How summer heat affects compressor systems and how to protect them

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Summer can be particularly difficult for air compressors, due to the sudden fluctuation between cold and warm  weather that can occur numerous times during the season.

If the air system  is important to your production, it’s key to understand the importance of protecting them during the summer.

Heat can have a significant impact in the compressor room, and  to protect it from the heat, you need to understand heat’s effects.

How the summer will affect the air systems

•             Lower Flow Rates – Higher temperature means air is less dense, so less air makes its way through the intake filter.

•             Increased condensate – Warmer air can hold more water vapor. That is why having good filtration system and a reliable air dryer is important to your compressed air system.

•             More Draining – More water means your drains have to work harder as well.

•             Shorter lubricant life – If the ambient temperature in your compressor room  rises 25 °C over working temperatures, this will reduce the lubricant life in half.

•             More rust in your piping – If you are still using black iron piping the moisture will rust the piping system and it will increase the pressure drop and particles going down stream.

How to Beat The Heat?

•             One important step to protect your air system during this period, is to properly ventilate the compressor room. The more ventilation, the better chance of keeping temperatures lower and the compressor working more efficiently

•             Is important to service your dryer before summer. One problem customers face during this season, is the increased humidity and moisture, which ends up in the compressed air. A good air dryer will eliminate that water to keep everything running smoothly.

•             Change/service your in-line filters and drains valves before and during summer. The in-line filters and drain valves will work twice as hard in the summer, proper maintenance is key

•             Make sure that all air-cooled, heat exchangers, such as the air/oil cooler on the air compressor and the condenser on a refrigerated dryer, are kept clean and free of debris that may partially block the airflow or reduce the heat exchange efficiency.