Although it seems obvious, sizing a compressed air dryer is not as simple as merelyΒ matching the size of the air compressor. If you want your air dried to proper specifications under all conditions, then some research is required that may require you to adjust to a larger size. Air dryer ratings are affected by various […]
Air Preparation
What type of refrigerated dryer should I buy?
When you are in the market for a refrigerated compressed air dryer, it is wise to do some research to find the most economical choice. Air dryers last for many years and can consume a significant amount of energy through the life of the equipment. Choosing a low cost unit that consumes more power can […]
Compressed air fail: High discharge pressure
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge An automotive manufacturer was having trouble with itsΒ large centrifugal compressors, which were constantly going into surge condition. This is a damaging condition where the air going through the compressor suddenly stops and starts, shocking the fast spinning rotors in the machines and causing stress on the internal […]
What type of compressor should I use for my industrial site?
There are many choices to consider when looking to buy a new compressor for your industrial plant. The most common choices are reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, and centrifugal compressors. The best choice depends on the size of your facility and how you use compressed air. If you have a very light compressed air loadβand donβt […]
Compressed air fail: Lack of maintenance
A small wood products company was hesitant at first, but after some prodding they allowed a compressed air auditor to have a look at their compressed air system. Instruments were placed on the single air compressor and a flow meter installed. Pressure loggers measured the compressor discharge and plant pressure. When the data was analyzed, […]
What are single-point lubricators?
Single-point lubricators provide consistent delivery of the exact amount of oil required for pneumatically driven tools. Tools that run off of pneumatic power β such as handheld power tools, screw drivers, nut runners and more β operate best when they consistently receive the correct amount of oil. Too much oil can puddle in low points […]
Compressed air fail: Missed compressor adjustment
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A metal fabrication facility ran two separate systems to feed tools and equipment in two shops on their premises. One compressor ran load/unload, the other was a VSD controlled compressor. The plant maintenance engineer attended a Compressed Air Challenge seminar,Β and as a result, came to realize how […]
How do I control multiple compressors, Part 2?
To continue this simple question with a complicated answer, in this blog postΒ we will deal with rotary screw compressors, the most common type of compressor found in industrial sites. If you have small reciprocating compressors,Β go back to Part 1 of this discussion. Controlling multiple rotary screw compressors gets more complicated as the number of system […]
How do I control multiple compressors, Part 1?
This is a simple question with a complicated answer. It depends on the type of compressors you have and what your goals are in terms of energy efficiency and pressure control. This first blog post deals with small reciprocating compressors; as forΒ the control of screw compressors, we will save for part 2. If your system […]
Can air compressor heat be recovered?
The recovery of compressor heat can substantially reduce the total cost of energy in most commercial or industrial facilities. Thanks to the laws of physics, the most plentiful useful output of an air compressor is heat. Less than 10%Β of the air compressor energy input is actually turned into useful work at compressed air powered machines […]
