Tips on preparing your compressor system for the colder months ahead and how to start the new year off right!
The cold weather may be here but it isn't too late to prevent shut downs and costly repairs from hazardous weather. Here are some common questions we answer during this time of year:
How many hours are on my compressor since my last PM? Keeping your lubricants and filters changed per the O&M recommendations is important in all seasons.
Is my fresh air intake subject to freezing temps? If you have a direct duct intake allowing ambient air to flow directly into your compressor, consider modifying the duct to allow warmer air from the air compressor room to be feathered into your make up air. This will help avoid possible freeze ups of the separator.
Do my condensate drains need to be heat traced? If they are exposed to freezing temperatures, yes. If your drains freeze, they cannot reject the condensate from the coolers which will force water to the dryer and into the plant. In addition, it is possible that the condensate can freeze and burst lines.
Will winter operation result in the compressor electrical feed breaker tripping? The colder the weather, the higher the viscosity of the lubricant which will result in higher amp draws on cold starts. If this has been a problem in the past, consider installing a crank case heater to lower inrush current under cold start conditions.
What if I am using a refrigerated dryer? Most manufacturers do not recommend installing a refrigerated air dryer in locations that see temps below 32 degrees.
What if my pneumatic equipment has frozen up in previous years? It may be time to consider a desiccant air dryer. It will deliver a -40 degree dew point while refrigerated pulls 35-38 degrees. The dew point is the temperature at which water vapor turns into liquid water.
What if I have condensate lines leaking? This will cause a bigger problem in the winter where it can freeze and cause an accident.
Is your air compressor ready for winter? We'd be happy to come out to your facility and assess the current system and make some recommendations. Know that there are affordable options for winterizing your compressor system. Once we know your unique needs, we can make recommendations for extending the life of your air compressor.
