Often during audits of compressed air system, we find that operating staff have no clue as to how their equipment works. This causes so much trouble regarding operation and maintenance.
Many people who work with compressed air systems know how to turn the equipment on and off. But when it comes to really understanding how each part works — like the compressor, dryer, filters, and drains — not everyone takes the time to read the manuals. That can be a big mistake.
Air compressors and the equipment that goes with them are not all the same. Each brand and model has different features, settings, and maintenance needs. If you don’t read the manual, you might miss out on how to use it properly. Even worse, you could damage the system or waste energy without knowing it.
For example, some compressors have special modes like “reduced setpoint” or “load/unload” that can save energy — but only if set up correctly. If you don’t understand what these settings mean, you could leave the system running inefficiently.
Dryers and filters also need attention. If filters get clogged and you don’t replace them at the right time, they can cause pressure loss and make the compressor work harder.
Drains are another important part. Some are manual, some use timers, and others are automatic. If you don’t know which kind you have — or how often it should be checked — you could end up with water in your system or wasted air.
The manuals also explain the best way to maintain your equipment. They tell you when to change oil, clean parts, or call for service. Following this schedule keeps your system running longer and helps prevent breakdowns.
Reading the friendly manuals (RFM) may not be fun, but it saves time, money, and trouble in the long run. If you’re not sure how your system works, take a few minutes to find the manual or look it up online.
Understanding your compressed air equipment is one of the easiest ways to improve your plant’s energy efficiency and reliability. Don’t skip the manual, as it might teach you something that saves your system. I know I usually discover new items after each review. And RFM often solves problems at site too!
