Why Your Industrial Air Compressor Overheats During a Chinook

Why your industrial air compressor overheats during a chinook is a common problem for many Western Canadian businesses. We understand that a sudden blast of warm wind is a welcome break from the freezing winter cold. Our team observes that these rapid temperature changes can confuse your compressor’s internal cooling system today. Because we want to keep your shop running, we suggest checking your ventilation fans during these warm spells. We notice that dust and debris can clog your heat exchangers when the snow melts away quickly. Consequently, your machine may run much hotter than it should even if the outdoor air feels nice. Furthermore, we believe that regular cleaning of the cooling fins is the best way to prevent a shutdown.

Using a clean radiator ensures that the heat from the compression process can escape into the room. This process ensures that your internal components do not melt or warp from the extreme thermal stress today. We offer the Best Air Compressor Repair to keep your cooling system in top shape. Furthermore, our professional technicians can inspect your thermal valves to ensure they are opening at the right time. This allows the oil to flow through the cooler instead of bypassing it when the room gets warm. Proper airflow is the secret to a reliable and efficient air system that can handle any weather. We prioritize your uptime by providing fast onsite service for any overheating alarms you might experience.

Our team finds that many shops keep their compressors in small, unventilated rooms to save space. We see that these rooms become like ovens when the compressor runs during a warm afternoon in the Prairies. Additionally, we check the direction of the cooling fan to make sure it is pulling enough fresh air. Furthermore, we ensure that your air filters are not blocked by the sudden increase in local dust. This prevents the motor from working too hard and generating extra heat that the system cannot handle. We prioritize a cool and stable operating environment for every piece of air equipment we service for you. Consequently, a well-ventilated compressor will use less electricity and last much longer over the next few years. We believe that cooling is just as important as compression for a healthy industrial air system today.

Our team uses high-pressure air and specialized cleaners to remove dirt from your inter coolers and after coolers. We take the time to test the high-temperature safety switch to make sure it works in an emergency. Furthermore, we suggest installing a ducting system to pull cool air from outside directly into the machine. This keeps your compressor running at a steady temperature regardless of the wild weather outside your door. We prioritize your investment by preventing the expensive damage that comes with a major overheating event in the shop. Our team stays busy helping local manufacturers keep their air flowing during every season of the year. We enjoy teaching our customers how to manage their air systems for the best performance and lowest cost. Please Contact Us if your compressor is shutting down due to high temperature alarms today.

The Impact of Sudden Warm Air on Your Cooling Efficiency

Air compressors generate a massive amount of heat as a byproduct of turning air into high-pressure energy. We find that the cooling system relies on a steady flow of air that is cooler than the machine. Additionally, a chinook or heatwave can raise the temperature by twenty degrees in just a few short hours. Furthermore, this warm air is much less effective at removing heat from the oil and the compressed air. Consequently, the internal temperature of the rotary screw can spike and trigger an automatic emergency safety shutdown. We prioritize the optimization of your cooling fans to ensure they can handle these sudden and sharp shifts. Our team can install larger coolers if your current system is struggling to stay within safe limits.

Why Blocked Heat Exchangers are a Major Fire Risk

The heat exchanger acts like a radiator to cool down the hot oil before it returns to the pump. We see that a thick layer of dust acts like a blanket and traps the heat inside the metal. Additionally, oily dust is highly flammable and can ignite if the compressor runs too hot for too long. Furthermore, a fire inside a compressor room can be devastating for any small or large industrial business. Consequently, keeping the coolers clean is a matter of safety and not just a matter of performance today. We suggest using a vacuum or compressed air to blow out the cooling fins every single week. Our team provides professional deep cleaning services to remove the stubborn grease that simple air cannot reach.

Checking the Function of Your Thermal Mixing Valve

Your compressor has a special valve that decides if the oil needs to go through the cooler. We find that these valves can get stuck in the bypass position after a long and cold winter. Additionally, this means the oil stays hot and continues to get hotter as the machine runs in the shop. Furthermore, the motor will have to work harder to push the hot and thin oil through the system. Consequently, you will see a steady rise in the discharge temperature until the machine finally quits on you. We prioritize testing these valves during our regular maintenance visits to ensure they are working perfectly for you. Our team carries replacement thermal elements to fix this common overheating problem right on the spot.

FAQ

Why does my compressor shut off when it gets warm outside?

The machine is likely overheating because the cooling system cannot keep up with the rising ambient air temperature.

How often should I clean the cooling fins on my compressor?

We recommend blowing out the dust at least once a week if your shop is a dusty environment.

What is a safe operating temperature for a rotary screw compressor?

Most machines should run between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius for the best performance and safety.

Can I use a regular house fan to cool my compressor?

A house fan can help a little, but it is not a substitute for proper ventilation and ducting.

Why is the air coming out of my tank so hot?

Hot air in the tank means your aftercooler is dirty or the cooling fan is not working.