3 Air Compressor Problems That Can Occur Without a Proper Air Dryer

Air compressors can create air on a consistent basis, but the mixture of air with other elements will also create condensation and water. The machines were not made for constant exposure to moisture. This is why many industrial machines rely on an air dryer along with the compressor to manage moisture issues.

If your air compressor does not include an air dryer, then you could run into several problems. Learn about these problems and how your air compressor can malfunction without an air dryer.

1. Scaling
Water that cools an air compressor is typically not just pure water. Many forms of water include minerals and small bits that are considered hard water. If the water does not disperse or dry properly, then the minerals are left over and can coat the inside of air compressors' pipes and waterways.

The hard water buildup is known as scaling because the minerals layer over each other and have a similar appearance to fish scales. Over time, scaling can grow and layer, which will eventually impact the performance of an air compressor. Along with an impact on the efficiency of the compressor, the hard chunks could break off and cause clogs in nozzles or airways.

An air dryer can properly filter and dry water to prevent large amounts of scaling and ensure the air compressor operates smoothly.

2. Rust
Along with scales, the water itself may not dry fast enough. Excess moisture can lead to rust on several pipes and internal elements of an air compressor. Rust can grow, spread, and create multiple problems for an air compressor. One of the air dryer's main tasks is to prevent rust formation.

If rust does form and spread, it could eventually lead to pipe corrosion. Corrosion occurs when pipes rust through so much that holes and pieces chip off. If you have corroded pipes, then air leaks can occur in the compressor.

Not only do air leaks cause performance issues for an air compressor, but they could cause a compressor to overwork and overheat. You risk maximum damage to the compressor and would likely need several repairs if a lot of corrosion occurs. An air dryer will prevent the onset of corrosion and the need for costly repairs.

3. Bacteria and Mold
Excess water in an air compressor can also lead to mold. Mold growth can occur rapidly and include harmful bacteria that people breathe in. If an air compressor has excess mold, then the used air could contain the bacteria. Workers could easily breathe in the materials and have health issues.

The bacteria and mold could impact your business as well. For example, you may produce food products and need air compressors to operate correctly. Air compressors with extra moisture can lead to bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. Both forms of bacteria could create major problems for food distribution and consumption.

If problems occur, testing is necessary on the air compressor to see what bacteria is present. The process could take a long time and lead to major problems for product creation and workload within your warehouse. An air dryer can remove excess moisture and prevent bacteria formation and growth.

For more information on air compressor repairs and air dryer installations, contact us at Compressed Air Systems today. We can help you select the best air dryer for your compressor, schedule an installation, and ensure everything works properly. We can also help retrofit designs or install new compressors with dryer technology. We look forward to helping you with all your air compressor needs and will happily answer any questions or concerns you may have.