Air Compressor Works
Post

We have had a few hot days so far but there is more to come with the summer heat.

This spring has already brought high temperatures to most compressor areas, which can affect the performance of the equipment and/or cause shutdowns. Most compressor manufacturers rate their equipment at 60° F inlet and ambient room conditions. If you have 95° F ambient temperature in the room, the compressor is designed to operate effectively as long as it is properly maintained. The heat also has an effect on capacity as any piston or screw compressor will lose approximately 8 percent of its output at 95° F just due to lower air density at higher temperatures.

Spring temperatures may have already caused operation issues. We wanted to remind you that you should check these few things below to minimize downtime and protect your equipment for summer 2019.

Our 2019 summer can be hard on your air system if you have not done the following:

• Clean the coolers – clean them per the manufacturer’s recommendations (may require removal)
• Replace the inlet air filter, just don’t clean it – a restricted inlet filter can raise operation temperature 10°F
• Change the oil and oil filter every 12 months – contaminants in oil reduce heat transfer capabilities
• Completely blow out dryer refrigeration condenser – a dirty condenser means inadequate cooling which means moisture in the lines

If everything above has been done, here are some other steps you can take to ensure you have a good operational environment for your compressor system.

Things to do now:

• Put a $10-18 inch outdoor type thermometer in your compressor room to monitor the operating temperatures – should be no more than 10° above ambient – if it is then you have a problem
• Check the area ventilation to make sure that your compressor room is close to the outside air temps even in the hottest weather – louvers need to be operational – fans need to be activated before the heat builds up– fan drive belts need to be replaced as required
• If you have a 90°F room a rotary screw should operate at no more than 195°F and the normal operating temperature of a refrigerated dryer should be 38° to 40°F – anything beyond these temperatures indicate trouble
• Look at current room temperature and compare it to the operating temperatures of the compressor as well as the refrigerated air dryer – create a log sheet to track so you can see problems before they become a crisis

Not only are you creating issues for your system today, but, high temperatures can affect the service life of the equipment as much as 20 to 30%.

If you have issues with the compressor – take care of it now, because it will only get worse as we continue with the hot weather.

If you need some help or have a concern, contact ACW at (561) 844-4559 or salesteam@aircompressorworks.com