Air compressor in winter operation, due to the low ambient temperature, the working condition of its systems will be affected to a certain extent, prone to a variety of faults, we need to pay extra attention and take appropriate preventive and corrective measures.

First, start-up related failures

In winter, the temperature is low, the viscosity of the lubricant will increase. If the lubricant of the compressor is not replaced in time with a model suitable for low-temperature environments, the high viscosity will make the lubricant flow resistance in the oil circuit increases. For example, at -10°C, ordinary lubricating oil may become very viscous, resulting in greater resistance to be overcome to rotate the main unit when the motor is started, making it difficult to start the air compressor. Meanwhile, the low temperature in winter may affect the starting devices of the air compressor, such as starting capacitors and relays. These components may experience performance degradation or damage at low temperatures. For example, the starting capacitor may lose part of its capacitance value in low temperature, resulting in insufficient starting current and failure to start the air compressor normally.

Second, lubrication system failure

The viscosity of lubricating oil increases under low temperature, and the working load of oil pump increases. When the impeller, gears and other parts of the oil pump are running in viscous lubricating oil, the friction increases, which is easy to cause increased wear. If the oil pump works in this state for a long time, there may be insufficient oil suction, resulting in insufficient pressure in the lubrication system, affecting the normal lubrication of the air compressor. In addition, the additives in the lubricating oil may precipitate at low temperatures and form deposits. These sediments, mixed with impurities in the lubricating oil, are easily deposited in the oil pipe, resulting in oil pipe blockage. Once the oil pipe is blocked, the lubricant can not be properly transported to the various lubrication parts, will accelerate the wear and tear of parts.

Third, the cooling system failure

For water-cooled air compressor, if the cooling water does not take appropriate anti-freezing measures, in the winter when the temperature is below 0 ℃, the water in the cooling water pipeline may freeze. After the water freezes, the volume expands and may burst the water pipeline, causing cooling water leakage. This will not only affect the cooling effect of the air compressor, but may also lead to damage to the internal parts of the air compressor due to overheating. Moreover, the cooling efficiency of the radiator may be affected by the relatively low water vapour content in the air in winter. Meanwhile, if the surface of the radiator is frosted or covered with snow or ice, it will also hinder the heat distribution, which will increase the exhaust temperature of the air compressor and affect its working efficiency and service life. For air-cooled air compressors, the bearing of the cooling fan may lack sufficient grease at low temperatures, resulting in inflexible rotation. In addition, the fan blades may be frost or snow, increasing the rotation resistance of the fan and reducing the cooling effect.

Fourth, the air system failure

Dust and impurities in the air in winter are easy to combine with water vapour to form dirt at the air intake filter and clog the filter. This will reduce the amount of air into the air compressor, so that the suction pressure of the air compressor is reduced, thus affecting its air production and exhaust pressure. At the same time, if the air line of the compressor is not properly insulated, the water vapour inside the pipe may freeze in low temperatures, causing the pipe to freeze and crack. This will cause gas leakage and affect the normal operation of the air compressor.

V. Electrical system failure

Low temperature may affect the performance of the electronic components of the air compressor controller. For example, some capacitors, resistors and other components of the parameters may change, resulting in errors in the controller's control logic, affecting the normal operation of the air compressor, such as false alarm signals or abnormal start-stop control. In addition, low temperature wire and cable flexibility will be reduced, easy to break. Especially in some frequently moving or bending parts, if the wire cable breaks, it will lead to circuit breakage, so that the air compressor can not work properly.

In short, the winter air compressor is prone to a variety of failures, the relevant operators should take precautions in advance, regular inspection and maintenance of the air compressor, to ensure that it can be stable and safe operation in winter.