In late 2024 the south east was hit with two hurricanes less than two weeks apart, leaving devastation and destruction in their paths. Thank goodness all of our employees made it thru both hurricanes safely. We just missed Helene and unfortunately Milton hit us directly, severely impacting our facility in Tampa, Florida.
We were flooded with 3-4 feet and had no power for 6 days, but after the water receded, we were able to hook up our ANA AIRMAN 65KW diesel driven generator powering the entire building with ease 24/7. With the SMART CONTROL feature we used less fuel, enabling us to power extra fans, air conditioning and additional lighting to assist with rebuilding with remediation efforts around the clock. I completely stand by this solid generator.
We having been working hard cleaning up and getting operations in order. Our office facilities have been moved up to our conference rooms, and we are open, working, and ready to serve you.
We have Air Compressors and Electric generator rentals available in both diesel and electric driven. We currently have AIRMAN generators in stock in Tampa ranging from 25KW to 220 KW available for sale, lease to own, or rent. A smart choice for all industries to keep on hand at their facilities.
I sincerely want to thank our dedicated employees for helping us get back up and running even when some still had no power at their own homes.
Comments Off on What is the Most Common Cause of Air Compressor Failure?
Industrial air compressors are powerful pieces of equipment used in a range of industrial processes. Aerospace, manufacturing, metal fabrication, and other industries all need reliable access to compressed air. Unexpected equipment failures can halt operations and result in costly repairs.
If you’ve ever wondered what is the most common cause of air compressor failure, read on. Our guide will highlight the most common suspects to help minimize future problems with your equipment.
The Most Common Causes of Air Compressor Failure
From long-term use to mishandling or neglect, any type of equipment can experience problems. The most common causes of failure with air compressors are a lack of preventative maintenance, overheating, or electrical issues.
Lack of Maintenance
Whether your air compressor is oil-lubricated or oil-free, it will still require regular inspections to keep operating at its best. Oil gets dirty, air intake filters will clog, seals and hoses will crack, and fittings or power cables can become damaged over time. Any one of these problems can lead to unexpected equipment failures.
Following your machine’s recommended maintenance schedule is critical. Equipment like rotary screw air compressors contain a number of moving parts needing maintenance. You can prolong the life of your compressor by regularly replacing your air and oil filters.
Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common causes of air compressor failure. There are several reasons this can occur:
Excessive use
Operation in hot or humid environments
Restricted airflow
Heat buildup in cooling systems
To avoid overheating, make sure you work in a properly ventilated area and avoid overloading your compressor.
Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring, power surges, and tripped breakers can all damage an air compressor’s motor and lead to failure. If you’re experiencing any electrical issues, you’ll want to consult a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
Wear and Tear
No matter how meticulous you are about preventative maintenance, wear and tear will naturally occur throughout your equipment’s lifespan. It’s important to note that while oil-less air compressors require less maintenance than other compressors, they have many components (seals, hoses, filters, etc.) that must still be checked and replaced over time.
Bearing Failure
Bearings are a small yet vital component of any air compressor. If your compressor’s motor has insufficient lubrication, your air compressor’s motor can overheat, degrade, and even fail prematurely. Keeping the bearings well-lubricated with clean oil is an easy way to keep your air compressor running smoothly.
Tips to Prevent Air Compressor Failure
While consulting your user manual will offer the most specific advice regarding proper maintenance procedures, some general best practices include:
Regularly cleaning filters
Checking oil levels
Draining condensation
Warning Signs Your Air Compressor Might Fail
If you’re noticing any of the following issues, something may be failing in your equipment:
Excessive noise
Oil pass-through
Warm air
Excess moisture
Excessive movement or shaking
Low air pressure
Taking steps to investigate and resolve any unusual symptoms quickly can prevent more serious issues from developing, saving you time and money.
Experience Greater Reliability With Compressed Air Systems
We believe the best performance comes from simple design. To enjoy maximum performance and reliability long-term, look for compressors that are simple to operate and review the manufacturer’s guide on inspection and daily use.
