Winter construction: Anti-freezing measures and precautions for crushing and screening equipment in cold regions
Winter construction: Anti-freezing measures for crushing and screening equipment in cold regions are the key to ensuring the continuity of construction. Many cross-border purchasers and construction parties have encountered problems such as freezing of equipment hydraulic systems, pipeline bursts, and damage to accessories caused by low temperatures. Data shows that in an environment below -10℃, the failure rate of crushing and screening equipment without anti-freezing treatment is as high as 68%, directly resulting in project delays and high maintenance costs. This article will provide practical anti-freezing guidelines from four dimensions: anti-freezing of key equipment parts, construction process control, selection of anti-freezing accessories, and emergency response plans, to help you avoid the risks of low-temperature construction. Next, let’s start by breaking down the core parts that are most prone to frost damage.
1. Anti-freezing for key equipment parts: Targeted protection eliminates core faults
In cold regions during winter construction, the hydraulic system, cooling system and lubrication system of crushing and screening equipment are high-risk areas for frost damage. Targeted protection of these three major parts can significantly reduce the probability of failure.
1. Hydraulic system anti-freezing: Select the right oil + heat preservation protection
Hydraulic oil will increase in viscosity and even solidify at low temperatures, causing the system to fail to operate normally. Hydraulic oil suitable for low-temperature environments should be selected. For temperatures ranging from -10℃ to -20℃, 46 # low-temperature anti-wear hydraulic oil should be chosen, and for temperatures below -20℃, 32 # ultra-low-temperature hydraulic oil should be selected.
At the same time, wrap the hydraulic oil tank and pipelines with insulation cotton, and install electric heating tapes on exposed pipelines. Before starting, run the oil without load for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the oil temperature to rise, and then load the operation.
Industry case: In the winter of 2023, a crusher using ordinary hydraulic oil in a quarry in Northeast China had its hydraulic system frozen due to low temperatures. The cost of replacing the hydraulic oil and damaged seals was 23,000 yuan, and the project was delayed by 3 days. After the subsequent switch to ultra-low temperature hydraulic oil and the installation of insulation measures, similar faults did not occur again throughout the winter.
Common question: “Can low-temperature hydraulic oils of different brands be mixed and used?” It is not recommended to use them in combination. The additive components of different brands of hydraulic oil vary. When mixed, they may reduce the anti-freezing performance and even cause sedimentation to clog the pipelines. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the system before replacing it with low-temperature oil of the same brand.
2. Anti-freezing for the cooling system: Select antifreeze reasonably and conduct regular inspections
The cooling system is a major area affected by freezing damage to equipment. It is necessary to use antifreeze from regular manufacturers, and the freezing point should be more than 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature of the construction environment (for example, -40℃ antifreeze should be used in an environment of -30℃).
The level and concentration of antifreeze should be checked every week. If the concentration is insufficient, it should be replenished or replaced in time. After the machine stops, try to drain the cooling water as much as possible to prevent the remaining water from freezing and cracking the water tank and pipelines.
3. Anti-freezing for the lubrication system: Low-temperature grease ensures the smooth operation of components
The bearings, gears and other moving parts of the crushing and screening equipment need to be replaced with lubricating grease suitable for low temperatures, such as lithium-based low-temperature lubricating grease, to ensure good lubrication effect even at low temperatures.
Regularly check the lubrication condition of the lubrication points to prevent accelerated wear of components due to poor lubrication. At the same time, clear the ice and snow around the lubrication points to prevent them from melting and seeping into the components, causing frost damage.
Ii. Anti-freezing Control of Construction Process: Reduce the risk of freezing damage from the operational level
In addition to the self-protection of the equipment, scientific control of the construction process is also an important link in winter anti-freezing. Many frost damage problems are not caused by the equipment itself, but by improper operation.
1. Preheating before startup: Building the first line of defense against freezing
In a low-temperature environment, the equipment must be fully preheated before starting up. First, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes. Then gradually increase the speed. Once the water temperature and oil temperature rise to the normal working range (above 60℃ for water temperature and above 40℃ for oil temperature), start the crushing and screening mechanism.
