The largest concern in the operation and life expectancy of your professional-grade pneumatic equipment is moisture! Specifically, water vapor. You know this water vapor as humidity, and it is in the air around us. When this air is compressed, moisture in the inlet air concentrates with every cubic foot drawn in. As you compress air it gets very hot and due to the fact the air is very hot, the accumulated water in it remains as a vapor, however, when compressed air is increased through air tools it cools rapidly. With excessive moisture content in the compressed air, this rapid cooling has been known to cause freeze-ups in the pneumatic tools.
One cause of deterioration and failure in industrial and contractors air tools and associated equipment are water-related issues.
High-temperature air dries all of the lubricant in the tool causing surface to surface contact and additionally deteriorates gaskets and O-rings. It also can have detrimental outcomes on other components.
Some air compressor systems have equipment to minimize moisture, however, even compressor structures with after-treatment solutions cannot totally prevent the buildup of damaging water vapor. Because water vapor is present in compressed air, moisture control is usually needed.
When you make the significant investment in high-quality air tools, their life expectancy and continued overall performance will depend on how well they are cared for.
Follow these easy tips to keep your pneumatic equipment in top condition:
1. Oil your tools regularly.
2. Have your equipment completely serviced at least once a year.
The residual moisture contained in an air tool left on a workbench at the end of the workday can end result in rust forming on the internal metal elements in as little time as overnight.
So, unless properly maintained, this deterioration will negatively impact the overall performance of our pneumatic tools. This component erosion is easily and entirely preventable.