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Compressed air energy storage (CAES) offers a method for storing compressed air within a sealed enclosure. Storage in a compressed air system allows users to supplement energy usage during high-demand periods, enhances air quality, and maintains system stability. The energy is recovered by allowing the air to decompress through a turbine. Heat that is released during expansion can be reused for added energy efficiency.
What is Compressed Air Energy Storage?
CAES can be used for large-scale energy storage, in which the air is stored in pressurized storage tanks or underground caverns. Pressurized air is pumped into the enclosure using a compressor and stored until the energy is needed. The stored energy is retrieved by allowing the air to expand, which pushes high-pressure air through a turbine to create electricity.
The expanding air cools significantly and must be heated before it is passed through the turbine. This can be affected using either diabatic or adiabatic methods.
The diabatic method uses fuel to heat the air prior to discharging it into the turbine.
The adiabatic technique stores heat generated during the initial compression phase and applies that heat to the air during expansion, thereby increasing the air temperature without expending any additional energy.
The adiabatic method is more energy efficient and is also emission-free, but the process requires advanced thermal storage techniques that are not readily available. A number of isothermal CAES methods are currently being researched as a means to control the heating and cooling processes in a more energy-efficient fashion.
Benefits of Compressed Air Energy Storage
CAES offers a broad range of benefits for energy storage in a variety of applications. The five key benefits of CAES include energy savings, better air quality, improved pressure stability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced compressor service life.
Increased Energy Savings
CAES is used to enhance storage for peak demand periods, thereby reducing the load on the electrical grid. This allows energy companies to provide sufficient energy for the entire service area without the need for added energy production during peak usage. Used on a smaller scale, CAES can reduce dependency on the electrical grid, thereby reducing energy charges and operational overhead. In addition, CAES stores pressurized air, mitigating the need purchase and power a completely separate compressor.
Enhanced Air Quality
CAES produces significantly lower CO2 emissions than other energy production methods. Using adiabatic processes, emissions can be reduced to nearly zero. Coupled with reduced reliance on fossil fuel-powered grids, CAES offers an eco-friendly energy solution.
Improved System Stability
The use of CAES as a supplemental energy source helps to enhance power grid stability during peak times or surges in electrical use. This places less strain on the electrical infrastructure and helps to reduce emissions and improve energy reliability. For smaller scale operations, compressed air energy storage allows for more reliable and stable electrical production.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
CAES systems require very little maintenance when compared with other energy production methods. When used in small-scale energy production, compressed air storage reduces compressor maintenance frequency, which in turn reduces maintenance costs.
Extended Air Compressor Lifetime
Since CAES systems store compressed air, the compressor does not have to run as frequently. This reduces overall wear on the compressor and extends its service life. Storage of compressed air also allows the compressor to fully unload before it has to start again and reduces short cycling. The control strategy for CAES systems can be further simplified through the sequencing of multiple compressors.
More on Compressed Air Energy Storage
History of Compressed Air Energy Storage
CAES was originally established at a plant in Huntorf, Germany in 1978. The plant is still operational today, and has a capacity of 290 MW. The compressed air is stored in underground in retired salt mines and used to supplement the energy grid during peak usage. The only other large scale CAES plant in the world was established in 1991 in McIntosh, Alabama. This system also uses underground salt caverns for compressed air storage, and has a capacity of 110 MW.
Although excavated salt mining caverns are not readily available in all geographic locations, recent research has shown that other formations of porous and permeable rock may serve the same purpose. Scientists hope to expand the use of CAES from load-shifting to a more active source of large-scale clean energy production. In addition, engineers are already working on technology to expand the use of CAES for small-scale, off-grid operations.
How Does Compressed Air Energy Storage Work?
The CAES process is relatively simple, though it requires highly specialized equipment. Electricity from the public electrical grid or renewable power sources is used to power a compressor, which pumps air into a storage container. For large scale power storage, the pressurized air is stored in underground caverns, but small scale operations may store compressed air in specialized storage tanks. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released from the holding tank and heated using either stored heat from the compression process or heat generated from burning fossil fuels. The compressed air expands quickly, passing through the turbine to generate electricity.