It is strictly prohibited to operate the cold machine at full load directly, otherwise it is very likely to cause faults in the hydraulic system and lubrication system.
Industry data: According to statistics from the construction machinery industry, for equipment that undergoes preheating before startup, the failure rate in winter can be reduced by 45%, and the service life of core components can be extended by more than 30%.
2. In-operation inspection: Real-time monitoring and prompt handling of potential hazards
During the operation, a patrol inspection should be conducted every hour, with a focus on checking whether there is any leakage or icing in the hydraulic pipelines, cooling system and lubrication points, whether the operation sound of the equipment is normal, and whether the instrument readings are stable.
If ice is found in the pipeline, it is strictly forbidden to directly bake it with an open flame. Instead, use a hot air gun or warm water to slowly defrost it to prevent damage to the pipeline due to local overheating.
Common question: “Can the equipment operate continuously for a long time during winter construction?” It is not recommended to work continuously for a long time. In a low-temperature environment, the wear of equipment components and the loss of oil will accelerate. It is recommended to stop the machine and rest for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours of operation, and at the same time check the equipment status to keep the oil and component temperatures stable.
3. Post-shutdown protection: Attention to detail to prevent freezing damage at night
After the equipment is shut down, it is a high-risk period for freezing damage, and comprehensive protection measures should be taken. First of all, park the equipment in a sheltered and dry area, avoiding direct exposure to the sun or cold winds.
Secondly, completely drain the cooling water from the cooling system (if antifreeze is not used), close the oil tank drain valve, and check whether all pipeline joints are tightly sealed to prevent cold air from seeping in. Finally, cover the exposed hydraulic pipelines, bearings and other components of the equipment with insulation covers.
Iii. Selection of Anti-freezing Accessories: Choosing the right accessories enhances the reliability of anti-freezing
High-quality anti-freezing accessories can significantly enhance the low-temperature adaptability of equipment. Many cross-border purchasers tend to overlook the anti-freezing performance when buying equipment and accessories, which leads to potential risks in subsequent construction.
Key points for selecting core anti-freezing accessories
Hydraulic system accessories: Select low-temperature sealing parts (such as fluororubber sealing parts) to prevent hardening and leakage of the sealing parts at low temperatures. Cooling system accessories: Thickened water tanks and low-temperature resistant pipelines are selected to reduce the risk of freezing and cracking. Lubrication system accessories: Select a lubrication pump with heating function to ensure the normal delivery of grease at low temperatures.
When making purchases, it is necessary to clearly inform the supplier of the construction environment temperature and require them to provide low-temperature performance test reports of the accessories to avoid purchasing ordinary accessories to replace anti-freezing accessories.
Industry case: In the winter of 2024, a mine in Inner Mongolia purchased a batch of ordinary crusher seals. Due to the lack of consideration for low-temperature performance, the seals hardened and leaked after one week of use, resulting in the loss of hydraulic oil and the shutdown of the equipment. After replacing the low-temperature dedicated sealing parts, the problem was completely solved. Although the procurement cost increased slightly, the high downtime loss was avoided.
Common question: “How much higher is the price of anti-freezing accessories than that of ordinary accessories?” Is it worth purchasing?” The price of anti-freezing parts is usually 15% to 30% higher than that of ordinary parts, but in the long run, it can significantly reduce the cost of fault repair and the loss of project delay, and has a higher cost performance. Especially in extremely cold regions with temperatures below -20℃, anti-freezing accessories are essential for winter construction.
2. Precautions for cross-border Procurement of anti-freezing accessories
When making cross-border purchases, it is necessary to understand the low-temperature environmental standards of the destination country in advance to ensure that the purchased accessories meet the local construction requirements. At the same time, select suppliers with rich experience in the production of low-temperature accessories, and require them to provide product quality certification and after-sales guarantee to avoid construction being affected by accessory quality issues.
In addition, it is necessary to rationally plan the procurement cycle, reserve sufficient time for logistics and acceptance, and avoid the delay in the arrival of spare parts affecting the winter construction preparations.
Iv. Emergency Response Plan for Low-temperature Faults: Quick Response to Reduce Losses
Even if comprehensive anti-freezing measures are taken, sudden malfunctions may still occur in low-temperature environments. Rapid and accurate emergency response can minimize losses to the greatest extent.
