Air compressor water cooler clogged
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The water coolers of Ingersoll Rand air compressors often get clogged, and the use of hard water as the cooling fluid is the main reason for this. But why don’t other air compressors experience this issue under the same operating conditions? Have you encountered a similar situation? Let’s discuss it together
The control of operating parameters is different; perhaps this unit’s operating temperature remains high, which leads to more frequent scaling compared to others.
In-depth discussion: What structural types do different manufacturers use for air compressor water coolers? Which structure is less prone to clogging? Does the water flow through the tube side, and are there any techniques used to prevent high-temperature scaling?
Structurally, it needs to be hydrophobic after cooling, and the cooling medium flows along the pipe side. We have encountered similar problems as well; things improved after switching to demineralized water for cooling. Of course, this is not necessarily the best solution.
Scaling in the water cooler is related to the high temperature of the air being cooled; it’s advisable to check whether there are any issues with the exhaust valve, as a valve that does not close properly can also lead to high exhaust temperatures.
Even under the same operating conditions, the temperatures between stages and at the outlet differ due to different model types. Of course, higher temperatures lead to easier scaling, and moreover, the water you use isn’t treated (it has high hardness). To prevent scaling, the issue should first be addressed at the water quality level; this is fundamental. As for coolers, they are generally of the fixed tube sheet or floating head type; plate-type coolers are also used (mostly in oil systems). The circulating water flows through the tube side, while the gas flows through the shell side (condensate may need to be drained after cooling). Using stainless steel or copper tubes for the tube bundles can help reduce scaling to a certain extent.