Tech Tips Q&A

Q – How does hot weather affect the quality of my compressed air?
A – First, it increases the amount of moisture present. You must understand that when you compress air, it not only absorbs and harnesses energy, but it contains all the same moisture and debris particles in a now reduced volume. Your compressed air is saturated with moisture and the higher the temperature, the more moisture is present. See the chart below.

Second, the effective capacity of your refrigerated air dryer will be reduced as either or both the ambient and inlet air temperature exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Your 500cfm dryer becomes about a 400cfm dryer at 110 degrees, as far as its ability to deliver the desired dew point.

Third, in an indirect fashion, hot weather may cause you to open compressor room doors to the either the outdoors or to a production area to facilitate better inlet and cooling air flows. That can allow debris or particles of many types, both natural and synthetic to not only clog filters and heat exchangers but make it into the compressed air. Clogged filters will amplify high temperature concerns! Proper filtration can keep unwanted particulate from your processed air; but an overabundance of debris may cause filters to become saturated faster than expected, requiring element replacement early or more frequently.

Q – How do I achieve the compressed air quality I need with these phenomena occurring?
A – Ensure inlet air is good; temperature and debris-wise. Allow for proper cooling of air flow in your compressor room. Correctly size your dryer(s) for the conditions in the room. Use appropriate filtration and pre-filters as necessary, and make sure they are replaced as needed. Your IAC Area Manager and Field Service Technicians can help you ascertain how your environment affects your air quality and prevent the issues caused by higher temperatures.