While Glaston Compressor Services always endeavours to respond to customer enquiries as soon as possible, we are not available 24/7. Please consult our opening times for further information regarding Glaston’s office hours.
"Are you available 24/7?"
"What areas of the country do you cover?"
Glaston Compressor Services covers all areas of the North West of England. However, we can make special arrangements for areas such as the Midlands on request.
Frequent service areas within the North West of England include:
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Warrington
- Chester
- Blackpool
- Chester
"How long can I hire a compressor for?"
Glaston Compressor Services has a variety of air compressor hire and rental packages for businesses looking for a temporary solution. As we recognise that each client has individual requirements, Glaston is happy to tailor our air compressor hire service to each customer’s specific needs. With this in mind, we can remain flexible as to how long our clients require hired air compressors, depending on their requirements.
"What maintenance and servicing options do you offer?"
Glaston Compressor Services can offer our clients a variety of maintenance and service options for their compressed air systems. As we tailor our services to the needs of our customers, we are happy to discuss your requirements and individual preferences for compressor maintenance, be it yearly or annually.
Find out more about air compressor maintenance with Glaston here.
"What is the maximum required operating pressure for air compressors?"
Most air compressors are designed to operate between 90 to 100 psi. As such, most businesses will only require an air compressor with a maximum pressure of 100 psi.
"How much air pressure do I need?"
To find out how much operating pressure you require, consult your tools or machines. Here, it should state the required minimum pressure you need. Most machinery operates at 100 psi, although it is recommended that you always consult the specifications first.
"How long are your air compressors under warranty?"
Air compressors from Glaston Compressor Services come with a 5-year warranty, providing they are serviced by ourselves. However, longer warranties for compressors are available on request.
"When should my air compressor shut off?"
In some cases, you might find that your air compressor does not want to shut off. If you encounter such an issue, this should be addressed urgently before using the unit again. Even if you are using a top of the range air compressor, if handled improperly or if you are not maintaining it, malfunctions are still a possibility, particularly as compressors age.
Three possible reasons why you might be experiencing shut-off difficulties with your compressor are: pressure setting levels, as well as issues with either the pressure relief valve and pressure switch.
Pressure setting levels automatically stop the process of air compression, once the pressure inside reaches a required limit, meaning your tank is full and ready to use. Once this has decreased, your compressor will start pumping compressed air into the tank.
However, where there is continuous running of your compressor to fill the tank, if it continues after it reaches the mark, something is amiss. Three potential scenarios as to why this might happen include: the tank pressure is not reaching cut-off, the tank pressure stops building, and pressure is exceeding its cut-off level.
Pressure relief valves (PVRs) maintain just enough pressure inside the compressor tank, acting as an equaliser or safety back up for your air compressor. If you ever experience a scenario where your PVR is activated and pressure inside the tank exceeds cut out pressure, it should let off excess pressure by opening the valve. This will only happen once cut-out pressure setting levels fail to stop the compressor from working. If your PVR fails, it is critical that you replace it at once.
Pressure switches turn off the air compressor whenever the tank pressure is high and has reached the cut-out pressure setting level. Therefore, you should be familiar with your compressor’s PSI settings. The most common range is between 100 to 175 PSI. This will help you to know when it has exceeded the recommended pressure and where your problem lies. If you ever find your pressure switch isn’t working, we recommend replacing it promptly.
"What is the difference between screw compressors and reciprocating compressors?"
The two main styles of air compressors currently on the market are rotary screw compressors and reciprocating piston compressors. Rotary screw compressors employ two interlocking screws to compress air. Arguably the most common compressor type in today’s market, they are traditionally utilised for jobs requiring 20-30 horsepower or more.
Screw compressors are available as a single-stage model, whereby the motor runs constantly but costs more to run, or a two-stage model, which has better energy efficiency but maintaining steady air output can be challenging. Another option is the variable speed compressor which, despite higher initial costs, can produce more or less air to reduce unnecessary energy expenditure.
Also known as piston compressors, reciprocating compressors use pistons to compressor air. Arguably the oldest compressor type on the market, reciprocating piston compressors can be found in a variety of sizes and power ranges. Despite being capable of larger jobs, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these compressors mean they are best optimised for smaller applications, requiring 30 horsepower or less.
