Summer and warm days can raise temperatures indoors. High temperatures and humidity are things that compressors don't like and can cause risk for your compressor. If the high ambient heat is not managed properly, it can have serious consequences for the air compressor, resulting in significant production losses and downtime. It also reduces the efficiency of your air compressor and increases your power costs.
Atlas Copco is pleased to offer some important tips for maintaining and protecting compressed air systems during the summer season.
1. Check the ventilation in the compressor room
The first thing you should check is the ventilation in the compressor room. The temperature should be below 25 °C. If the room is equipped with automatic ventilation, check that the actuators are working. It would also be a good idea to check the condition of the filters.
With insufficient ventilation in the compressor room, the room may become too hot, increasing oil consumption. As the oil decreases, the compressor heats up, with the risk of the compressor stopping. If a separate or built-in refrigerant dryer is used, then its temperature also rises with increasing room temperature. As the temperature rises, the refrigerant may not condense, in which case the dryer's high-pressure switch may trip.
2. Check the condenser
Make sure that the condenser fan is working normally. A dirty and clogged condenser may cause the compressor to overheat and the machine to stop. It is important that dust and other dirt particles in the condenser are cleaned for normal operation. If the condenser has not been cleaned regularly, it is possible that it is completely clogged. In this case, cleaning requires more robust measures.
If the compressor has a built-in dryer, then be sure to also check the condenser on the dryer.
3. Enough oil of the right quality
High temperatures combined with poor-quality compressor oil may reduce compressor maintenance intervals. Make sure that you use oil in the compressor that is designed for the operating conditions of the compressor. Also, be sure to make sure that there is enough oil in the compressor. If there is not enough oil, then the temperature of the outlet air of the compression element may become too high, in which case there is a risk of the compressor stopping.
4. Check the widgets
In summer, the air humidity rises, so condensation may come out of the compressor more than normal. Non-functioning waterloggers combined with humid air are guaranteed to cause problems. There is a risk that water will accumulate in the network, compromising, for example, the quality of the end products. Make sure that the water heaters let condensation out of the system.
5. Check the dew point of the dryer
Refrigerant dryers are sensitive to heat. Make sure that the dew point remains at the required readings. An elevated dew point increases the risk of condensation formation.
6. When was the last time the compressor was serviced?
Regular maintenance is required for compressors just like any other car. Therefore, check when the previous scheduled maintenance was performed. If the recommended service interval has been exceeded, we recommend performing compressor maintenance.
Keep it cool with Air Dryers
Just like us, compressed air systems can also sweat. If an air compressor gets too hot, the efficiency and performance of the machine is compromised. An air dryer helps condensation in your compressed air system by eliminating the hot moisture. This prevents damage to your application.
Be prepared and make sure your compressed air dryer works efficiently and reliably.
Water-cooled systems
With water-cooled compressors, adjust the temperature of the water entering the system to compensate for the rise in ambient temperature and ensure that it is suitable for summer conditions.
If you take a few extra steps to get your machines ready for the summer, you'll be compensated with a smooth-running compressed air system.
Check your filters
The airflow is obstructed when air filters are dirty. In this case, the compressor must compensate for the pressure drop, resulting in higher operating temperatures.
Oil filters are another matter. At higher temperatures, the oil quality deteriorates, leaving larger deposits in the filter. Be sure to replace your equipment's air and oil filters at the beginning of summer. With clean filters, your compressor systems run cooler and consume less energy.
