Air compressors are among the key components of gas generators. Excessive temperature and humidity can adversely affect the normal operation of air compressors.
When the ambient temperature exceeds the highest operating temperature set for the generator, typically above 35°C, it can impact the compressor's compression ratio, resulting in reduced air output. Additionally, as the temperature rises, it accelerates the wear of moving parts, shortening their lifespan. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper heat dissipation and ventilation to keep the ambient temperature below 35°C during operation.
Apart from temperature, humidity also affects air compressors. Humidity refers to the water vapor content in the air. When air is compressed, a significant amount of water vapor enters the compressor along with the air. The higher the humidity, the more moisture is present, requiring a larger intake volume, which increases the load on the compressor. Moreover, excessive air humidity can lead to rusting of some components of the compressor, resulting in increased failure rates and a reduced service life.
The effects of high temperature and humidity also extend to other components within the generator. For components such as electromagnetic valves, contactors, and relays within the generator, excessively high temperatures may cause a decline in the performance of insulating materials. High humidity can also lead to rusting of electromagnetic valves, shortening their lifespan and increasing the failure rate. Furthermore, high temperature and humidity may reduce the cooling efficiency of the cooler, directly affecting the generator's dehumidifying performance.
For generators using PSA technology, the increased number of moving parts and electronic controls are more susceptible to the impact of high temperature and humidity, potentially affecting the performance of internal components and the overall operation of the generator. For generators using membrane separation technology, the separation efficiency of the membrane may be affected by temperature, thereby affecting the quality of the produced gas. Therefore, it is recommended that the optimal ambient temperature for the generator not exceeding 35°C.
What measures can be taken in the laboratory on a daily basis to ensure the stable and efficient operation of the generator? Here are some maintenance tips for generators during hot and humid weather:
Ensure that laboratory ventilation systems and air conditioning are functioning properly to keep the ambient temperature below 35°C (ideally, the working temperature should be below 30°C). Perform dehumidification in the laboratory to maintain a relative humidity below 60% (you can set the air conditioning mode to "dehumidify"). Daily check for moisture, foreign objects, and discoloration in the intake and exhaust gas pipelines. Weekly check for proper drainage of the instrument and regular cleaning of the drainage pipes.
