{"id":9871,"date":"2021-07-16T16:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-16T16:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fs-elliott.com\/?p=9871"},"modified":"2026-10-28T22:48:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T22:48:14","slug":"summer-air-compressor-cooler-maintenance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fs-elliott.com\/ja\/blog\/summer-air-compressor-cooler-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Air Compressor Cooler Maintenance"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summer Air Compressor Cooler Maintenance<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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7\u6708 16, 2021<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As temperatures rise,\u00a0air compressors<\/a> cooling systems often face additional strain. Intercoolers, aftercoolers, and oil coolers that performed well during cooler months may struggle to maintain operating temperatures when exposed to higher ambient temperatures and humidity.<\/p>\n

A seasonal cooler inspection can help identify fouling, restricted airflow, and other issues before they affect compressor performance. Taking time to inspect and clean coolers before peak summer temperatures arrive may help reduce downtime and maintain consistent airflow throughout the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How Dirty Air Coolers Affect Compressor Performance<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
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Dirty intercoolers and aftercoolers can increase the temperature inside the compressor due to higher humidity levels and rising temperatures.\u00a0 If you do not schedule time for intercooler maintenance<\/a>, your coolers may schedule it for you, causing a loss of plant air.<\/p>

Dirty or aged intercoolers can increase air temperature and reduce air density in the compression stage, resulting in a reduction in the efficiency range or turndown. Ultimately, this will decrease the airflow produced. In the summer months, heat and humidity can exacerbate this situation, further compromising an air compressor\u2019s capacity.\u00a0<\/p>

These factors create the perfect environment for a surge, which occurs when inlet flow is reduced to the degree that is insufficient to overcome the discharge pressure of the compressor. Compressors that experience surge are operating in a state of aerodynamic instability. Surge is a state of the air compressor that, if experienced long enough it could cause harm to the components of the compressor.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Maintaining Proper Oil Temperature<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
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Another important cooler to keep clean is the oil cooler.\u00a0 Oil coolers help maintain the air compressor\u2019s oil at a steady temperature level of 115-125F.\u00a0 Higher temperatures above 140F can affect the quality of the oil and lead to varnish.\u00a0 Anything below 115F will carry water, which decreases oil lubricity, leading to early bearing failures and failures of other parts that are lubricated by the oil.\u00a0 Keeping the oil cooler clean will help maintain the oil temperature at the ideal 115-125F\/C levels.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Why Summer Conditions Matter<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
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Higher ambient temperatures reduce a cooling system\u2019s ability to remove heat from the compression process. Increased humidity can further affect cooler performance, particularly when heat exchangers are already partially restricted by dirt, debris, or scale buildup.<\/p>\n

As cooling efficiency decreases, compressor temperatures rise. This can affect air density, operating range, and overall compressor performance. Facilities operating near peak demand during summer months may notice these effects sooner than during cooler parts of the year.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Recommended Cooler Inspection and Cleaning Intervals<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n
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With this in mind, FS-Elliott\u2019s scheduled maintenance guidelines call for annual inspection of all heat exchangers, including intercoolers, aftercoolers, and oil coolers.<\/p>\n