A little button press can make a big difference.Β The compressor in the photo was running in a control mode called online/offline (aka load/unload) for the first bit of its service life but now has been changed to a mode called modulation. The reason for the change, as found by a compressed air system auditor, […]
Air Preparation
Tips on how to become an air auditor
By Ron Marshall Question: I have been reading a lot about compressed air optimization efforts through auditing, and am I interested in doing this myself in my own area. What tips would you give me for undertaking this sort of effort? Answer: Here are a few basic tips about starting air auditing: Read all […]
Compressed air fail: The spare dryer
By Ron Marshall A printing plant had two compressors β one main and one backup β each with refrigerated air dryers. A third air dryer was on site as a backup, should the main dryer go down for any reason. The spare compressor was too small for the plant but was used as emergency backup, […]
Compressed air efficiency: Donβt stop at the compressor
Question: Good day! I was hoping for some advice on how to design the demand side of an air supply system. We are located between a river and the ocean, in a non-climate-controlled aircraft hangar. About 8 months out of the year, we are at 100% humidity. We have an air system that was installed […]
Emerson air dryers quadruple maintenance intervals in rail applications
Emerson has introduced two new compressed air dryers designed to significantly extend maintenanceΒ intervals, minimize downtime and reduce energy costs in rail applications, including brakes and door control. Typically, air dryers have an average service interval of less than two years. The Aventics RDD (Roll-Up Dessicant Drying) and RDDmin air dryers, have a service interval of […]
Compressed air efficiency: Donβt stop at the compressor
By Ron Marshall A printing plant is planning to replace its efficient 100-hp VSD compressor, a premium unit that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Β Making a straight change out will gain a small amount of estimated savings, about 5%, because the newer compressor models has been improved and are more efficient […]
Achieving cycling dryer success
Running your home refrigerator like a non-cycling air dryer would run up your electrical bill considerably.Β The non-cycling style dryer consumes almost constant power, as if the dryer was fully loaded, even in conditions of part load and partial moisture content. Temperature control is accomplished in these types of dryers with a hot gas bypass […]
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 […]
ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ βbatteriesβ a boost for renewable energy
The knock on renewable power generation is that it doesnβt reliably supply energy around the clock. Solar shuts down after dark and turbines donβt run when winds are calm. Currently, fossil-fuel power plants must serve as a back-up, which negates the benefits of βgreenβ energy. Large-scale energy storage is another alternative, but lithium-ion batteries are […]
