As summer heats up, so do the countless air compressors that power businesses and manufacturers all around the country. They are powerful, versatile machines that are relied on in almost every industry from manufacturing to food processing, but during the summer, users need to take extra steps to ensure that their compressor does not overheat and bring their operations to a halt.
Compressors are carefully engineered to manage their heat levels, including a kill switch once a certain internal temperature is hit. Warm weather alone is normally not enough cause for concern, but summer months also bring in added problems. Pollen, such as cottonwood, and dirt that get pulled into a compressor’s air filters can block the coolers and eventually cause overheating leading to breakdowns.
“I tell people that when an air compressor is running, it’s like a giant vacuum cleaner; anything in the building that’s floating in the air gets sucked right into it,” said CompressAir Service Manager Dean Caldwell. “It’s a very serious concern because it’ll shut you down.”
High temperatures start causing problems well before the shutdown switch is activated, and this can include overheated oil breaking down and carrying into the compressor’s air lines.
“It’s kind of like a dog chasing its tail,” Caldwell said. “Because it’s overheating, it has less fluid to cool.”
The cooling system's failing also creates condensation, putting extra stress on the dryer and often leading to moist, oily compressed air. Gone unnoticed, this can lead to problems with the user’s products.
“One example is in regards to anyone using compressors in the painting or power coating business. Moisture in the air is their enemy,” Caldwell said. “The painters call it ‘fish eyes,’ little craters in their spray paint. We have a client that paints RVs that are three-hundred and four-hundred-thousand-dollar units; they don’t want fisheyes in their paint job.”
Ultimately, a compressor overheating can mean thousands of dollars lost, with your business idling as you wait for a repair. Luckily, it is a fairly simple problem to avoid.
First, make sure your compressor room is well ventilated and clear of debris. Next, establish a daily routine of checking and clearing your dust evacuators, filters, and coolers of any pollen, dust, or other kinds of residue. If it builds up, it is like wearing a winter coat on a summer day. Lastly, be sure to keep a watchful eye on lubricants – they need to be clear and topped off.
CompressAir is fully equipped to help clients perform all of their basic maintenance needs and to get businesses back up and running as soon as possible in the event of a breakdown.
“We offer service for 24 hours, seven days a week,” Caldwell said. “We have a service tech on call at all times, even after business hours. We keep all of our bases covered.”
To learn more about CompressAir, visit compressair.net.
