Rotary Screw Air Compressors Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Rotary Screw Air Compressors Affected By Cold Weather Conditions
By Joel F Morningstar
Industrial applications utilize rotary screw air compressors
over any other type. However, the problem with rotary screw compressors
is that cold weather can cause setbacks if they are not winterized.
There are many strange ideas floating around about this problem.
These misconceptions are often passed on by people who do not
know the proper maintenance steps that should be taken for the
compressors that will be used in bitterly cold weather conditions.
Many people think that because their compressor is inside a heated
building, it will not be affected by outside air temperatures.
This is not true, because the oil coolers are often vented to
the outside of the building.
Thermal Or Bypass Valves To Protect The Compressor
Oil that is trapped in a cooler that is exposed to cold air can
become thick and will not circulate. Some rotary screw air compressors
have thermal or bypass valves in the oil cooling system.
This helps protect the compressor parts during startup in cold
weather. The valve must be checked regularly to ensure that it
is operating properly. Synthetic oil can be a good help because
it will circulate easier at low temperatures.
Condensation Problems In Cold Weather
However, the real problem is water build up in the oil sump because
the water will not boil off and evaporate when the compressor
is working under 140 degrees F. Problems caused by the water buildup
can be avoided by occasionally draining a small amount of oil
during cold weather before starting the compressor up.
In cold weather, rotary screw air compressors can be damaged
by condensation problems. Moisture in the lines can cause sensors
to send bad signals to the control boards, which can damage compressor
parts.
Discharge Lines Blocked By Ice
Many times this problem goes unnoticed until someone is alerted
by the constant relief of air pressure at the safety valves. There
are many drains placed strategically along the air lines in screw
compressors that lead to discharge lines. These discharge lines
empty outside and can become blocked by ice in very cold conditions.
This ice blockage must be removed and the condensation allowed
to drain before shutting down at night, otherwise moisture will
back up into the air lines and cause damage to the expensive components
in the system.
Even if you review your options and the decision is made to use
rotary screw air compressors only during the summer, it is important
to winterize the compressors. Fresh oil and a change in the filter
are necessary before storage.
Fresh Oil Is Your Secret Ingredient
Bearings and compressor parts can be damaged by acids that have
developed in the used oil, if it is left sitting for long periods
of time. Putting fresh oil in screw compressors eliminates the
problem. It is a good idea to manually rotate the motors a few
times a month during the winter and keep the rotors coated with
fresh oil.
Make sure that your maintenance staff is educated about your
compressors, as outside service can be very expensive and downtime
may be the result of a lack of maintenance.
About the Author:
Joel F Morningstar has written a number of articles on home improvement, gardening
and landscaping including
Backyard Landscaping,
Miniature Fruit Trees,
Pepper Plant,
Coffee Plant,
Front Yard Landscape,
Lawn Swing,
Fast Growing Trees,
Stone Walkway,
Big Backyard,
Deck Ideas,
Swing Set Backyard,
Patio Garden,
Lawn And Garden,
Design Landscaping,
Lawn Care.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
Little Known Air Compressor Facts....
Air compressors are definitely handy things to have around your
home. Have you ever walked out of the house to get into your vehicle
only to find one of the tires is low? Have no fear that is where
an air compressor comes in handy.
Simply hook up the compressor to your tire and you will soon
be on your way. Do you need to paint your house? Air compressors
can do that too. They have a wide variety of uses and you can
be sure that eventually you will need one.
|
