April 20, 2023
If you're experiencing issues with your Atlas Copco stationary air compressor, you need a reliable air compressor troubleshooting guide to get it back up and running.
In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and techniques for troubleshooting. From low pressure to strange noises, we'll cover the most common issues you may encounter and offer practical solutions to get your compressor back to optimal performance.
Here are some quick tips and focus points to help you diagnose and fix the problem:
Check the power supply: Make sure that your air compressor is properly connected to a power source and that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped.
Check the air filter: A clogged air filter can reduce the efficiency of your compressor and cause it to overheat. Make sure to replace the air filter regularly as per described maintenance interval.
Check the oil level: Low oil levels can cause the compressor to overheat or seize up. Make sure to check and top up the oil levels regularly.
Check the pressure settings:Incorrect pressure settings can cause the compressor to run all the time or not start at all at the desired pressure. Check the instruction book on how to set the correct pressure settings for your machine.
Check the valves and hoses: Leaking valves or hoses can cause your compressor to lose pressure or not work at all. Inspect and repair any leaks in your compressed air network. For internal leakages on the compressor itself contact your local Atlas Copco representative. An AIRScan by an Atlas Copco expert can detect leaks in your compressed air network and propose a solution to fix them.
Consult the manual: Always consult the instruction manual for additional troubleshooting tips to help you identify the root cause of the problem. Or login to SMARTLINK and find troubleshooting advice on your specific air compressor.
Not found the issue? Below air compressor troubleshooting chart can help solve some of the most common problems that are known to occur with air compressors. Before working on machines, always check the manual and follow the safety instructions. In case of doubt, contact Atlas Copco
1. Condensate is not discharged from condensate trap(s) during loading
- Discharge pipe of condensate trap clogged
Check and correct as necessary. - Float valve of condensate trap(s) malfunctioning
Float valve assembly to be removed, cleaned and checked. Contact Atlas Copco
2. Compressor air delivery or pressure below normal.
- Air consumption exceeds air delivery of compressor
Check air requirements of equipment connected - Clogged air filters
Air filters to be replaced - Air leakages
Check and correct
3. Compressor elements outlet temperature or delivery air temperature above normal
- Insufficient cooling air
- Check for cooling air restriction
- Improve ventilation of compressor room
- Avoid recirculation of cooling air - Oil level too low
Check and correct as necessary - Oil cooler dirty
Clean cooler from any dust and ensure cooling air is free from dirt - Oil cooler clogged
Consult Atlas Copco service people - On watercooled units, cooling water temperature too high or flow too low
Increase water flow and check temperature - On watercooled units, restriction in cooling water system due to dirt or formation of scale
Check and clean the water circuit and coolers
4. Safety valve blows after loading
- Safety valve out of order
Check the pressure setpoint and consult Atlas Copco service people - Inlet valve malfunctioning
Consult Atlas Copco service people - Minimum pressure valve malfunctioning
Consult Atlas Copco service people - Oil separator element clogged
Oil, oil filter and oil separator element to be replaced - Dryer piping clogged because of ice formation
Inspect the freon circuit and leaks, Contact Atlas Copco
5. Compressor does not start or stops during operation. Elektronikon shows motor overload problem
- Motor overload relay (F21) open
Reset the overload once, if the issue keeps reoccurring consult Atlas Copco - Circuit breaker (Q15) or fan motor overload (F15) open
Reset the overload once, if the issue keeps reoccurring consult Atlas Copco - Motor thermistor (K34) tripped or defective
Reset the overload once, if the issue keeps reoccurring consult Atlas Copco - Phase sequence relay (K25) open
Check and correct if needed the sequence of the connected phases on the power inlet of the machine - Wiring interrupted
Consult Atlas Copco
6. Compressor starts running, but does not load after a delay time
- Solenoid valve out of order
Solenoid valve to be replaced - Inlet valve stuck in closed position
Inlet valve to be inspected by Atlas Copco service people - Leak in control air tubes
Inspect and Replace leaking tubes - Minimum pressure valve leaking (when air net is depressurized)
Minimum pressure valve to be inspected by Atlas Copco service people
7. Compressor does not unload, safety valve blows
- Solenoid valve out of order
Solenoid valve to be replaced - Inlet valve does not close
Inlet valve to be inspected by Atlas Copco service people
8. Compressor air output or pressure below normal
- Air consumption exceeds air delivery of compressor
- Eliminate possible compressed air leaks.
- Increase delivery capacity by adding or replacing the air compressor - Clogged air filters
Air filters to be replaced - Solenoid valve malfunctioning
Solenoid valve to be replaced. - Oil separator element clogged
Oil, oil filter and oil separator element to be replaced. - Air leakage
Have leaks repaired. Leaking tubes to be replaced - Safety valve leaking
Safety valve to be replaced. - Inlet valve does not fully open
Inlet valve to be inspected by Atlas Copco service people
9. Pressure dewpoint too high
- Air inlet temperature too high
Check and correct; if necessary, install a pre-cooler - Ambient temperature too high
Check and correct; if necessary, draw cooling air via a duct from a cooler place or relocate the dryer - Air inlet pressure too low
Increase inlet pressure - Dryer capacity exceeded
Reduce the air flow - Shortage of refrigerant
Have circuit checked for leaks and recharged, Contact Atlas Copco - Refrigerant compressor does not run
Check the electric power supply to refrigerant compressor - Condenser pressure too high
Check fan/fan motor, Contact Atlas Copco - Evaporator pressure is too high or too low at unload
Have hot gas by-pass valve adjusted, Contact Atlas Copco
Instead of troubleshooting and doing all the routine maintenance, let Atlas Copco's service engineers take care of your compressor room and proactively detect and repair any developing problems.
SMARTLINK gives you the opportunity to keep track of the status and efficiency of your compressed air system without even visiting the compressor room.
