Dew point controls on desiccant dryers should definitely be considered.Β If not controlled, the purge air circuit on a desiccant dryer will consume constant flow even through it might not be required.Β This represents a significant area of waste in your compressed air system, but something can be improved with a retrofit. Purge air is […]
Air Preparation
What are common locations of pressure loss in compressed air systems?
A small fiberglass manufacturer had a problem.Β Their tools were not performing adequately; they would stall when production workers tried to really work them, reducing production throughput.Β A compressed air auditor was called in to investigate, he found that the air compressors were running at 140 psi, as high as they could go, but the […]
How do I set up a VSD compressor to run with a fixed speed?
If you have a variable speed drive (also called variable frequency drive) compressor installed in your system and want it to work correctly with your fixed speed compressors, then things need to work a little bit differently that normal.Β A VSD compressor should be taking the partial load, with the fixed speed units either running […]
Are there benefits to over-sizing my air filters and dryers?
The size and type of air dryer and filters used on your compressed air system can affect both energy efficiency and the quality of the air produced.Β Oversizing components can help improve these characteristics. Often, when an air dryer is purchased, it is sized to exactly match the output capacity of the air compressor.Β If […]
Compressed Air Fail: Ventilation short circuit
By Ron Marshall A milk products company was experiencing overheating problems with their air compressor and air dryer. Two small air cooled compressors had been installed in a closed in mezzanine area above the plant. A well-controlled ventilation system kept the space at lower than 70Β° F, but for some reason the compressors had temperature […]
What are the benefits of looping my compressed air piping?
By Ron Marshall Most compressed air piping systems are radial feeds, with one-way piping branches feeding out from the compressor room in all directions. Often, the piping starts out in larger size and, if the design engineer wanted to save costs, the diameter of the piping might be reduced near the end of the lines.Β […]
Compressed air efficiency: 7 tips to get the best bang for your buck
By Ron Marshall The words βbang for your buckβ are frightening when it comes to compressed air, but there are definitely very good opportunities to save money by optimizing the way you operate.Β Compressed air is one of the most costly utilities used in industrial and commercial sites.Β Only about 10% of the energy input […]
Smart compressor/vacuum pump from Thomas gives users design options
Gardner Denver Thomas has released its latest new product developmentβthe 2320Z series compressor/vacuum pump. This new platform is ideal for the O2 concentrator market, but because of its higher maximum rated pressure and vacuum capability, is also an excellent choice for other medical or laboratory applications. It incorporates advanced design and patent-pending technologies as well […]
Compressed air fail: Hidden piping problems
By Ron Marshall A food processing plant recently built an expansion to their existing building. The compressed air system in the new plant was of very efficient cutting edge, self-contained design. The system uses a mix of VSD and fixed-speed compressors with a central controller, desiccant air dryers with dewpoint control, large storage, and pressure/flow […]
How do I put my compressor to sleep?
By Ron Marshall One of the biggest wastes of energy in a compressed air system is allowing your air compressor to use energy when it is not producing air. This can be a big problem with screw compressors, due to the way these compressors typically operate. Well-maintained modern day screw compressors running in load/unload control […]
