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9.0
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
9.1
THE COMPRESSOR.
9.2
All filters should be cleaned and replaced once every three months if the
compressor operates continually and more often if the compressor is operated in a
dusty environment. These filters are: (a) the inlet filter on the compressor, Figures
4 and 7 (15), and (b) the fritted filter within the water coalescer, Figures 5 and 7 (5),
which is located between the compressor and the purification reactor.
9.3
Plugging of the above filters causes premature compressor failure because with the
dust build-up the compressor must work harder to move the required air volume.
This additional effort causes the compressor to operate in a hyperthermal mode
which diminishes its longevity.
9.4
An occasional inspection of the compressor shock mounts will also help to forestall
compressor failure. If the mounts are worn or broken, this will allow the compressor
to jar against the cabinet or the purification reactor. Worn or broken mounts should
be replaced.
9.5
Should the input pressure fall below a maximum 40-psig during the pressure cycle
the compressor must be replaced because: (a) the purity of the air will be
compromised, and (b) the control of the output pressure will become erratic. (See
Section 4.5.)
9.6
Before randomly replacing the compressor because the INPUT PRESSURE gauge
indicates a maximum pressure near or below 40-psig, the operator should be
certain there are no leaks between the compressor and the input to the purification
reactor. All of the fittings should be leak checked with soap solution and particular
attention should be paid to the base of the plastic bowl of the input filter, Figures 5
and 7 (5), which tends to crack with age and also for any o-ring shift at its upper
end.
9.7
THE METHANE REACTOR.
9.8
A one or two-minute observation of the METHANE HEAT lamp, Figures 1 and 6
(12), should reveal cycling of the lamp. This gives positive indication of heat control
to the methane reactor. A casual look at the pyrometer will also reveal that the unit
is at operating temperature (290° C ± 10°C). If either check indicates a possible
problem, see Section 10.23 for remedial action.
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