Air compressors mostly operate between 2°C and 40°C, which is considered normal for European climate conditions. However, in some cases, ambient conditions may exceed these temperatures. When operating temperatures begin to drop below 2°C, freezing-related problems will begin to emerge. Of course, we can separate the compressor operating temperature from the ambient temperature. Compressors generally work in compressor rooms prepared for them in industry. These rooms can be conditioned to the desired temperatures at which the compressor operates.
One of the most important criteria to consider for compressor rooms is the ventilation of the compressor room. Compressors are machines that suck air from the environment they are in and pressurize the air, causing the temperature of the environment to increase. If adequate ventilation is not provided, the environment in which the compressor operates will heat up, and the air output of the compressor, which sucks in the heated air, will gradually increase, causing the compressor to overheat. However, the increase in the temperature of the air that the compressors suck in will cause the efficiency of the compressor to decrease. The decrease in the ambient temperature in which the compressor operates causes further mechanical problems.
The vast majority of air compressors run on oil. Oil in compressors is critical for removing the heat generated during the compression process and ensuring the proper functioning of the equipment that needs to be lubricated. Oil viscosity increases significantly in cold weather. This causes the compressor to have difficulty during the first start-up, which increases energy consumption. However, in compressors operating in cold environments, there is a high probability that some of the condensed water will mix with the oil. The mixing of condensed water into the oil causes the oil to lose its properties and fail to perform its function. In some cases, water mixed with oil may freeze in the oil. Such situations can cause serious damage to the mechanical parts of the compressor.
Condensed water may accumulate in the air line, filters, separators and dryers inside the compressor. When the air temperature drops sufficiently, icing forms and can cause blockages in the equipment in the compressed air line.
The best way to protect air compressors and compressed air systems from such problems caused by cold weather is the dryers and filters in compressed air systems. Dryers prevent problems that may arise with icing in cold weather by removing the water in the compressed air. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure that the installers and filters in the system work efficiently.
Heating the compressed air line and compressor room would also be a good solution to prevent air compressors from being affected by cold weather. In this way, the compressor is prevented from being affected by cold weather-related problems. Finally, regular maintenance of compressors will ensure that many problems that may be encountered, including water that may form in the oil, are detected and prevented in advance.