Performance, Precision, Partnership

Are You Winter Ready? 5 Tips For "Winterising" Your Compressed Air System

 

As the cold weather is now upon us, here are 5 tips to ensure your compressed air systems are winter-proof.

 1. Drain receiver tanks

  • Keep moisture from freezing in the tank
  • Tank should have an automatic drain for maximum condensate collection
  • Check tanks weekly throughout the year

A sudden increase in condensate can indicate a more serious problem with your system.

2. Use heat trace tape

  • Winterise outdoor condensate drain lines and drain bowls with heat trace tape.

Heat trace tape won't work without power supplied to it. If your plant is shut down over Christmas, be sure to drain all the water from the lines.

3. Adjust louvres

  • Minimize cold air to the compressor inlet so it reaches operating temperature quickly by adjusting louvres. This ensures proper lubrication and minimizes moisture formation in the oil circuit.
  • Recover the heat from the compressor outlet by ducting the warm air away to heat an adjacent room or recirculate air in the compressor room if it's too cold.

Thermostatically controlled louvres are highly recommended. Otherwise, you'll need to manually adjust them.

4. Use heaters

  • Use cabinet or ambient heaters to preheat and keep lubricant warm.
  • If you already have one installed, check to make sure it's functioning and adjusted for the lowest allowable operating temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

Keeping the lubricant warm prevents cold starts. Cold starts cause wear and tear on the motor and airend, and in some cases, catastrophic failure.

5. Maintain separators and drains.

  • Clean and rebuild separators, drains, and valves during the reduced production over the holidays and winter months.

Separators, valves, and drains are susceptible to moisture. Proper maintenance will keep valves from sticking and condensate from freezing.

 

Choose HPC KAESER for your compressed air needs

HPC and its Authorised Distributors are experienced and qualified to design, install, and tailor the compressed air system to meet your individual requirements while maximising efficiency. Peace of mind is also provided that all work will be in accordance with HPC guidelines and current legislation.

HPC and its Authorised Distributors are also able to offer a variety of service plan options tailored to your needs. Get in touch to speak to an experienced and knowledgeable HPC KAESER trained engineer about your compressed air needs.