As autumn quickly gives way to winter, your industrial air compressor may face some operational challenges – especially if your region experiences below-freezing temperatures. One of the primary reasons that compressed air systems may face trouble in the winter is the phenomenon of frozen condensate. All air compressors naturally produce condensate, but when condensate freezes, it can impede system functions, and may lead to frozen control lines, cracking heat exchangers, frozen valves, and more. Follow these best practices for prepping and operating you compressor during cold winter months to ensure its continued durability and effectiveness. Unless your air compressor was factory built in preparation for wintry conditions, you will want to winterize your compressor to protect it against rain, sleet, snow, and ice by conducting a thorough audit of your machine. If your compressor is located outdoors, you may run into some major issues in freezing conditions – so when possible, it’s always best to keep your system in a heated and insulated compressor room. Temperature: No industrial air compressor should be operating in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and many experts recommend keeping your compressor room around or above 45 degrees during the winter.
Did you know that the ideal operating temperature for a compressor typically ranges between 40° to 95° degrees Fahrenheit? This means that winter’s frigid temperatures can have a substantial impact on your compressed air system, especially if the ambient temperatures in your compressor room fall below this range. Air Compressor Not Turning On. Have a rotary screw compressor that’s refusing to start in the cold? There’s a good chance this is due to the low ambient air temperature limit switch, which prevents the compressor from starting if the ambient conditions are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder the temperatures, the thicker the oil! Thicker compressor oil results in less lubrication ability, which then means it takes more power to operate the compressor pump. Wet incoming air places can freeze inside desiccant air dryer piping, causing tower switching valves to malfunction. Because air dryers operate less efficiently in colder temperatures, there is a greater chance for increased condensate throughout the compressor system. Trace heating on pipes can help prevent freezing throughout the air compressor and distribution system. A compressor that works sufficiently during daytime temperatures might prove insufficient after dusk! Some facilities also have systems where compressed air is sent from one point to another with lines that go both inside and outside of the facility.
All of these will help you avoid problems when running an air compressor in winter. At Kaishan Compressor USA, LLC, we understand it’s not always possible to locate your compressor in a warm location. Using a compressor that’s not matched to the application will increase operating costs and may result in an uneven or inadequate supply of compressed air.
Remember, most air compressors are designed to work in temperatures above 40°F. Now, let’s look into how air compressors work and why you shouldn’t store them in the cold. Prepare the air compressor for storing by turning it off and turning the knob on the device to make the air pressure hit zero. Generally, air compressors shouldn’t be kept in temperatures below 40-45°F. Depending on how brutal winters are where you live, the room you have the air compressor stored in can reach temperatures below 40°F. Thus, it is important to know how to maintain the room properly to ensure that the compressor runs at its maximum efficiency.
do air compressors work in cold weather Related Question:
Can you leave an air compressor in an unheated garage?
It’s an unheated garage that sometimes goes to -30oC. thanks for your input. Storing it in the cold should be fine. Drain any water before you store it.
Can compressors freeze?
Frozen compressors, icy coils, and frosty refrigerant lines are all a product of evaporator coils that are too cold. Nearby moisture in warm air condenses on the cooling coils and freezes. That can make the compressor run hot and burn out. The compressor could also freeze up.
Can I leave my air compressor outside?
Moving your compressor outside can be done, however it does come at a risk to your business and your compressor. If you do decide to install it outside, please make sure to keep it covered, insulate your machine & regularly check and maintain.
Can I store air compressor in Shed?
One of the most common storage concerns is whether or not your tools will rust. You must find a clean, dry place to put your compressor. For example, you should not store your compressor in a storage shed unless it is sufficiently insulated from the outdoor elements.
Can an air compressor explode?
Yes, air compressors can blow up. Air compressor explosions are most commonly caused by substantial corrosion of the compressor tank. Excessive condensation leads to corrosion, and you can avoid this outcome by monitoring and servicing the compressor and its auxiliary components.
Can you store an air compressor in the garage?
It’s an unheated garage that sometimes goes to -30oC. thanks for your input. Storing it in the cold should be fine. Drain any water before you store it.
Where should I place my air compressor?
Your air compressor should always be accessible for servicing. A rule of thumb is to place your compressor somewhere that allows a minimum of a three-foot radius around the unit. This allows doors on any side of your compressor to open fully, meaning different components can be changed during servicing.
Can air compressors get rained on?
If an air compressor gets wet (whether from rain, flooding, spills, etc.), it can affect performance, accelerate wear, or cause the unit to stop working entirely. Excess moisture can damage or degrade mechanical components, both internal and external. It may also create electrical/fire hazards.
Is it bad to store air in an air compressor?
The short answer is yes, it is perfectly safe to leave an air compressor full. However, this assumes that it has been properly maintained, with regular draining to remove accumulated moisture from inside the tank.
Should you store an air compressor empty?
Draining your compressor after every use is not necessary unless you use it very rarely. A good practice would be to drain the compressor tank every couple of days for daily use. This helps you remove the condensate and moisture gathered inside the tank, slowing down the corrosion process.
Why are compressors cold?
The reason the can gets cold after being used is due to a process known as adiabatic cooling, a property of thermodynamics. A gas, initially at high pressure, cools significantly when that pressure is released.
How often should you drain your air compressor?
It is recommended that you drain your tank daily, whether it is manually or automatically. Water build up in your tank can cause the bottom of your tank to rust forcing you to invest in a new tank. If you find yourself forget about draining your tank, you should look into purchasing an electronic drain valve.
Can a rusted air compressor tank explode?
Rust. If the tank is not drained daily, liquid can accumulate in the bottom of the tank over time. This liquid can corrode the bottom interior of the tank, eventually leading to the air pressure inside rupturing the weakened metal and causing an explosion.
Why do aerosol cans get cold when shaken?
The energy that the aerosol can absorbs from the environment apart from the shaking actually cools the rest of the liquid present inside the aerosol. This is infact the same phenomenon which produces the cooling effect in desert coolers or earthen pots. This is why in effect we feel that the aerosol can has cooled.
Is compressed air hotter or colder?
Cooling is a crucial step in the compressed air process. The ideal gas law tells us when the pressure on any constant volume of gas increases, the temperature also increases. Compressed air is no exception; it can become as hot as 300 degrees F.