The amount of energy held by the compressed air is based on the density of the air. The cavern or storage tank must therefore be capable of withstanding the extreme pressure and air density. For this reason, strong and durable carbon fiber is typically used to store compressed air in small scale CAES operations.
Compressed Energy Storage Solutions From Compressed Air Systems
Compressed Air Systems offers a range of air compressors and storage systems to meet your operational needs. Adequately sized compressed air storage tanks can offer low-cost energy production without the need to operate another compressor. To learn more about our compressed air energy storage solutions, please contact us today.
Comments Off on Types of Pipes and Fittings for Compressed Air Systems
Pipes and fittings are components that connect everything in a compressed air system. Piping has the potential to make or break any enterprise that uses compressed air systems in its day-to-day operations.
Because faulty and inefficient piping can result in lost power, it is important to pay attention to the layout, installation, and maintenance of pipes and fittings of compressed air systems. Factors that impact pressure efficiency include obstructions and blockage, moisture, and sharp angles. Undersized piping is one of the biggest problems when delivering the air to the application.
Pipes and fittings are integral to the compressor system running efficiently and properly. If the quality of these components is poor, they can cause leaks and other issues.
Two Basic Types of Pipes for Compressed Air Systems
Plastic pipes don’t corrode. As a result, there is a minimum risk of rust and a lower risk of obstructions. The interior surface of the pipe is smooth, which encourages laminar flow. Ideal plastic pipes for piping compressed air are made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Polyethylene (PE) piping and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping are also good choices for compressed air applications. PVC is not recommended and is an OSHA violation if used. It degrades and can burst, causing damage and is very dangerous to employees exposed to it.
Metal Pipes
Metal pipes are the preferred choice for compressed air systems.
Black Steel Pipe
Black steel is commonly used in compressed air systems. The material is strong and durable, but time-consuming in labor. It is heavy but susceptible to corrosion. The threaded connections can also slip and leak.
Galvanized Steel Pipe
Galvanized steel is widely used in compressor systems. It is less susceptible to corrosion. The galvanized coating can flake off and cause blockages in air stream applications.
Copper Pipe
Copper pipes are corrosion-free and easy to cut and weld. They can be pressed together with special fittings and tools. They are lightweight and have a wide range of fittings available for compressed air systems. They also have a very smooth interior for a solid laminar flow.
Aluminum Pipe
Aluminum pipes have anti-corrosive properties. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around and install. The fittings are easy to put together.
Stainless Steel Pipe
A stainless-steel pipe can be welded and pressed easily. The interiors and exteriors have no risk of degradation and corrosion. Stainless steel is heavy and this can make it difficult to fit. The high cost of this material makes it less common in compressed air applications, but it has numerous benefits.
Fittings in Compressed Air Systems
Fittings (push-in) are an ideal choice for connecting and disconnecting lines without the use of tools. Our vast selection of fittings includes:
Bulkhead unions
Male elbows
Male swivel elbows
Male connectors
Female elbows
Female connectors
Unions
These fittings are available in nickel-plated brass, steel, and nylon plated brass. The ability to quickly connect them can save substantial time during assembly. The fittings are reusable, which enables you to connect and disconnect again and again. These components can help keep a compressed air system running as smoothly as possible.
Learn More About Pipes for Compressed Air Systems
Compressed Air Systems provides high quality compressed air pipes, pneumatic fittings, and compressed air parts and fittings to keep the compressed air system operating efficiently. Contact us to receive more information about different types of compressed air pipes and fittings.
Comments Off on Dental Air Compressors: Choosing the Right One
Every day, dental practices rely on air compressors to provide safe and comfortable services to their patients. However, new air compressors can be a serious investment for most practices, making it essential to select the right one for your dental office.
