Service Tips:
Preparing Your Compressor For Hot Weather
Whenever operating in hot weather, there are things to remember about
compressors. Everything possible should be done to keep the compressor
discharge temperature under 200°F.
Oil breaks down much more rapidly at temperatures over 200°F. This
breakdown can coat the oil system with varnish and sludge. This will
decrease the available cooling and raise the discharge temperature even
higher causing additional breakdown. You can see that it is a chain
reaction that, if permitted to continue, will eventually cause a shutdown
of the machine and create an expensive cleanup job.
To make sure the oil system is in top shape for the hot months, the
following should be checked:
Air Cooled Compressors
- Is the cooler (and
aftercooler) exterior clean and free from chaff, dirt, and other
foreign material.
Water Cooled Compressors
- Is the water piping
the same size as the fittings on the heat exchanger. There should be
no reducing bushings used to permit smaller piping.
- Is the cooling water
flow sufficient. Check the Compressor Operator's Manual for the proper
flow.
- Is the cooling water
temperature cool enough. Standard exchangers are designed for 75°F.
maximum inlet water temperature. If the temperature is higher (as with
cooling tower water) much higher water flow rates will be required.
- Has the exchanger
become fouled on the water side of the tubes. This will reduce water
flow and cooling capabilities. Normal pressure drop of the cooler core
at rated water flow is less than 2 PSI. Higher pressure drops may mean
internal fouling.
Air Cooled And Water Cooled Compressors
- Is the machine
positioned so that there is minimum recirculation of hot surrounding
air. The machine should not be boxed in a corner or have no place for
the cooling air to go after it has passed through the cooler.
- After the preceding
checks have been made and the compressor still runs hot, check the
following:
·
restriction of any kind in the oil system.
·
faulty thermal bypass valve.
·
plugged oil separator - causing high discharge
pressure.
·
faulty oil stop valve; broken diaphragm or leaking
o-rings or cups in pneumatic type; faulty coil or jammed valve in solenoid
type.
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