PTA522, PTA523 and PTA524 Automatic Silent Compressors
Chapter 4: Troubleshooting
Rev A August 2021
Page 13
4.1.3. The compressor works, but pressure does not increase in tank (or increases too slowly)
a. Check for air leaks (See section 4.1.5).
b.
Air intake filter clogged
. Clean with compressed air, or replace it.
c.
Failure of a motor valve or gasket
. Refer to your local TechSupport team for replacing the damaged component(s).
4.1.4. The compressor stops while working
The motor has an automatic resetting thermal protection that stops the compressor when the temperature is too high. The
compressor will start again automatically after 15 to 20 minutes
. Check the room temperature is <40°C and the compressor
ventilation is adequate. In addition, the compressor should work with a duty cycle of less than 50%, but if there are air leaks
in the system, this may cause the cycle to be higher, resulting in excessive heating. In this case, check for air leaks and fix
before continuing.
4.1.5. Air leaks
Can be due to a bad seal of any connection.
Check all connections by wetting with soapy water or suds as appropriate.
4.1.6. Leak from the condensate vent valve located under the on/off switch unit
Figure 15 Condensate Vent Valve
a.
If the leak happens while the compressor runs:
Damaged valve, replace it.
b.
If the leak happens when the compressor is switched off:
The problem can be due to a defective seal on the non-
return valve (See 4.1.1 d).
4.1.7. The compressor starts when no air is being tapped
a. Check for air leaks (See 4.1.5).
b.
Leaky non-return valve:
See section 4.1.1 d.
4.1.8. The compressor starts and stops more frequently than usual
a.
Large amount of condensate in air tank
. Remove condensate by shortening the period between drains (Figure 10).
b. Air leak (See 4.1.5).
4.1.9. The compressor does not switch on when pressure is under the minimum level and/or
does not switch off at max. pressure
Defective pressure switch
. Replace.
4.1.10. The compressor gets very hot and/or uses a lot of oil
a. Check oil level.
b.
Wrong oil has been filled in the compressor
. Only use oil recommended by Thorlabs, part PTA1006.