Three main factors go into choosing the right air compressor for your dental practice:
Power: Most dental offices require compressors to operate between one and five horsepower to efficiently run their equipment
Pressure: Each dental tool necessitates a specific amount of pressure to run properly, and air compressors must provide enough pressure to safely operate all your tools simultaneously
Production: Make sure your compressor choice exceeds your practice’s required cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per minute (LPM) ratings to ensure it can easily handle your dental equipment and accommodate new additions as necessary.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dental Air Compressor
The above considerations govern selecting the compressor with the right physical attributes for your practice’s needs. Some of the most important decisions that factor into optimizing your air compressor’s power, pressure, and production levels include those concerning:
Size
You should consider both the size of your practice as well as the desired size of the air compressor in relation to it. Most dental air compressors measure output in one of two ways:
Cubic feet per minute (CFM)
Liters per minute (LPM)
Dental chairs typically require 50 LPM or 2 CFM of air per chair. Additionally, you should account for the number of personnel who regularly use your equipment, as too much simultaneous use could strain a system that’s not prepared for it.
Use of Oil
Most dental environments benefit from using oil-free compressors. Oil-based compressors risk contaminating surrounding fluids, which could imperil patient health. Oil-free air compressors also require less maintenance and upkeep because they work with less volatile substances.
Power
Most compressors rate power output either in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (HP). 1 kW equals 1.34 HP.
This power range governs a compressor’s ability to pump air. Dental air compressors come in a range of power ratings, but for most dental offices, compressors with 1–5 HP (~0.75–3.7 kW) get the job done.
Motors
All dental air compressors run on motors. The motor runs the compressor, and the compressor has one or two pistons depending on the model.
Pressure
All dental tools have specific pressure requirements. Many measure their pressure requirements in bars, which equal ~14.5 psi each. Most dental applications use pressures of 5 bars, but to avoid straining your equipment, it’s usually a good idea to generate slightly more pressure than each tool requires.
Dental Air Compressors from Compressed Air Systems
Compressed Air Systems offers a full suite of air compressors designed for dental applications. Our products include:
Scroll dental air compressors
Reciprocating dental air compressors
Oil-free compressors
Quiet and noise-free models that result in greater patient comfort
Custom-sized air compressors
Custom horsepower options
Contact Compressed Air Systems
At Compressed Air Systems, we know that at the center of each well-functioning dental practice is a good air compressor. Air compressors make patient care safe, comfortable, and efficient.
If you would like to learn more about our range of dental air compressors or other compressed air systems, contact us today.
Compressed air tanks, often referred to as air receiver tanks, are a vital part of all compressed air systems. They help balance the supply of air from the compressor with the demand from the system by acting as a reservoir during peak times. Additionally, they can remove water from the compressed air system and minimize system pulsations.
Achieving the maximum benefits from an air receiver tank necessitates choosing one that is properly sized for the compressed air system. In most cases, a receiver tank is sized at 2 gal/scfm. However, if big surges in demand are expected, the size is increased to between 4 and 10 gal/scfm. The following article goes into further detail about what an air receiver tank is, why it is important, and how to properly size one for a compressed air system.
What Are Air Receiver Tanks?
Air receiver tanks are engineered to temporarily store compressed air before it enters equipment or a piping system. They help connected compressed air systems operate efficiently during operations by acting as a buffer between the compressor and fluctuating buffer. Additionally, they can be used to supply additional air to the system to accommodate surges in demand and/or run the system even when the compressor is not running.
Compressed air systems use two types of air receiver tanks: primary and secondary. Primary tanks are located close to the air compressor system and act as air storage devices. Secondary tanks are located further from the compressor system while still being accessible to any device that requires air.
Why Are Receiver Tanks Important in Compressed Air Systems?
While it is technically possible for a compressed air system to function without a receiver tank, there are several reasons why they are a vital component of highly effective systems. First, they serve as reservoirs that supplement compressed air supply during peak demand. Second, they remove water that might be present in a compressor system by cooling the air. Third, they decrease the amount of pulsations experienced by the system.
Some of the key factors to consider when choosing a receiver tank for a compressed air system are:
Size: An air receiver tank should be sized between 6–10 times the flow rate of the system. For example, compressors with a rating of 25 scfm at 100 psi should have a tank that is size at a minimum of 150 cubic feet.
