Temperature Units

Temperature affects compressed air behavior, moisture-holding capacity, and system efficiency.

Conversions

$$°F = (°C \times \frac{9}{5}) + 32$$ $$°C = (°F - 32) \times \frac{5}{9}$$ $$K = °C + 273.15$$ $$°R = °F + 459.67$$

Quick reference table

°C	°F	Context
-70	-94	Desiccant dryer dew point (extreme)
-40	-40	Desiccant dryer dew point (typical)
0	32	Water freezing point
3-10	37-50	Refrigerated dryer dew point
20	68	Standard conditions (typical)
35-45	95-113	Screw compressor discharge temp
80-100	176-212	Critical temperature for lubricants

Reference Temperatures

Context	Temperature
"Normal" conditions (N)	32°F (0°C)
"Standard" conditions (S)	59-68°F (15-20°C)
Ideal compressor inlet	< 95°F (35°C)
Screw compressor discharge	176-212°F (80-100°C)

Why temperature matters

At the inlet

Cooler air = denser = more efficiency

$$\Delta \text{Output} \approx -2\% \text{ per } 10°F \text{ increase}$$

At the discharge

• Hot air = more moisture-holding capacity
• When it cools, water condenses

At the dew point

• Determines how much moisture remains in the air
• Lower = drier air