How do cold ambient air temperatures impact the pneumatic control and operating systems?
The NFPA-20 code prescribes that the machine be maintained in an atmosphere of at least 40°F. Atmospheric temperatures below this level require a heated enclosure, or other means, to prevent malfunctions due to the cold. The engine is equipped with a jacket water heater, the salt-water pumpage is unlikely to freeze, the fuel tank must be heat traced, and air does not freeze if it is dry. Assuming there is not a heated enclosure, cold temperature impacts the pneumatic control and operating systems in the following manner: 1) Saturated utility air will freeze up all the components in the engine starting system. Instrument air @ -40°C dew point (minimum required air supply for the controller) should be used exclusively. Minus 60°C will virtually eliminate any problem. 2) Saturated air (which cannot be used in the controller under any circurnstances) requires that all of the equipment in contact with the starting air system be heat traced. This includes the vessel, the piping to the start
