Below about 40°F oil thickens, condensate freezes, and controls misbehave.
1
Oil too viscous to circulate at start
medCheckCheck oil grade against the OEM's low-ambient recommendation and the actual room temperature.
FixSwitch to the OEM low-temperature fluid and fit a sump heater.
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2
Condensate frozen in drains or piping
medCheckInspect drain lines and low points for ice; a blocked drain floods the receiver.
FixHeat trace and insulate drains; route drains indoors where possible.
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3
Thermostatic valve stuck open — machine never reaches operating temperature
highRotary screw
CheckLog discharge temperature; screws should settle at 180–200°F. Running below about 160°F condenses water into the oil.
FixReplace the thermostatic valve element; restrict cooling airflow in winter per OEM guidance.
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4
Refrigerated dryer freezing the evaporator
medCheckCheck dryer suction pressure and evaporator temperature; look for ice on the heat exchanger.
FixService the hot-gas bypass valve; keep the dryer in a heated space.
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Safety
Lockout/tagout before opening enclosures. Verify zero energy. Bleed system pressure before opening any pneumatic connection.