Working Pressure: Air receiver tanks must be fitted with a pressure relief valve and pressure gauge. The former should be set to 10% above the working pressure of the compressed air system.
Drainage/Drying elements: A drain enables the receiver tank to expel water from the system. It can be manual or automatic. The inclusion of an air dryer and coalescing filter can further help improve the dryness of the compressed air.
How to Properly Size an Air Receiver Tank
Air receiver tanks are sized in terms of volume (measured in gallons). They are available in sizes ranging from 5-gallon capacities to several thousand gallon capacities. It is important to choose the size based on the needs of the application. Key considerations to keep in mind include:
Capacity: How much air can the air receiver store? It should be greater than the amount of air required for the application.
Pressure: What compressor discharge pressure is required? What end-use pressure is required? The greater the difference between the two values, the smaller the receiver needed.
Time: How much time (in minutes) does the tank take to supply the amount of air required without a significant drop in pressure?
Air requirement: How much air does the end-user require to operate at optimal capacity?
In addition to these factors, sizing a receiver tank can vary depending on the compressor design.
Sizing a Compressed Air Tank for Reciprocating Air Compressors
Reciprocating air compressors rely on a receiver tank to store compressed air and eliminate pulsation before it is used for operations. When the tank is filled with enough compressed air, the connected device can be operated. Using the device drains the tank, so users will need to wait for it to fill back up if it is emptied before the device can be used again. Correctly sizing the air receiver tank to the compressor helps minimize interruptions by eliminating the risk of it emptying before the task is done.
Sizing an Compressed Air Tank for Stationary Air Compressors
Custom stationary air compressors utilize air receiver tanks that are more complex to size correctly. As a result, sizing should generally be performed by a qualified engineer. Factors influencing tank sizing include volume and pressure variations in demand, air compressor size, pipe/hose size and length, and control system.
Contact Us for Tank Sizing Help Today
Need help determining the right air receiver tank size for your system? Ask the experts at Compressed Air Systems! We offer high-quality air receiver tanks for various compressed air system needs. Our engineers can help you evaluate your system requirements and restrictions to identify the best tank solution.
When selecting an air compressor, it can be difficult to determine which type of compressor will be best for your application. While many factors play into this decision, users must ultimately decide whether an oil-lubricated or oil-free air compressor is the appropriate solution for their specific need.
In the oil vs. oil-less air compressor debate, many companies are beginning to recognize the benefits of using oil-free compressor models over their standard oil-lubricated air compressor counterparts.
Oil-Free Air Compressor Advantages
Oil-free air compressors offer a number of advantages over oil-lubricated models. Without standard oil usage, oil-free compressors provide significant cost-savings on filter costs and used oil disposal. While the gearbox takes a long-term lubrication solution, oil-free compressors eliminate the need for oil changes or fills during maintenance cycles. Additionally, because the oil-free compressors do not require increased force, they reduce related energy costs.
Even with these differences, oil-free compressors don’t sacrifice efficiency and can typically unload within two seconds at about 18% full load horsepower.
How Oil-Free Air Compressors Work
Oil-less air compressors work a little differently than oil-lubricated compressors, as they don’t require a lubricant to cool air. Instead, they go through a six-step process to compress and cool the air, as follows:
Intake Oil-free air compressors draw in air from the outside via an unloader valve. The air then passes through one or more filters to filter out any particulates, such as dust or dirt.
Initial Compression Once the air is drawn in through the unloader valve, it passes into a chamber where oil-free elements compress the air while keeping it free from lubrication contamination.
Initial Cooling The air is cooled for the first time at this stage to avoid unnecessary heat damage to internal compressor components. In pumps operating with two stages, air may also be compressed at a much higher PSI. Intercoolers also come equipped with filters to remove any condensation that rises from the cooling process.
Second Compression Once cooled, the air returns to the main chamber, where it experiences a high-pressure compression process.
