Hot compressor

[Robin Spark]

I have been asked to install a fan and some ventilation to a small compressor at a dental practice. It is housed in a cupboard and although its been there for a few years with no problems it is now getting too hot.

They have had it checked/ serviced by an engineer who said that the compressor is working ok it just needs a cooler environment!

So I was thinking of cutting a 4" hole in the door and putting a grille on, but cant decide whether to put an extractor fan with a thermoswitch inside the back of the cupboard as it is on an external wall.

Or

would i be better off getting some sort of cooling fan blowing onto the compressor?

Suggestions please

 

[revjames]

If possible a fan pulling in air from outside will work better as the ambient temp in the building will be warmer.

 

[Robin Spark]

If possible a fan pulling in air from outside will work better as the ambient temp in the building will be warmer.

Ha good idea thanks Rev!

The external wall where the cupboard is located is on a side service entrance with doors either end (its quite long). So I dont think I would be bringing moisture in to the cupboard if I mounted a fan on the outside and as you said use it to draw in cool air.

 

[Sidewinder]

Robin,

I suspect that there have been changes!

There could be a few things, compressor efficiency down thus running longer, building changes, or increased use, have they got more air tools in, or have they recently refurbed a surgery and added kit, or something?

There is also the possibility that some muppet has put thicker oil in it!

All of which would increase the running temperature.

 

[Robin Spark]

I think they are alot busier than they used to be so it would be increased continuous use, however I will check to see if they have changed any items of equipment that may have attributed to the problem.

As I said earlier though, they have had an engineer come out who is from a Dental Service group and does all of the maintenance on their equipment. He said the compressor was ok but I have not seen any paperwork to state what tests he has undertaken. But this is the same for the PA testing that they do as well!

Until I started working for them they never used to get certificates and recorded test results!

 

[Sidewinder]

Sounds about right, is he competent to service machinery under the pressure equipment directive?...

 

[Robin Spark]

Sounds about right, is he competent to service machinery under the pressure equipment directive?...

Well you would presume so as they are supposed to be the specialists. However I am going to see the main dentist on thursday to find out more. I was also thinking of asking them to place a thermometer in the cupboard and take some readings of the ambient temperature at say 9am, 1pm and 5pm to see if it really does get hot in there. The actual surgery room is air conditioned so that should stay constant all day.

 

[moose man]

we have the same problem with heat in the compressor houseing at work so i fitted two fans one to draw

cold air on the intake side of the compressor and one and one to draw the hot air out on the outlet

side of the matriks and regular oil changes @ 6 months then @ 12 months oil change with seperater as well this seemed to cure any heat issues

hope this helps moose man

 

[Robin Spark]

Thanks guys for your input, i installed a fan last week and the machine which is actually a suction machine has now been working fine without any further problems

 

[Sidewinder]

Robin,

It's actually a vacuum pump then!

]

 

[revjames]

Robin,It's actually a vacuum pump then!

]

That really sucks....