As summer approaches, it's essential to prepare your compressed air system for the challenges brought by high temperatures and humidity. These conditions can strain the performance of your machines, but with some proactive measures, you can ensure optimal operation during the warmer months. Facility and maintenance managers should take the time now to implement the following summer service tips for their compressed air systems:
Maintain Clean Air and Oil Filters:
Just like a vehicle's gas mileage improves with clean filters, your air compressor operates more efficiently when its air filters are clean. Clogged filters can lead to pressure drops and force the compressor to work harder. Additional moisture in the air during summer can affect filter performance, so regular maintenance and seasonal checks are crucial.
Assess Ventilation:
Proper airflow is essential for both humans and machines. Check the compressor room to ensure adequate ventilation and adjust airflow as needed. This is also an opportune time to remove any pollen or air contaminants that may have accumulated, ensuring a clean and clear environment before the summer heat arrives.
Inspect and Maintain Drains:
Summer humidity increases condensate production, so it's important to ensure that drains are clear and in working order to handle the higher flow. Since condensate may contain compressor oil, it should be treated before being released into the drain. Check the filters and separation tanks of the treatment units to ensure they are operational and keep a replacement service kit on hand to minimize downtime during maintenance.
Clean Coolers:
Blocked or clogged coolers can cause your air compressor to overheat on hot summer days. Prevent potential issues by cleaning the coolers thoroughly before the heat sets in. Just as you wouldn't run in the summer heat with a sweater on, your air compressor needs a clean cooling system to regulate its temperature effectively.
Adjust Water Cooling Systems:
For water-cooled compressors, adjust the water temperature entering the system to compensate for increased ambient temperatures. Ensuring adequate cooling is essential to maintain optimal performance during summer conditions.
By following these summer service tips, you can prepare your compressed air system to operate efficiently even under the demanding conditions of the warmer months. For more detailed information and a comprehensive checklist, download our Review-Repair-Renew Checklist: Summer Heat Edition.
