Preventing moisture freeze in outdoor air lines this winter is a major priority for many industries across Canada. We understand that a frozen air line can stop your entire operation in a matter of seconds today. Our team observes that compressed air naturally contains a lot of water vapor that turns into liquid. Because we want to keep your lines open, we suggest installing a high-quality air dryer for your shop. We notice that liquid water travels through the pipes and settles in the low spots of your system. Consequently, this water turns into solid ice when the outdoor temperature drops below the freezing point. Furthermore, we believe that a frozen pipe can burst and cause a dangerous high-pressure air leak at work.
Using an automatic drain valve ensures that the water is removed before it can travel down the line. This process ensures that your tools and machines receive dry air that will not freeze or rust. We offer the Best Air Compressor Repair to help you upgrade your air treatment system today. Furthermore, our professional technicians can install heat tape on your most vulnerable outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. This allows you to work outside even in the middle of a cold January morning in Winnipeg or Saskatoon. Proper air drying is the secret to a reliable outdoor air system that works through every blizzard. We prioritize your productivity by ensuring that your air lines are clear of ice and moisture all winter.
Our team finds that many people forget to drain their air tanks during the busy winter months. We see that a full tank of water reduces your storage capacity and increases the risk of freeze. Additionally, we check the dew point of your air to make sure it is low enough for winter. Furthermore, we ensure that your desiccant beads are fresh and able to absorb the maximum amount of water. This prevents the freeze-up that often happens at the furthest point of your air piping system today. We prioritize a dry and healthy air supply for every customer who works in the great outdoors. Consequently, your air tools will last longer and work better when they are not fighting against ice. We believe that clean air is the foundation of a professional and efficient mechanical shop or job site.
Our team uses specialized moisture meters to find where the water is entering your high-pressure air lines. We take the time to design a piping layout that naturally drains the water away from your tools. Furthermore, we suggest using a drip leg at every drop to catch any moisture that makes it through. This keeps your expensive pneumatic equipment safe from the damaging effects of water and rust inside the valves. We prioritize your budget by preventing the costly downtime that comes with frozen and broken air pipes. Our team stays busy helping construction and oilfield companies keep their air moving in the cold. We enjoy providing the technical solutions that allow you to work safely in any weather condition. Please Contact Us if you are finding ice or water in your air tools today.
Why Compressed Air Always Contains Liquid Water
When you compress air, you also compress the humidity that is naturally present in our atmosphere. We find that the air cannot hold as much water as it gets smaller and much denser. Additionally, the heat of compression keeps the water in a vapor state until the air begins to cool. Furthermore, as the air travels through your pipes, it cools down and the water turns into liquid droplets. Consequently, your air lines act like a long straw that collects water and sends it to your tools. We prioritize the removal of this water at the source with professional-grade dryers and moisture separators. Our team can help you select the right size of dryer for your specific air flow needs.
The Difference Between Refrigerated and Desiccant Air Dryers
A refrigerated dryer works like a small air conditioner to cool the air and squeeze out the water. We see that these are great for indoor shops but might not be enough for outdoor winter use. Additionally, a desiccant dryer uses special beads to soak up the water vapor like a dry sponge. Furthermore, these dryers can reach a much lower dew point to prevent freezing in extreme Canadian cold. Consequently, a desiccant dryer is the best choice if your air lines travel outside to a cold building. We prioritize helping you choose the best technology for your specific application and your budget today. Our team can service and repair all makes and models of air dryers to keep them working.
How Heat Tape and Insulation Protect Your Critical Lines
Sometimes it is impossible to remove every single molecule of water from a high-pressure compressed air system. We find that adding insulation to your outdoor pipes can slow down the cooling and prevent ice formation. Additionally, electric heat tape can provide a small amount of warmth to keep the air above freezing. Furthermore, this is a very cost-effective way to protect a small section of pipe that is exposed. Consequently, you can avoid the headache of a frozen line with just a few simple and easy steps. We provide professional installation of heating and insulation products for industrial air systems across Western Canada. Our team ensures that your pipes are protected and safe from the harsh winter elements for years.
FAQ
Why is there water coming out of my air impact wrench?
Water in your tools means your air dryer is not working or your tank needs draining.
Can I put antifreeze in my air lines to stop the ice?
No, antifreeze can damage the seals in your tools and contaminate your compressed air supply.
How often should I drain my air receiver tank in winter?
We recommend draining the tank at least twice a day if you do not have an auto-drain.
What is the difference between a water trap and an air dryer?
A trap removes liquid water, but a dryer removes the vapor before it turns into liquid.
Why did my air line burst during the last cold snap?
Ice likely formed inside the pipe and expanded until the metal or plastic reached its breaking point.