Air compressors11/28/2023 ![]() While removal of the oil aerosols from the compressed air is a complex process, compression in an oil-lubricated compressor is, to date, more efficient. Whether to use an oil-lubricated air compressor with air treatment equipment to remove contaminants post compression or a completely oil-free compressor has been a debated at length in the past. In these cases, the process and working medium from the air compressor must be 100% oil-free, which poses the question of whether to generate oil-free air directly or by filtering. This is particularly true for sensitive production processes, where at least part of the compressed air flow must meet the highest quality requirements, because it is used, for example, as sterile air for ventilating fermenters in the pharmaceutical industry or food production, for filling and packing lines or electronics manufacturing and paint shops. High-tech latest generation compressors for generating oil-free compressed air and refined traditional piston compressors both play important roles here. These days, it is no longer possible to decide which compressor technology to use for generating the required compressed air quality without taking new developments and findings into account. In the case of oil-injected compressors, 94 percent of the energy used can be recovered as heat. Heat recovery can also considerably raise the efficiency of the compressor station, as there are many thermal processes where the waste heat can be used. ![]() We can then advise on any improvements that you can make to your network to help reduce leaks and save money.Īs well as carrying out an audit of your compressed air system, you should also include regular checks for air leaks in your maintenance routines too.Ī precise check of the system pressure can also save energy: is 8 bar really needed or would 7 bar suffice? If it would, then you would save eight to ten percent of the energy costs relating to compressed air – without any investment. The compressed air audit may also identify if you need to switch to a new, more efficient machine, carry out further network improvements or pipework upgrades or if your compressor requires better control. Our engineers can then provide recommendations that will help you to select the right size and mix of fixed and regulated-speed compressors. The results from the audit can then be used to analyse your air pressure requirements, power consumption and flow rate. A data-logging unit is attached to each compressor in your network for a fixed period of time. It is generally advisable to measure the compressed air demand over a period of time to determine a requirement profile for which the compressor or compressors can be selected.Ĭompressed air audits are an effective way to identify your current energy use and to assess your compressed air needs.Īir audits can be as simple or as comprehensive as you require. If the compressor is being added to an existing station, then you also need to consider integration into the control technology. These include the compressed air demand (current and in the foreseeable future), the required compressed air quality and whether the waste heat from the compressor is used for another operational process, like heating the factory. ![]() Above this a high pressure piston compressor would be used, say for example refilling scuba diving air tanks, where pressures up to 250 bar (250 times atmospheric pressure) are required.īefore purchasing an air compressor, a range of figures and facts need to be established for the entire compressed air network. Many typical air compressor applications run from 3 to around 15 bar. The airflow from the compressor also changes depending on the pressure needed, so correct sizing is very important. To power a typical air tool in a factory workshop would take say 4-5CFM so the compressor output would need to correctly match this application at the correct pressure you need the air tool to operate at, say 5 or 8 bar g. What CFM (or what airflow requirement) do I have? Oil-free compressors for example are used in food packaging where the air is in direct contact with the process it serves & so must be completely pure. Piston or screw, oil-free or oil-lubricated, regulated speed or not, the latest drive technology or a proven principle? When it comes to purchasing an air compressor or upgrading an existing compressor station plant, there are many options you can choose. Select the correct air compressor type for the application you are using it for, you can read more about the different compressed air applications here. ![]()
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