Don’t Sweat Repairs: 7 Tips To Prepare Equipment for Summer Heat
For industrial facilities, summer brings a serious threat to productivity: overheating equipment. Every year, heat-related equipment breakdowns and disruptions cause delays and lost productivity for factory owners across the country. Even short of a breakdown, extreme temperatures can lead to increased wear and tear that reduces equipment lifespans and creates safety hazards.
But we have some good news: You can combat scorching temps in your factory with a few key preventive measures and ensure your equipment stays cool and functional throughout the hot summer months:
- Enhance ventilation. Heat thrives in stagnant environments, so it’s vital to facilitate air circulation around heat-generating equipment. Strategically placed industrial fans can significantly improve airflow by directing cool air toward hot zones and pulling away hot air. Don’t forget to maintain air filters, either. Clogged air filters can significantly reduce airflow and negate the benefits of proper ventilation.
- Maintain cooling systems. Just like your car needs a radiator flush before summer road trips, your industrial equipment likely has its own dedicated cooling system that deserves some TLC. Inspect and clean heat sinks and radiators regularly to remove dust, debris, and any buildup that could hinder heat dissipation. Check coolant levels and top them off with the appropriate manufacturer-recommended fluids. You should also ensure proper operation of pumps, fans, and other components within the cooling system.
- Optimize lubrication. Friction can lead to overheating even in cool weather. And when temperatures rise, lubricants become thinner and less effective. To minimize friction and wear on critical components, ensure you’re using lubricants specifically formulated for high temperatures. Schedule regular lubrication checks according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, paying close attention to components like bearings and gears.
- Protect heat-sensitive components. Some components within your equipment are naturally more susceptible to overheating than others. Control panels, for instance, often house delicate electronics that can malfunction under extreme heat. Heat shields or enclosures can provide valuable insulation, deflecting some of the ambient heat and creating a microclimate around these vulnerable components.
- Manage power. Heat generation isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about electrical load. Analyze your electrical consumption patterns and consider adjusting production schedules to minimize peak usage during the hottest hours of the day. Identify unnecessary power consumption during idle periods and implement strategies to reduce it, such as powering down nonessential equipment.
- Monitor environments. Install temperature and humidity sensors in critical areas to monitor conditions. Establish clear temperature thresholds and implement protocols for automatic or manual equipment shutdown if these thresholds are exceeded.
- Train staff. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to preventing heat-related equipment failures. Don’t underestimate the importance of training your personnel. Empower your team to identify potential overheating situations and take appropriate action.
By following these tips and being vigilant this summer, you can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related breakdowns during seasonal heat waves. Remember, cool and well-maintained equipment translates to smoother operations, improved efficiency, and a safer work environment for everyone.
Don’t sweat summer meltdowns. Take charge and keep your equipment running cool all season long!
July “Pack-A-Pallet” Special
Summer is a great time to catch up on the maintenance and backlogged services your equipment needs to function at its best in the second half of the year. Now’s the time to “Pack-A-Pallet” and send your equipment in to GES for discounted summertime service.
