🕵️ THE COMPRESSOR FILES- CASE # 0001
“Change the Filter—or the Compressor Will.”
STATUS: RESOLVED
EQUIPMENT: Atlas Copco GX 11
CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: Overheating
🔍 INITIAL REPORT:
Reported condition:
Compressor overheating.
🧩 EVIDENCE:
Inspection revealed the compressor was operating in a high-particulate environment, causing the air filter to become severely clogged.
The restriction became so extreme that the compressor began pulling the filter media into the intake, ultimately contributing to a restriction in the oil filter.
⚠️ FINDING:
Primary contributing factor:
Severe air-filter contamination.
Resulting condition:
Oil-filter restriction → restricted oil flow → overheating.
🔧 CORRECTIVE ACTION & RESOLUTION:
The extent of the contamination demanded more than a simple air-filter replacement.
The technician:
Replaced the contaminated air filter.
Drained the contaminated oil.
Performed two complete flushing cycles.
Used a flushing charge and new oil filter during each cycle.
Drained the flushing fluid.
Refilled the system with fresh oil.
Installed a new oil filter.
Installed a new oil separator.
đź“Ť THE FUTURE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
The customer also chose to relocate the compressor to a cleaner environment to reduce future exposure to airborne particulate matter.
âś… CASE STATUS:
RESOLVED
The compressor returned to normal operation after the system was serviced, flushed, and fitted with new filtration components. Relocating the unit to a cleaner environment addressed the source of the contamination and helped reduce the likelihood of future overheating.