In winter every year, it is believed that some customers will encounter the poor operation of the oxygen generation system. It is because the performance of the oxygen generation system equipment will decrease or the molecular sieve will fail in a low temperature environment. So in the cold winter or low temperature environment, what needs to do to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the oxygen generation system? Before finding an effective method, let's take a look at what kind of resistance the low temperature brings to the system.

The influence of low ambient temperature on oxygen generation system

1. After the cold air enters the air compressor, it will produce a large amount of water vapor when it encounters high temperature, which will increase the burden of post-processing water vapor filtration of air compressor. In addition, during compressed air enters the production area through the pipeline, because the pipeline may be underground or in the air, it results in a part of moisture in the pipeline, which will produce a large amount of water and will affect the operation of oxygen generator.

2. The oil circuit system is an important part of the air compressor circulation system. Generally speaking, during normal operation, low temperature is beneficial to the oil system that needs to be cooled. However, when an air compressor that has not been started all year round starts again at low temperature, the lubricating oil in the oil circuit may condense, which will cause the equipment to fail to work normally.

3. The low temperature environment may cause failure of the PSA oxygen generator molecular sieve, which will directly affect the oxygen generation performance of the entire oxygen system.

Key points of air compressor protection at low ambient temperature

1. Take heat insolation measures for the electronic drain valve and pipeline system to prevent moisture from freezing the automatic drain valve pipeline or other parts.

2. Keep the temperature of the machine room above 0℃. At low temperature, you need to be cautious about restarting the air compressor that already shut down for a period of time, otherwise it will affect the life of the machine. Close the exhaust vent or lead it indoor to adjust the indoor temperature. When the compressor is stopped or not running, an electric heater needs to be properly equipped to adjust the room temperature.

3. When off work or the equipment is shut down, the drain valves of pipes, gas storage tanks, dryers, etc are fully opened to drain out the condensate completely before closing the valves. 

4. After the compressor is stopped, the gas must be discharged till to the display shows 0bar, then close the valve. Turn on the automatic drain valve of the air compressor, air storage tank, and dryer, then turn off after the air and condensate are completely drained out. When the machine is shut down for a long time, it must be started once a week, and then repeats the above operation after 3 hours. In cold and low temperature weather, you should always pay attention to the operating conditions of the air compressor, and do regular maintenance to prevent the occurrence of air compressor failures to ensure the smooth progress of production.

Key points of protection of molecular sieve at low temperature

1. For equipment with air-cooled compressors and oxygen generators in the same machine room, the air compressor's heat dissipation air duct can be installed with air outlets that can discharge hot air to the machine room (attention should be paid when installing on-site by after-sales service). In winter, the indoor temperature can be adjusted by hot air, and the compressed air temperature will not be too low. As long as the suitable temperature in the machine room can be ensured, heating facilities are not required.

2. For equipment with water-cooled compressors and oxygen generators in the same machine room, it is necessary to ensure that there are heating facilities in the machine room to reach the normal operating temperature. Generally, the ambient temperature of the machine room is required to be 15-40°C.

3. In the case of centralized air supply in the air compressor station, since the waste heat of the air compressor cannot be used, heating facilities must be provided in the machine room, and the compressed air entering the oxygen generator must be heated. There are two heating methods: a heat exchanger can be used to heat the compressed air, the heating water passes through the shell, and the compressed air passes through the pipe. This kind of heat exchanger is not a pressure vessel and does not require inspection and electric heating. Equipment costs and operating costs are lower. If heating cannot be used for heat exchange, an electric heater for compressed air is needed. The pressure vessel with a large processing capacity is generally with a heating power of about 0.5-0.7Kw/m3 (air volume) due to the low ambient temperature.

These two heating devices for compressed air need to consider the cost.

4. In the case of centralized gas supply in the air compressor station, thermal insulation measures (such as laying thermal insulation materials on the pipeline or container) can also be taken in the gas transmission pipeline and pressure vessel to minimize heat loss. Ensure that the equipment can operate normally and effectively.