Ensure winter reliabilty with air compressor frost protection

Rotary screw air compressors are normally designed to run in ambient temperatures of +1C. As the ambient temperature drops and when a compressor is left off overnight or a weekend, the viscosity of the oil in the air compressor airend will thicken significantly, which will cause increased strain on the compressor motor when it tries to start up. In many instances it may not start causing downtime for production. Avelair offer a factory fitted frost protection kit on new compressors – a tube heater is installed near to the airend and is switched on via a thermostat when the compressor is off and the temperature drops below 0C. This point of use heater will ensure the oil remains at a good viscosity so the compressors starts up every time. A heater is also installed inside the electrical cabinet to ensure no condensation forms in colder temperatures which could cause damage to electrical components.

Alongside this, frost protection kits are also available for the zero loss drains which are fitted to the receivers to automatically drain the air receiver from condensate. This point of use heater will ensure any condensate in the drain does not freeze, expand and cause damage to the drain.
All these options are great solutions for air compressors which are going to be located outdoors and exposed to ambient temperatures. We would though recommend providing a roof to stop water ingress into the compressor.

If you are installing your air compressor outdoors, please speak to our team who are on hand to ensure you have the correct options to offer a cost-effective long-term reliability. 

For more information on Ensure winter reliabilty with air compressor frost protection talk to Avelair Compressed Air Solutions