FRLs are combination devices used to treat compressed air by filtering it, regulating its pressure levels and lubricating any pneumatic tools or equipment that use it. These devices require careful selection and care to ensure long-lasting, efficient operation. Here are some keys to maximizing the efficiency of your FRLs. Understand proper sizing and selection. Sizing […]
Air Preparation
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 […]
What is a pneumatic muffler?
ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ mufflers, also called silencers, safely and quietly vent pressurized air to atmosphere. They are commonly installed on air valves, cylinders, manifolds and fittings. Without a muffler, air exhausting from many types of pneumatic-powered equipment can be so loud as to be detrimental to the surrounding environment and potentially harm workers. Noise results when fast-moving, […]
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 […]
Donβt keep leaks a secret!
A leakage test at a mattress making facility was done over one weekend. The facility had no main flow meter, so the testing was done using a flow meter made from a set of calibrated orifices when there was no production. The compressed air auditor did the test, and tallied up the orifices β and […]
