RS Components has launched a new digital pneumatics product hub focused on a full range of pneumatic components critical to the operations, modernization and maintenance of factories and other industrial facilities. The site features a wide selection of pneumatic components and tools from leading brands such as Festo, SMC, IMI Nordgren, Legris, and RS Pro. […]
Keep it dry to keep it clean
If you have ever been unfortunate enough to squirt some compressed air system condensate on yourself you might have noticed it is usually an oily, rusty and smelly mess. Even after several hand washings your fingers may still be stained brown and smell like an old gym sock. Why is that? Air compressors produce water […]
Six compressed air problem signs
Is your compressed air system in trouble? How would you know?Β Fortunately, there are some common signs that may give you some hints. Here are six of them. Low Pressure β Having adequate pressure is most important in an air system.Β If there is a constant low pressure, or periods of time where the pressure […]
Free CSA compressed air EnPI training available
One of the best ways to ensure a compressed air system is running efficiently is to monitor key energy performance indicators (EnPIs) to determine if the system is meeting expectations.Β In 2016, the Canadian Standards Association released C837-16, a document intended to assist companies with energy management programs to set up monitoring of compressed air […]
Compressed air fail: Dryer clog
An aerospace company installed a large desiccant dryer they had as surplus from a previous installation.Β The unit was a heatless style with onboard dew point controller that is designed to reduce the purge flow in proportion to the flow of air going through the dryer. The unit was oversized for the plant flow β […]
What is the value of permanent compressed air monitoring?
An automotive parts manufacturer upgraded their system to produce a more efficient supply of compressed air. Data logging of the old system showed that the compressed air system was consuming power at a rate of over 30 kW per 100 cfm produced. With new upgrades, the system is now running around 21 kW per 100 […]
Compressed air fail: Locked on
A building products company purchased 90 kW and 45 kW compressors a few years ago to run its plant. The staff had heard that it was not wise to purchase a VSD compressor that was the same size or larger than the base compressors, so the 90 kW unit was selected as the trim VSD […]
I wish I knew how to quit you, old air compressor!
By Ron Marshall The compressor was an old unit made by an excellent manufacturer β it had run without trouble for decades, but times had changed.Β In recent months, the staff had trouble stemming the air and lubricant leaks that seemed to spring up within hours of a repair. What was worse, over the years […]
Can you use air knives to cut compressed air costs?
It is very common to see pipes β or pipe plugs with holes drilled in them β fashioned into a blowing device in industrial plants.Β These are quick to build, and easy to install, but come at a price on the energy bill, due to the high energy intensity of producing compressed air.Β These applications […]
Save money by giving your system a checkup
By Ron Marshall A building products manufacturer was running out of air pressure during their production shift and were wanting to upgrade their compressor capacity. Before spending any money on equipment, they called in a compressed air auditor to give an opinion on the size they need. As part of the study the auditor placed […]
