Frequently Asked Questions

General rule: at the middle of the sight glass, or between the minimum and maximum marks, ideally closer to the mid-point.

Oil level may appear lower immediately after shut down – allow time for the oil to drain back, never check oil when the compressor is running.

Airstream Compressors supplies innovative, energy-efficient compressed air solutions, including compressors, dryers, pressure vessels, air treatment, and nationwide technical support.

With correct sizing, installation, and maintenance, industrial screw compressors can operate reliably for many years.

Critical operations often require backup air or hire units to prevent downtime during maintenance or breakdowns.

By fixing leaks, lowering pressure, using energy-efficient compressors, installing proper air storage, servicing equipment regularly, and using VSD or PM technology.

Yes. Modular compressors, dryers, and storage allow systems to grow with demand without major redesigns or inefficiencies.

Electricity accounts for up to 80% of a compressor’s lifetime cost. Efficient design, correct sizing, and VSD technology can dramatically reduce consumption.

Certification (ASME, CE, EN) ensures vessels are designed, manufactured, and tested safely. Certified vessels are legally required and protect people and property.

PER (Pressure Equipment Regulations) is South African legislation governing all pressure equipment above 50 kPa (0.5 bar). It applies to compressors, air receivers, dryers, and piping systems.

ISO 8573-1 defines compressed air quality classes for particles, moisture, and oil. The required class depends on your application (e.g. food, pharmaceutical, manufacturing).

Leaks are common and caused by defective equipment and perishing pipes and can waste 20–40% of generated air. Even small leaks significantly increase energy costs and force compressors to work harder.

Service intervals depend on operating hours, environment, and load. Regular preventative maintenance reduces breakdowns, improves efficiency, and extends equipment life. Airstream Compressors service intervals are as follows: first service at 600 hours, thereafter every 2000 hours alternating between a minor and major service.

A wet receiver is installed before the dryer to remove bulk moisture and stabilise pressure. A dry receiver is installed after the dryer to store clean, dry air and manage peak demand.

Refrigerated dryers are ideal for general applications, typically delivering a +3°C dew point. Desiccant dryers provide much drier air (-20°C, -40°C or -70°C) for critical or sensitive processes.

Air dryers remove moisture from compressed air, preventing corrosion, product contamination, tool damage, and system failures. Moisture is one of the biggest threats to compressed air systems.

VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors adjust motor speed to match air demand, reducing energy consumption. PM (Permanent Magnet) motors increase efficiency even further by reducing electrical and mechanical losses.

Piston compressors are best for low-demand, intermittent use. Screw compressors provide continuous, smooth airflow, are more energy-efficient, quieter, and better suited for industrial applications.

Correct sizing depends on your actual air demand (l/min or m³/hr), required operating pressure, duty cycle, peak demand, and future expansion plans. Oversizing wastes energy, while under sizing causes pressure drops and downtime.

Compressed air is used to power tools, machinery, automation systems, packaging lines, pneumatic controls, instrumentation, cleaning processes, and more across manufacturing, food processing, automotive, logistics, and mining industries.

Daily for manual drain valves or automatically during the course of the day with an auto drain.

A pressure vessel should be drained regularly to remove condensed water and contaminants that collect inside during normal compressor operation. Failing to drain a vessel is one of the most common causes of corrosion, inefficiency and premature failure in compressed air systems.

Unstable system pressure, increased compressor cycling which wears out the intake valve, higher energy cost due to frequent cycling, poor moisture management, increased load on dryers and filters, reduced compressor efficiency, shortened equipment life.

Most inline filter elements should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or after 2,000–4,000 operating hours, whichever comes first. However, this can vary based on air quality requirements and system conditions.

If your piston compressor is running constantly, struggling to keep up, costing more to maintain, or driving up energy bills, it’s time to upgrade. For most industrial applications, screw compressors are the smarter long-term investment.

By doing daily checks, oil level, unusual noises or vibration, pressure readings and temperature reading, drain moisture from air receivers and making sure the auto drain is working, looking for and repairing air leaks.

By doing weekly checks, check the air filter for dirt or blockage, check belts, hoses and fittings for wear, ensure cooling fans and ventilation are clear, verify drain valves are operating correctly.

By doing monthly maintenance, inspect oil and look for contamination, check pressure drop across filters, inspect electrical connections for heat or looseness, check safety devices and alarms, inspect piping for leaks and corrosion.

Regular servicing on time according to total hours run.