WHY DOES MY ROTARY SCREW AIR COMPRESSOR KEEP OVERHEATING?
By JT Elite Air LLC — Central North Carolina
A rotary screw air compressor that repeatedly shuts down on high temperature is telling you something is wrong. Resetting the alarm and restarting the compressor may get production moving again, but it doesn't correct the underlying problem.
At JT Elite Air LLC, we troubleshoot compressor problems by looking for the root cause instead of immediately recommending expensive component replacement.
COMMON CAUSES OF HIGH DISCHARGE TEMPERATURE
Several problems can cause a rotary screw compressor to run hotter than normal.
1. Dirty or Restricted Coolers
Oil coolers and aftercoolers depend on good airflow and clean heat-transfer surfaces. Dust, oil residue, lint, and manufacturing debris can gradually restrict the cooler.
The compressor may operate normally during cooler weather but begin experiencing high-temperature shutdowns when ambient temperatures increase.
Cleaning the cooler correctly can sometimes solve what appears to be a much larger compressor problem.
2. Low Compressor Oil Level
Rotary screw compressor oil doesn't simply lubricate the airend. It also removes a significant amount of heat from the compression process.
Low oil level can therefore cause temperatures to rise quickly.
Finding out why the oil level is low is just as important as adding oil.
Possible causes include:
- • Leaks
- • Excessive oil carryover
- • Separator problems
- • Improper servicing
3. Thermostatic Valve Problems
The thermostatic valve controls oil flow through the cooling circuit.
If it sticks, becomes restricted, or fails to operate correctly, the compressor may not send enough oil through the cooler.
This can produce persistent high-temperature conditions even when the cooler itself appears clean.
4. Restricted Oil Filter
An overdue or incorrect oil filter can restrict oil circulation.
Preventive maintenance intervals should consider operating hours, environment, temperature, and actual equipment condition — not simply the calendar.
5. Poor Compressor Room Ventilation
Sometimes the compressor isn't the real problem.
A compressor continuously converts electrical energy into heat. If hot discharge air cannot escape the compressor room, the machine begins pulling increasingly hotter air back through its cooling system.
Improving ventilation can significantly improve compressor reliability.
6. Incorrect Oil
Not every compressor lubricant is interchangeable.
Using an incorrect lubricant or mixing incompatible lubricants can affect viscosity, heat transfer, oxidation resistance, and service life.
Always verify the manufacturer's requirements before adding oil.
DON'T JUST RESET THE ALARM
Repeated high-temperature shutdowns shouldn't be considered normal.
Continuously resetting a compressor without determining the cause can eventually contribute to oil degradation, separator problems, shortened component life, and potentially expensive airend damage.
A proper diagnosis should consider the entire system.
JT Elite Air LLC provides rotary screw compressor troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, air dryer service, leak detection, system evaluations, and emergency compressor repair throughout Central North Carolina.
For a deeper look at the repairs behind these problems, see our Rotary Screw Compressor Repair page, or browse all of our industrial air compressor services.
HAVING COMPRESSOR TEMPERATURE PROBLEMS?
JT Elite Air provides rotary screw compressor diagnostics, repair, preventive maintenance, and emergency service throughout Central North Carolina.
JT Elite Air LLC
- Business: 336-290-6372
- Cell: 336-516-7744
- Email: justin@jteliteair.com
- Website: jteliteair.com