Good Practices for Safe and Efficient Maintenance of Air Compressors on Ships

1 Comment on the picture. Answer the questions:

1. What parts of the compressor does an engineer check for proper maintenance of an air
compressor?
2. What is the best scenario to maintain an air compressor?

2 Tick the safety tips on air compressor operation

___ Receive the proper training
___ Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations
___ Disconnect power
___ Check fuel supply
___ Wear chemical resistant gloves
___ Clean the unit properly
___ Lubricate properly
___ Take steps to prevent rust
___ Handle tools safely
___ Report faulty immediately
Grammar

Grammar Spot
have/has to V
You usually use have /has to to express certainty, necessity, and obligation.

He has to read manuals before operating an air compressor.

We have to use only proper tools for dismantling

3 Circle the correct variant

1. Everybody has/ have to receive the appropriate training for conducting maintenance tasks
correctly and safely.
2. He has /have to ensure safety in maintenance and operation, it is important to follow the
care and maintenance recommendations of your compressor’s manufacturer.
3. Before performing maintenance work, an engineer has/have to shut off the machine and
disconnect it from all power sources.
4. We have/has to lock open the electrical switch for the compressor and tag it so no one
starts it by mistake.
5. A motorman has /have to use soapy water or a lye solution, but he never uses anything
flammable, such as kerosene.

4 Fill in with have/has to

1. According to the manual we _______ to keep parts lubricated with the proper oils and to
avoid over-lubrication to prevent corrosion.
2. If an engineer prevents rust due to the accumulation of liquid, he ____ use the underside valve
to drain the tank daily.
3. He _____remove, fine-tune or perform any kind of maintenance on his pneumatic impact
tools or accessory parts.
4. If you notice that repair work is needed that goes beyond regular maintenance, you _____ tag
out the machine so no one uses it. Then, a duty engineer ______report the issue as quickly as
possible so the machine can be repaired.

Reading

5Study the words and numbers in the box and explain how they can be connected with an air
compressor operation

Drain valve | checks | 500 | air filter | planned | overhaul

6 Read the dialogue and underline

-elements of an air compressor
-activities to be done with the elements
- actions during running hour

3rd Engineer: Well, show me your notes on air compressor safe and efficient operation. I want to
asses them. You put as the first step checking oil level in sump and recording the amount topped
up. You should remember not to overfill.
Junior Engineer: Also, I have to drain all air bottles regularly, and prevent any air leakages. In
case of air leak I report immediately and rectify
3rd Engineer: What about daily routine?
Junior: I have to record running hours and log it. Also, check automatic drains and unloader of
air compressor for proper functioning. I strip, clean and overhaul every relief valve and set at
correct pressure.
3rd Engineer: Don’t forget that air compressor is in standby mode. It is a must. You know daily
inspection. Such machinery has also weekly checks. An engineer checks the operation of the
relief valves connected to the LP, HP stages by operating manually. What do you know about
operation per running hours?
Junior: According to the manual, every 500 hours an engineer has to renew air filter, and he has
to remove compressor valves for inspection every 1000 hours.
3rd Engineer: Well done! What about 2000?
Junior: Every automatic drain valves are stripped, cleaned and checked every 2000 hours. We
have to follow planned maintenance as per manufacturer’s manual. Major overhaul is carried out
as per PMS.
3rd Engineer: I am sure; you can be the operator of an air compressor. Follow me. Now you can
demonstrate me in real.

7 a) Put in necessary lines. Complete the table. Justify your choice.
General Maintenance Schedule
Procedure Daily Weekly 500 1000 2000
Check Oil Level in the
sump
Oil Leak Inspection
Drain moisture from the
bottles
Relief valve checks 
Check for weird noise 
and vibration
Inspect all air leaks
b) Compare your checklists with your partner.

8 Complete the sentences

1) Valves are used too often that means we need to……………………………..………

2) We have to prevent……………………………………………………………………
3) I usually clean …………………………….………………………….after operation.
4) Sometimes we……………………………………………….… to ensure a good seal.
5) An engineer must work with ……………………………………………………………. .

Speaking

9 You have made a checklist how to operate an air compressor safely. Your task is to explain the
necessities and importance of the selected actions.
10 Make a summary of safety tips to operate an air compressor.