How to Make Air Compressors Survive Scorching Summer
As summer arrives, ambient air temperature and humidity rise, imposing a heavier water load on air treatment within your compressed air system. Air carries higher humidity in summer. Under the maximum operating ambient temperature of 50°C for air compressors, the moisture content in air is 650% higher compared with the typical maximum temperature of 15°C in winter. Rising temperatures create harsher operating conditions for air compressors. Improper handling may trigger high-temperature shutdowns, and in severe cases, lead to lubricating oil coking. Therefore, thorough preparations must be made for air compressors to tackle the toughest challenge of the whole year!
In fact, the following quick and simple measures can guarantee stable operation of the compressed air system throughout summer:
1. Replace the air filter regularly
A clean air filter helps the air compressor operate at a lower temperature with reduced energy consumption. Dirty and clogged filters cause pressure drop. Consequently, the compressor has to run at higher load to meet air demand. Excessive moisture may also impair filter performance.
Hence, strictly follow the 4,000-hour routine maintenance schedule and arrange additional seasonal inspections.
2. Inspect ventilation and oil filter
Extra attention should be paid to the air filter and oil filter in summer. Check the compressor room and adjust ventilation and airflow as required. It is also a good time to clear pollen and other airborne contaminants accumulated in spring, ensuring unobstructed ventilation before the hot summer weather sets in.
A clogged oil filter prevents lubricating oil from timely dissipating heat generated during air compression. It also deprives the rotor of timely lubrication and cooling, which will cause greater economic losses.
3. Check drain pipelines
Higher humidity in summer generates more condensate discharged through drain pipelines. Ensure drain outlets are unobstructed and functioning properly to handle the increased condensate volume.
If the rotor outlet temperature drops below 75°C, condensate may precipitate from hot and humid gas during compression. The condensate will mix with lubricating oil and result in oil emulsification. Therefore, condensate needs treatment before direct discharge. Inspect filters and oil-water separation tanks of the treatment units to confirm normal operation.
4. Clean coolers
Imagine wearing a thick sweater on a sweltering summer day — it hinders perspiration and the body’s temperature regulation. The same logic applies to air compressors. Clogged coolers restrict heat dissipation for compressors in hot weather and cause overheating. Coolers must be kept clean and cleaned periodically.
5. Adjust the water cooling system
For water-cooled air compressors, the temperature of water entering the cooling system can be adjusted to offset rising ambient temperature and ensure adaptability to summer operating conditions.
In fact, the following quick and simple measures can guarantee stable operation of the compressed air system throughout summer:
1. Replace the air filter regularly
A clean air filter helps the air compressor operate at a lower temperature with reduced energy consumption. Dirty and clogged filters cause pressure drop. Consequently, the compressor has to run at higher load to meet air demand. Excessive moisture may also impair filter performance.
Hence, strictly follow the 4,000-hour routine maintenance schedule and arrange additional seasonal inspections.
2. Inspect ventilation and oil filter
Extra attention should be paid to the air filter and oil filter in summer. Check the compressor room and adjust ventilation and airflow as required. It is also a good time to clear pollen and other airborne contaminants accumulated in spring, ensuring unobstructed ventilation before the hot summer weather sets in.
A clogged oil filter prevents lubricating oil from timely dissipating heat generated during air compression. It also deprives the rotor of timely lubrication and cooling, which will cause greater economic losses.
3. Check drain pipelines
Higher humidity in summer generates more condensate discharged through drain pipelines. Ensure drain outlets are unobstructed and functioning properly to handle the increased condensate volume.
If the rotor outlet temperature drops below 75°C, condensate may precipitate from hot and humid gas during compression. The condensate will mix with lubricating oil and result in oil emulsification. Therefore, condensate needs treatment before direct discharge. Inspect filters and oil-water separation tanks of the treatment units to confirm normal operation.
4. Clean coolers
Imagine wearing a thick sweater on a sweltering summer day — it hinders perspiration and the body’s temperature regulation. The same logic applies to air compressors. Clogged coolers restrict heat dissipation for compressors in hot weather and cause overheating. Coolers must be kept clean and cleaned periodically.
5. Adjust the water cooling system
For water-cooled air compressors, the temperature of water entering the cooling system can be adjusted to offset rising ambient temperature and ensure adaptability to summer operating conditions.