Second Cooling Once fully compressed, the air passes through an aftercooling stage. This stage further cools the air into a form in which it can be properly stored.
Automatic Detection Oil-free air compressors offer an automatic refill technology. Sensors monitor the level of air within the storage tank, and the compressor will turn on and begin the process of refilling the tank with pressurized air once the stored air reaches a pre-set level.
Oil-Free: The Right Choice for Dentists
Dental offices are a prime example of an application that has greatly benefited from the use of oil-free air compressors. While some dentists fear that an oil-free compressor will be too loud for use in an office, noise suppressors can be fitted to the filters to cut down on the noise generated by the compressor. Oil-free air compressors also tend to be lighter and smaller, so they are better suited for use in small spaces, such as a patient area.
Some oil-free compressors can generate the same pressure and airflow as their oil-lubricated counterparts, and it’s important for dentists to choose the correct model. However, oil-free compressors are chosen in many medical applications for one primary reason—they drastically reduce the risk of lubricants contaminating the air supply.
Contaminated air can be extremely harmful to patients, so the benefits of oil-free models in this type of work cannot be understated.
Common Applications for Oil-Free Air Compressors
Of course, dentists aren’t the only professionals seeing benefits from oil-less air compressors. These compressors have also been shown to benefit a wide range of other applications, in industries such as:
Automotive Workers in automotive applications will benefit from reduced exposure to oil-contaminated air. In addition, oil-free compressors have been proven to provide high-quality finished paint jobs, and the less frequent maintenance cycle of an oil-free compressor ensures that processes run smoothly.
Chemical In chemical manufacturing and processing, product purity is an utmost priority, so using a purer supply of air is ideal. Oil-free compressors are also safer, since there is less risk of lubrication contamination reacting badly with other chemicals. With no need for oil changes or fills, there’s also less waste involved.
Electronics Electronics manufacturing often requires extremely sanitary conditions to ensure that products are fabricated contaminant-free and of the highest quality. The uncontaminated compressed air from oil-free compressors contribute to the ultra-clean conditions required by these processes.
Food & Beverage Air contaminated even slightly by lubricants can affect the end quality and flavor of food and beverages. In food and beverage manufacturing, oil-free compressors contribute to a healthier, cleaner final product.
Oil & Gas Oil-free compressors only require monthly maintenance to check parts for wear and don’t need oil changes or top offs, which contributes to error-free control systems and processes. The cleaner air provided by oil-less air compressors also contributes to increased safety and better quality final product in these applications.
Pharmaceuticals One of the most sensitive manufacturing processes, pharmaceutical relies on high-quality cleanroom conditions to guarantee the health and safety of its patients. Oil-free compressors contribute to pure production, reduced contamination risk, decreased waste, and more efficient overall processes.
Textiles Efficiency is a key factor in textile production, so the reduced maintenance and repair costs associated with oil-free compressors have been a boon for this industry. Oil-free compressors also contribute to higher textile quality and reduced wastage.
Learn More
In business since 1963, Compressed Air Systems offers a wide range of air compressors, vacuum systems, and blowers. We also run our own installation, service, and rental departments. Backed by 55 years of industry experience, our team can help you address any compressed air challenge you may face.
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Globally, the air compressor market is quickly growing due to the versatility and cost-effectiveness of air compressor units. Between 2020 and 2028, the market is expected to grow at a rate (CAGR) of 3.4% annually. However, despite the wide adoption of air compressors, many businesses don’t prioritize air compressor maintenance, resulting in increased expenses due to costly repairs or replacements and the associated downtime. Air compressor maintenance offers you many benefits, such as time savings, safety enhancements, and reduced production costs due to less energy consumption. See our guide to inline clean air treatment here.
Top 5 Energy Saving Tips
Regardless of your specific industry or application, a well-maintained air compressor plays a vital part in reducing energy consumption. Here are five top tips you can implement to increase the energy savings from your air compressor:
Cost Saving Advice: Hoses, Fittings, and Waste
Check your fittings regularly, ensuring they create a tight seal. Loose fittings are a significant cause of leaks in air compressor units. If the fittings seem corroded or worn out, you should repair or replace them immediately. Consider inspecting hoses since they act as the system’s key connection points, and any damage to the hose could disrupt the entire system. Hoses usually get damaged during cold weather or bent, resulting in corrosion or cracks. Additionally, drain your unit’s receiver tank to avoid suboptimal operation due to a lack of storage capacity.
