The lull of the year has arrived. Hopefully for you that means a peaceful time between Christmas and New Years where we celebrate, spend time with loved one’s and finally get a little downtime.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of my clients who have allowed me to work with them, side by side throughout this year to achieve their goals.
We’ve covered several topics on preparing your compressed air system for cold weather and just wanted to leave you with a final thought on the topic today.
A great way to save money during the winter months is to capture the heat that your compressor is generating with a heat recovery system. Up to 90% of the heat generated by the heat of compression can be captured and utilized elsewhere in the plant with just a little planning and investment. These can include ambient heat for other areas of the plant, pre-heating boiler combustion air and other additional process heating requirements. Even if the temperature’s can’t be brought up to full operating requirements, utilizing the waste heat from the compressor can cut down on alternate heating costs.
System Preparation
It’s never too early or too late to plan and prepare for temperature changes. Especially the extremes of winter and summer. Put the maintenance and planning items on your calendar so you’re not caught off guard by rapidly changing conditions. Just to be sure you’re aware – follow me on twitter where we always announce when high and low temperature events are expected.
We previously discussed winterizing your compressed air system.. Now we continuing with additional cold weather tips.
Be cautious when working in cold weather. It really can be dangerous!
Weatherizing your compressed air system and facility is an important step when preparing for colder months to make sure your compressor continues operating efficiently.
Take the following steps to ensure your compressed air system and plant are prepared for the cold temperatures.
Repair weather stripping
Check weather stripping and replace areas that are worn. This includes outdoor piping or any equipment in poorly temperature controlled areas.
Inspect drains and air intake filters
Openings that are exposed to outdoor conditions can be problematic. Check your drains to assure proper operation and be sure to insulate an lines that carry condensation to area’s exposed to potential freezing conditions. A frozen line does not carry condensate very far and when it backs up into the compressor, catastrophic failures can occur.
Also, be sure that intake filters pulling air from the outdoors has proper rain / snow hoods in place. If they are left unprotected, snow or freezing rain can be drawn into the intake of the compressor and this will create a less than ideal situation.
Plan weatherization
Prepare your system biannually. Prepare your system for the high temperatures of summer and the low temperatures of winter each spring and fall. Regular planned maintenance for your compressed air (and other systems) ensures that nothing is left to chance.
If preparing and maintaining your system seems overwhelming, talk to your compressed air service company. They will be glad to assist in outlining your specific requirements or can develop a maintenance plan to be performed for you with contract specific requirements.