Emergency handling for hydraulic system freezing
If the hydraulic system freezes, first stop the machine and turn off the engine. Use a hot air gun or warm water to slowly heat the hydraulic oil tank and pipelines. After the oil temperature rises above 10℃, check whether there is any leakage in the pipelines and whether the oil has deteriorated.
If the oil deteriorates, it must be completely replaced with new low-temperature hydraulic oil. If the pipeline leaks, replace the sealing parts or the pipeline in time. After confirming that there are no problems, restart the equipment.
2. Emergency response for pipeline burst
Upon discovering a pipeline burst, immediately stop the machine to relieve pressure, clean up the leaked oil or cooling water to prevent the expansion of the fault range due to freezing. Replace the spare pipelines and seals. After replacement, check whether the system pressure is normal and ensure there is no leakage before resuming operation.
It is recommended that the construction site stockpile commonly used anti-freezing accessories, such as pipelines, seals, antifreeze, etc., so as to handle sudden malfunctions quickly.
Common question: “How should the spare parts in reserve be stored during winter construction?” Spare parts should be stored in a warm and dry warehouse and should not be kept outdoors. For components such as seals and hydraulic oil that are susceptible to low temperatures, insulation measures should be taken to prevent their performance from being affected.
V. FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Construction of Crushing and Screening Equipment in Cold Regions
Question: In extremely cold regions below -30℃, apart from the conventional anti-freezing measures, what additional protective measures are needed for the crushing and screening equipment?
Answer: In addition to the conventional measures, three additional points need to be taken: First, install a low-temperature preheating device for the engine (such as a fuel heater or an oil heater) to ensure smooth engine start-up; Second, use ultra-low temperature grade fuel (such as -35 diesel) to prevent the fuel from freezing. The third measure is to install an insulation shed for the entire equipment to reduce the impact of direct cold wind on it.
2. Question: After the winter construction is completed, do the anti-freezing parts of the equipment need to be replaced with ordinary parts?
Answer: No need. The material and performance of anti-freezing accessories are superior to those of ordinary accessories. They can not only adapt to low-temperature environments but also be used normally at normal temperatures, and have a longer service life. If ordinary parts are replaced, they will need to be purchased and replaced again during the next winter construction, which will increase costs and workload. It is recommended to use anti-freezing parts for a long time.
3. Question: Are the original spare parts of the cross-border purchased crushing and screening equipment suitable for winter construction in cold regions?
Answer: Not necessarily. Many original accessories of cross-border equipment are designed for normal temperature environments and do not have anti-freezing performance. After purchase, it is necessary to first check the low-temperature adaptability of each component of the equipment, such as hydraulic oil, seals, pipelines, etc. If they do not meet the construction requirements in cold regions, they should be replaced with anti-freezing components in a timely manner to avoid malfunctions during winter construction.
Winter construction: The anti-freezing measures for crushing and screening equipment in cold regions are centered on a comprehensive guarantee of “targeted protection + process control + high-quality accessories + emergency preparedness”. By doing a good job in protecting the key parts of the equipment, standardizing construction operations, selecting suitable anti-freezing accessories, and formulating emergency plans, the risk of low-temperature freezing damage can be effectively avoided and the continuity of construction can be ensured. Remember, the anti-freezing work during winter construction is not an additional cost but a necessary investment to ensure the smooth progress of the project. Winter construction: Only when the anti-freezing measures for crushing and screening equipment in cold regions are implemented properly can the equipment operate stably in low-temperature environments and maximize project benefits.
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Meta Description: This article elaborates on the anti-freezing measures and precautions for crushing and screening equipment in cold regions during winter construction, covering key part protection, construction control, accessory selection and other valuable information. It is accompanied by real cases and emergency plans to help cross-border purchasers and construction parties avoid freezing damage risks and ensure continuous construction. Save and learn now to optimize the anti-freezing plan.
Keywords: Winter anti-freezing for crushing and screening equipment, protection of construction equipment in cold regions, selection of anti-freezing parts for crushers, cross-border procurement of crusher parts, emergency handling of construction equipment in winter
Post time: Dec-24-2025