, and we have the expertise to keep your air compressor equipment in optimal condition.
Our team follows a detailed inspection report for each air compressor service, recording, testing, and evaluating between 40 and 80 items, depending on the model. These items include performing status readings for load cycles, evaluating control parameters for unload pressure, and checking for leaks.
We also offer vibration analysis, which provides advance notice of impending failures; and leak testing to identify unnecessary waste in the system. Addressing issues early helps extend the lifespan of an industrial air compressor.
Discover our industrial air compressor services and contact us today to discuss how we can assist with the lifespan of your compressor system.