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Summertime: The word conjures up images of relaxing on the beach and the peaceful lapping of the waves on the shore. Most people associate summer with some level of fun in the sun.
For maintenance staff, however, the warm months can be a stressful time, since the compressors are now increasingly taking unplanned "holidays" in the summer months, even in our part of the world, driving up maintenance and energy costs.
With higher temperatures and higher humidity, summer offers textbook conditions for unexpected compressor failures. Irregularly maintained systems are particularly affected. Unexpected repair costs and loss of production can be the result.
This is how you protect your compressed air system from heat.
1. Provide ventilation
Adequate and adequate ventilation in the compressor room is critical to compressor performance. During the muggy summer months, make sure that air can flow freely around the device and that the recommended ambient temperature is maintained. Repair loose foam or panels and remove any obstructions in or around the device.
2. Check the compressor oil
Compressor oil is not immune to the effects of hot weather. Heat, and particularly sweltering heat, can shorten the life expectancy of the oil, which is detrimental to the element of the device. Using the right oil and keeping oil filters clean will help keep your compressors running cool and using less energy.
3. Cooler
Check the quality and functionality of the compressor coolers. Clogged or blocked radiators can cause a compressor to overheat. Inspect the cooling fan for dust and debris that may prevent proper operation. A neglected radiator can clog and must be removed for thorough cleaning - this can not only be time-consuming, but also quite expensive.
4. Condensate separator
The high humidity in summer can cause more condensate to accumulate in a compressor than in the cooler months. Make sure the steam traps are working properly and can take the extra water. Make sure the condensate is properly filtered to prevent oil from going down the drain.
5. Filter
When air filters are dirty, the air flow is restricted. In this case, the compressor has to compensate for the pressure drop, which leads to higher operating temperatures. Oil filters are another matter. The oil quality deteriorates at higher temperatures and leaves larger deposits in the filter. Be sure to replace the air and oil filters on your appliances at the start of summer. With clean filters, your compressor systems run cooler and use less energy.