Apply Proper Controls to Multiple Compressor Units
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Proper controls maintain steady system pressure and ensure that only the required compressor units are brought online. This eliminates the inappropriate use of compressed air and ensures each unit is operating at peak efficiency. The controls are also helpful in turning off compressor units that are not needed or not being used.
Ensure Piping & Storage are Properly Sized
The problem with most systems is the lack of adequate storage and piping. When sizing piping, it should optimize the transfer of compressed air at the desired flow and pressure to the point of use. Having wider piping from two to three inches can minimize the pressure to around 50%. On the other hand, reducing the distance traveled by air can lower pressure by about 30%-40%. Having the wrong storage size can result in issues with production or increased costs due to wasted energy.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Air filters should be inspected monthly and replaced regularly. Drops in pressure as little as two psi can cost about 1% in compressor horsepower efficiency. Regular inspection and replacement maintain air quality and reduce the chance of pressure dropping. There are several point-of-use and air-line filters in a typical system, which should also be maintained regularly.
Reduce the Operating Pressure to the Lowest Possible Setting
A common rule for most compressors indicates that every 2-psi reduction in system operating pressure can result in 1% in compressor energy-saving efficiency. Continuously adjust the pressure setting to reach the lowest possible setting without compromising performance. Additionally, centralized systems using multiple compressors can be set to run using a central controller. Turning down the pressure on your compressor even 10 PSIG is a 5% savings in electrical costs.
Contact Compressed Air Systems for More Advice
Maintaining your air compressor is essential to ensure daily operations and equipment continue running without interruption. At Compressed Air Systems, we are proudly celebrating nearly 60 years of delivering superior equipment design and engineering, custom turnkey installations, compressed air leak detection and elimination, air compressor rentals and services, and more. We have partnered with Kaeser to create a long and productive business partnership as a proud supplier of Kaeser air compressors. Get in touch with us today for more information about our services.
Comments Off on What Class of Air Do You Need for Your Application?
Different applications require different compressed air quality levels to deliver optimal safety and efficiency. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) maintains a set of guidelines called ISO 8573 that define the classes of compressed air quality based on specific testing criteria. Any application that requires compressed air should abide by the ISO 8573 standards to ensure that the air quality meets industry standards and provides the expected results.
ISO Air Quality Classes
The ISO classifies compressed air quality under ISO 8573 and provides standard criteria for testing air contaminants, including solid particles, oil, and water. While the ISO does not classify gasses and other pollutants like microbiological contaminants and volatile organic compounds, it does include methods for measuring such pollutants. The ISO standards are periodically updated to keep up with fast-changing industries, and its most recent update was ISO 8573:21:2010.
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The ISO classifications help different industries classify the air requirements of their facilities and allow users to work to achieve the appropriate compressed air levels for their needs. The ISO provides the following test standards:
ISO 8573-1: Classes of purity and contaminants
ISO 8573-2: Testing for oil aerosol
ISO 8573-3: Testing for humidity
ISO 8573-4: Testing for solid particles
ISO 8573-5: Testing for oil vapor
ISO 8573-6: Testing for gas
ISO 8573-7: Testing for viable microbiological content
ISO 8573-8: Testing for solid particles with mass concentration
ISO 8573-9: Testing for liquid water
Reading the ISO Classes Chart
ISO 8573 defines several air purity classes identified by three-digits, such as 1.1.1, 1.2.1, or -.8.-. The digits are read from left to right, with the first digit representing solids particles, the second water, and the third oil. A low number marks air with few contaminants, while a high number will mark highly-polluted air.