Reciprocating compressors are best known within the industry for their efficient operation, steady air output, resistance to harsh environments and longer lifetimes, meaning they can stay maintenance-free for long periods. This is counterbalanced by more costly repair costs and louder operation than rotary screw type compressors.
"How do I resolve overheating problems with my air compressor?"
During the summer months, you might experience overheating issues with your air compressor. This is a common issue among compressor owners and there are several ways that you can address this issue. If your air compressor is producing excess heat, try placing it in a more ventilated area. New compressor parts, such as fans or unclogged filters, can also help hot air escape easier from the system.
If you are using an oil compressor, it is recommended that you check oil levels, as well as any filters and separators that are being used. Replace and replenish as required so that oil is not contributing towards high temperatures. If you are using oil-free compressors, check the ventilation and ducting. If this is cutting out, make sure to rule out any high-temperature sensors which are being used.
Whilst improving ventilation for any compressor is a good idea, it might be worth ensuring that hot air is exhausted into a different room or outside, should you be unable to bring more cool air into the compressor.
If you have experienced an increase in demand on your compressor over time, check that it’s not being worked beyond the stated capacity. This will not only cause overheating in the short term but shorten its lifespan over the long term.
Additional factors to consider include the type of air compressor you are using, where it is positioned, how you are using it and the environment in which it is used. You may also want to look at purchasing replacement air compressor parts or components, or even replacing the air compressor outright.
By buying a new compressor that is designed to handle the required capacity and ensuring adequate exhaust ducting and ventilation is in place, you’ll create a more carefully managed environment for the compressor to run in warmer weather for longer.
"How often should a compressor be serviced?"
We advise that air compressors should be serviced regularly to avoid potential breakdowns and minimise repair costs. However, the regularity of compressor servicing and maintenance entirely depends on the needs of each individual compressor type.
It’s important to know what you can do to maintain your compressor and what should be left for experienced Glaston technicians to service. For example, checks for error messages or for oil temperature and cooling levels can be done independently. However, more advanced compressor issues can be resolved by our team as part of our air compressor maintenance services.
"What should I look for when buying an air compressor?"
When buying air compressors, there a few basics that we advise Glaston customers to take into consideration. The first step when buying an air compressor is to analyse the compressed air of the equipment that you will be powering. Specifically, look at both the pressure and volume requirements, as some equipment (such as heavy-duty machinery) will require more than others.
Next, it’s important to understand the different types of air compressors available to purchase and which is the most relevant to your business. The two main types of air compressors are reciprocating piston compressors, which are the most commonly available models on the market, and rotary screw compressors, which are the most frequently used within industrial processes because they are designed for continuous use.
Once you’ve done this, we would advise considering both the space and portability of where your chosen air compressor will be used. Finally, examine the on-site power source for your air compressor, what potential constraints you might face, and how Glaston can help you get around this.
"How does a membrane nitrogen generator work?"
Nitrogen membrane generators work by pushing compressed air through a set of polymer fibres. As the compressed air moves through the membrane, nitrogen molecules start to become separated. This separation produces tiny microscopic holes in the membrane fibres, which allows oxygen to pass through and return into the atmosphere as a gas. Because these molecules are too large to go through these microscopic holes, they are captured at the opposite end via nitrogen generators.
"How much does it cost to fix an air compressor"
In the event of an air compressor breakdown, Glaston’s bespoke repair service is designed to get you up and running in as little time as possible. We can offer a quote for air compressor repairs that most suits your business needs.
Glaston offers 24/7 cover for our customers and will endeavour to respond to your air compressor breakdown within no later than four hours.
In addition, we also have a large stockholding of spares on-site, as well as extensive compressor hire services to ensure any downtime is kept to an absolute minimum whilst we fix your air compressor.
Learn more about Glaston’s air compressor breakdown service here.
"How much does a nitrogen generator cost?"
For the best possible nitrogen generation solution, Glaston can arrange a consultation to help determine the right generator for your business. With extensive experience in the installation and maintenance of nitrogen generators, we can offer our customers professional and practical advice to ensure you are satisfied with your chosen nitrogen generator.
To learn more about nitrogen generator costs, download our nitrogen generator FAQ’s.
Got a question?
