An air compressor is a multi-faceted machine with a wide range of functions to manage. One of the key factors you’ll want to be aware of is its heat management system. It’s important to monitor your air compressor’s heat dispersal system to ensure its trouble-free operation.
Let’s take a look at a few facets of air compressor cooling and what you can do to manage a reasonable temperature for your units.
Types of Compressor Cooling Systems
Compressors are available with a wide variety of cooling systems, each with its own set of pros and cons. These systems include:
- Liquid cooling: Through this method, a coolant is circulated through the unit. Liquid cooling systems are most commonly found in larger compressors.
- Air-to-liquid heat exchange: Air-to-liquid heat exchanges are generally utilized in rotary screw compressor models that make use of lubricants. This system cools hot oil by passing air over it.
- Liquid-to-liquid heat exchange: In this instance, oil and engine coolant utilize a shell-and-tube or plate heat exchanger with separate paths for each liquid. A liquid-to-air heat exchange is then initiated to cool down the engine coolant. This system is typical of rotary screw compressors that make use of oil.
- Natural air convection: A simple cooling mechanism by which hot air generated by the compressor is dispersed away from the unit by means of cooling fins.
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Air Out Your Hot Compressor Rooms
One of the byproducts of a properly functioning air compressor is heat, generated by the energy required to compress the air needed for your application. Much like the gas fumes expelled from powering your car’s engine, the heat coming off of a compressor needs a place to be safely discharged. That’s why it’s important to ensure your compressors will be located in an area with sufficient ventilation.
There are two main reasons why inadequate air compressor ventilation is dangerous. First, it can damage your compressor’s internal components, requiring extensive repair. Next, it can lead to heating issues in your facility, possibly creating a hazard.
Ventilating Your Space, or How to Use Air Compressor Heat to Your Advantage
One of the first things you’ll want to address when installing an air compressor system is ventilation. Installing ducts is a popular way to accomplish this. Once implemented, ducts can be used to redirect heat from your compressors to bring warmth to other parts of your facility. This is a creative way to use compressor-generated heat to address other organizational needs.
Quincy Compressors Excel at Cooling Off
Quincy Compressor has long maintained a reputation for manufacturing industry-leading compressor products that combine durability with outstanding heat transfer mechanisms. The canopy design of our new QGD and QGDV units distribute hot air in a highly efficient manner.
Contact us today to learn more about how outfitting your organization with a Quincy Compressor is a smart choice.