Oil filter clogging in air compressors is a common problem during operation. 

Here are some common causes and solutions:

Common Causes:

Environmental Factors: The environment around the air compressor may contain corrosive gases (such as sulfides, volatile chemical compounds, etc.) or excessive dust. These substances enter the air compressor system and react chemically with the lubricating oil, producing carbon deposits, sludge, and other impurities. Some of these impurities are intercepted by the oil filter, leading to clogging.

Filter and Lubricating Oil Quality Issues: Insufficient filtration precision in the air filter prevents effective interception of airborne dust particles, allowing a large amount of impurities to enter the air compressor system and increasing the load on the oil filter.

Poor filtration precision or substandard quality in the oil filter prevents effective filtration of impurities, metal particles, oil oxides, etc., in the lubricating oil, causing these impurities to accumulate on the oil filter.

Using lubricating oil with poor oxidation resistance easily produces carbon deposits and sludge, accelerating oil filter clogging.

Piping Leaks: Leaks in the piping between the air filter and the compressor's air inlet, such as poor sealing or aging and cracked hoses, allow unfiltered air to enter the compressor directly. The impurities carried by the leaked air contaminate the lubricating oil, eventually clogging the oil filter.

Moisture Effects: If the air compressor operates at low load for extended periods, or the machine's operating temperature is below 75°C, moisture in the intake air cannot be expelled in time. This moisture condenses on the oil filter media, causing it to expand and the micropores to shrink, reducing filtration efficiency and leading to blockage.

Solutions:

Improve Environmental Conditions: Install a pre-filter at the air compressor's air inlet to reduce the entry of external impurities.

Maintain good ventilation in the compressor room to prevent the accumulation of corrosive gases.

Use Qualified Parts: Use standard-compliant air filters, oil filters, and lubricating oil to ensure filtration accuracy and quality.

Replace oil filters and lubricating oil according to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule to avoid exceeding their service life.

Inspect and Repair Piping Leaks: Regularly inspect the piping between the air filter and the compressor's air inlet, repairing or replacing aged or cracked hoses to ensure a good seal.

Control operating conditions.

Avoid prolonged low-load operation of the air compressor. Adjust air consumption appropriately to ensure sufficient load time for timely moisture removal.

Maintain the air compressor's operating temperature within a reasonable range, avoiding excessively low temperatures.

If the oil filter is severely clogged, replace it promptly and check the lubricating oil quality; replace the lubricating oil if necessary.

Regular maintenance and inspection are key to preventing oil filter clogging, effectively extending the air compressor's lifespan and ensuring stable equipment operation.

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