Cambs Compressors Newsletter Summer 2023

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please email [email protected] Compressed Air Equipment Design & Installation Solutions Compressor & Compressed Air System Maintenance C o m p r e s s e d A i r S y s t e m s , D e s i g n , S u p p l y , I n s t a l l a t i o n a n d S u p p o r t Cambs Compressor Engineering Ltd, 22 Edison Road, St Ives, Cambs PE27 3LF Tel: 0800 0029601 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cambscompressors.co.uk Are we heading for a heatwave? During hot summers, air compressor systems can face several challenges that can affect their performance and efficiency. Here are some of the biggest issues that can arise: 1 Overheating: High temperatures can lead to increased heat generation within the compressor system. If the system’s cooling mechanisms, such as fans or radiators, are unable to dissipate this excess heat effectively, the compressor can overheat. 2 Increased energy consumption: Hot weather forces the compressor to work harder to maintain the desired air pressure and temperature. This increased workload can result in higher energy consumption, leading to increased operational costs for the system. 3 Reduced air quality: Warmer temperatures can increase the moisture content in the compressed air. Moisture, combined with other contaminants such as dust and oil, can lead to decreased air quality. 4 Condensate issues: The higher humidity levels during hot summers can result in more condensate formation within the compressor system. If the condensate is not adequately drained or managed, it can accumulate in the system, leading to corrosion, water damage, and decreased system efficiency. 5 Higher maintenance requirements: Hot weather can put additional strain on the compressor system, leading to increased wear and tear on components. This may require more frequent maintenance, including cleaning filters, checking lubrication levels, and inspecting belts and hoses. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to implement proper maintenance practices and consider the following measures: • Ensure proper ventilation and airflow around the compressor system to aid cooling. • Regularly clean or replace air filters to prevent clogging and maintain efficient operation. • Check and maintain appropriate lubrication levels for the compressor. • Monitor and address condensate accumulation promptly through proper drainage and water separation systems. • Consider installing additional cooling systems or insulation to regulate temperatures. • Implement a preventive maintenance schedule to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. If you could only predict the unpredictable? What are the most likely days of the year you will struggle to get emergency breakdown support for your compressors? What happens if you need emergency cover on these days? Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the hardest days to get field engineers out to fix a breakdown on site? Yet in 2022 we had two calls, both were for critical part failure and couldn’t have been prevented or predicted. Both were on relatively new compressors, and we hadn’t experienced the issue prior. It couldn’t be triaged avoiding the need for a call out. Christmas isn’t going to be too far away, so as we eventually wave goodbye to summer 2023 as we always do, we’ll prompt you to prepare for the winter in our Autumn newsletter. But what would happen if you had an emergency breakdown on either of these days? Having emergency breakdown cover doesn’t actually cost that much to have in place, but it could be a significant cost if the contingency isn’t. It can often be a costly alternative to planned maintenance. So if you have a compressor fail, you need a solution not just an emergency engineer. We can provide 24/7 Free Telephone Diagnostics, Emergency Compressor Loan together with 365 Engineer Call Out with a maximum 3 hours on site response – or we pay! Mark Fryer Managing Director, Cambs Compressors The east coast of the UK has recorded the five hottest days on record, so how does this hot weather impact on your compressor? 30ºC 32ºC 34ºC 36ºC Coningsby, Lincolnshire July 19 2022 July 25 2019 August 10 2003 July 18 2022 July 31 2020 40.3ºC 38.7ºC 38.5ºC 38.1ºC 37.8ºC Cambridge Botanic Gardens Faversham, Kent Santon Downham, Suffolk Heathrow Airport, London 38ºC 40ºC 42ºC