Air with an ISO classification of 1.1.1 or 1.2.1 has low levels of contamination. Sensitive applications like pharmaceutical and chemical processing depend on air with very low contaminant levels. A rating of -.8.- has no solid particulate or oil contaminants but contains higher levels of water particulates. Air with this quality rating may still be acceptable for applications such as low-grade shop air.
Solutions From Compressed Air Systems
Compressed Air Systems has the solution if you are trying to find the class of air that meets ISO 8573 standards for your application. Our team of air system specialists understands that every application requires a unique air system solution to provide the ideal class of air. We deliver air systems for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Speak with our specialists to determine the ideal filter for your industry or application.
Rely On Compressed Air Systems To Meet ISO 8573 Standards
Determining the ISO 8573 standard class of air for your application is critical to achieving the safety and performance you need. If you are not sure which ISO 8573 class of air is required for your application or need help achieving air quality that meets ISO standards, the team at Compressed Air Systems can help. Compressed Air Systems has been delivering high-quality compressed air, vacuum, and blower system solutions since 1963. From our 30,000 sq. ft. Tampa, FL facility, we offer sales, in-house services, rentals, and installation.
Compressed Air Systems provides a complete solution whether you are purchasing a new air system for installation or have an old air system that requires professional diagnosis and repair. We also sell and rent a variety of pneumatic equipment tools. Contact us to learn more about our products and capabilities.
High-volume blowers and vacuum pumps are vital for moving air in industrial settings. Choosing the right compressed air blowers and vacuum pumps can benefit any pneumatic system and save your business money. Learn more about blowers and vacuum pumps, common applications, and products from Compressed Air Systems that can serve you.
About Blower and Vacuum Pumps
Many manufacturing plants require compressed air blowers and vacuum pumps for basic operations. At Compressed Air Systems, we can provide precision compressor solutions that fit your facility’s needs. We work with trusted manufacturers like Kaeser Compressors to provide reliable, high-quality products, components, and assemblies for commercial and industrial facilities.
Our selection of standard and custom products includes:
Positive displacement blowers: These blowers can deliver a constant high volume of gas through their outlet port.
Radial vacuum pumps: These pumps can deliver controlled volumes of air (typically at high volumes) when systems require air at small differential pressure levels. They can precisely remove air and gas from a fixed area, such as to clean or seal containers.
Rotary claw pumps: Using positive displacement, the non-contacting claws in this system rotate to pull air in and pump it out at controlled volumes and pressure differentials.
Rotary lobe blowers: These blowers use centrifugal force to deliver pressurized air with as little vibration as possible.
Rotary screw: Rotary screw compressors use positive displacement to compress air between two rotors and reduce the size of the chamber. The rotary screws pressurize the gas to the desired level and power pneumatic operations.
Rotary vane pump: A rotary vane pump uses positive displacement to rotate air within a cavity and pull air from a given area.
Blower and Vacuum Pump Applications
Our blowers and vacuum pump systems can remove or supply gases in different volumes, pressures, and directions. Some of the most common applications for blowers and vacuum pumps are:
Air supply for aeration or pneumatic conveying
Bottle filling
Critical instrument air supply
Cutters
Dairy processing and milking
Dryers
Evacuation
Evisceration
Filling and closing machines
Filtration
Humidification
Manufacturing plant vacuums
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)
Packaging
Preserving cooked food
Process gas stream
Sterilization
Working With Compressed Air Systems
Because high-volume blowers and vacuum pumps come in many varieties, it can be challenging to know which one is the best fit for your application. At Compressed Air Systems, our team of experts can help you determine the right systems for your industrial or commercial operation. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
CAES can be used for large-scale energy storage, in which the air is stored in pressurized storage tanks or underground caverns. Pressurized air is pumped into the enclosure using a compressor and stored until the energy is needed. The stored energy is retrieved by allowing the air to expand, which pushes high-pressure air through a turbine to create electricity.
Air receiver tanks are sized in terms of volume (measured in gallons). They are available in sizes ranging from 5-gallon capacities to several thousand gallon capacities. It is important to choose the size based on the needs of the application. Key considerations to keep in mind include: 
