A large mine had a compressed air assessment done to gauge the efficiency of its system. The complex had more 14 large air compressors feeding underground operations. The assessment results showed their many compressors were running at superior efficiency; in fact, the numbers were so good they could not possibly be true. In previous years, […]
Compressed air fail: Measurement discovers costly malfunction
A small sand blasting company was incurring very large electrical bills totaling $48,000 per month, even though they ran their compressors on average only 8 hours per day. A look at their compressor hour meters showed the compressor was only running at 50% load. The company had been sold on a large 250-hp compressor, due […]
Compressed air fail: Startling discovery
Here is a question from a past (and possibly future) client of a compressed air auditor. Q: I managed to get a co-op student to help with compressed air leaks management/audit for the summer and we were also lucky to have had an opportunity to do the test you recommended a couple of years ago […]
Compressed air fail: Draining profits
A large industrial manufacturer has three large compressors running constantly in the plant.Β Occasionally during hot summer days, moisture problems occur downstream, so personnel outfitted each compressed air component with timer style condensate drains. All three compressor have drains on the water separators β this is where most of the water squeezed out of the […]
Compressed air fail: Piston to screw upgrade
A small automotive service shop was looking for new compressors.Β The old compressors were reaching the end of life and required constant overhauls.Β The shop owner was persuaded by a compressor salesperson to go with a screw compressor instead. The existing 10-hp units put out about 35 cfm each, one was the lead unit, the […]
VMAC releases “State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry” report
VMAC has released its 2021 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, sharing unique industry insights from the people who use compressed air on their vehicles. βIt is our pleasure to share the latest industry research on the mobile compressed air industry,β said Tod Gilbert, President of VMAC. βWe believe the state of the […]
Schmalz Vacuum Products for pneumatic systems now offered by AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect now offers a selection of pneumatic vacuum grippers and related parts from Schmalz, widely used in pick-and-place applications. Vacuum products are an efficient means of moving products large, small, and of varying sizes. This lineup includes suction cups in a flat style up to 60 mm in diameter made of Elastodur; bellowed style cups […]
Compressed air fail: Low capacity
By Ron Marshall During a recent compressed air assessment, the measuring instruments connected to a 50-hp lubricated screw compressor showed lower than rated amps. The customer had been complaining about low pressure in the plant, yet the plant flow meter indicated the compressed air demand was well within the rated capacity of the compressor. Typically, […]
Compressed air fail: Hot and cold
An electronics parts manufacturer had a maddening water problem. Every day around Noon, its air system pipes started emitting free water at their most important end uses. This water came mixed with compressor lubricant and the dust ingested by the compressor intake. With the addition of pipe rust and scale β which formed due to […]
Extend your reach to combat leaks
By Ron Marshall Imagine if you were 30 feet tall β all the things you could accomplish in your plant! Well, one newly developed style of leak detector can greatly extend your leak detection range.Β One such detector was recently put to the test in a large industrial site with amazing results. One of the […]
