Of course, the air compressor also needs warm care when the wind is freezing! The cold season can easily
affect your equipment, but with proper maintenance, you can keep your air compressor running efficiently
and stably in winter.
Rocky specially prepared winter air compressor maintenance guide for everyone. Let’s find out together!
Effect of cold air on air compressor
01 Lubricating oil thickens
Low temperatures may cause the lubricating oil to become more viscous, affecting the normal operation of
the lubrication system, thereby reducing the efficiency of the machine and increasing friction during operation.
02 Moisture condensation
In colder environments, moisture in the air is more likely to condense inside pipes and systems, causing
moisture to accumulate and damage machines or cause airway blockages.
03 Embrittlement of parts
In extreme cold temperatures, certain parts may become more fragile, increasing the risk of damage to the
machine.
04 Compression efficiency decreases
Low-temperature environments may affect the efficiency of the compressor, causing performance to decrease
and consuming more energy to achieve the same output.
Preparation and operation for starting up
01 Before starting up
● When starting the air compressor for the first time, make sure the oil temperature is not lower than -5℃. If the
temperature is low, heating can be used to heat the oil barrel and the main engine. The heating method can be
based on the on-site conditions using electric heating belts or electric baking lamps or by heating the lubricating
oil discharged part.
● For units that have been shut down for a long time, the oil filter should be replaced before starting up.
● Before starting, check whether the inverter has condensation and freezing phenomenon, eliminate electrical
faults, and close all drain valves.
● Add an appropriate amount of lubricating oil into the main engine through the air inlet valve.
● Open the rear end cover of the motor, rotate the motor rotor and then jog the air compressor two or three times
or more. It is strictly forbidden to start the air compressor directly without jogging.
02 After powering on
● After the air compressor is officially started, closely monitor the changes in the air compressor's operating
parameters, current, oil temperature, pressure, frequency, and oil level. If there is any abnormality, please stop it
immediately for inspection and analysis.
● For air compressors equipped with heat recovery, in addition to complying with the above startup matters, the
system bypass valve must be opened before starting the machine, and the heat recovery device must be turned
on after the temperature of the standby unit is operating normally.
●For sudden changes in temperature or high-temperature tripping during the startup process, remember not to
restart the machine. You need to add an appropriate amount of lubricating oil from the air inlet valve to the main
engine to turn the main engine flexible and then start the machine again.
Operations and precautions after shutdown
01 Empty and drain thoroughly
● After shutdown, close the gas supply valve to prevent gas from flowing back. Open all drain outlets of the air
compressor and refrigerated dryer to drain the condensed water. The water-cooling unit should ensure that all
water in the cooler is drained. This step reduces the possibility of moisture condensation within the system.
● For machines equipped with a heat recovery system, all water in the heat exchanger and pipes must be
drained out after shutdown to prevent freezing and damage to the equipment.
02 Cleaning and maintenance
● After shutdown, perform a thorough cleaning. Remove dust and dirt from the surface of the machine and
ensure that the air inlet and outlet are unobstructed. At the same time, perform necessary maintenance
according to the user manual, such as replacing or adding lubricating oil.
03 Regular inspection
● After shutting down in winter, check various parts of the air compressor regularly to ensure there is no damage
or wear. Pay special attention to components that may be affected by the cold, such as seals, hoses, etc.
04 Environmental protection
● After the machine is stopped, pay attention to the insulation of the air compressor station and the machine,
close doors and windows, tighten all door panels of the machine, and seal the air guide as much as possible.
Winter is a critical period for air compressor maintenance. Correct maintenance measures can extend
the service life of the equipment, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of failure.
I hope these tips can help you better maintain your air compressor so that the equipment can maintain
efficient and stable operation even in the cold winter.