One of the byproducts of creating compressed air is heat, and lots of it. This heat is emitted by the compressors and air dryers, and must be removed from the compressor room or unpleasant consequences will result. A very common problem with air cooled compressors is making the assumption that the hot air exhausted from the […]
5 habits that make you a smooth compressed air system operator
There are some useful habits that always keep compressed air systems running smoothly. It pays to develop these and exercise them on a regular basis to avoid problems that may cause unplanned shutdowns, lost production and other challenges: Keep it clean — Compressor rooms are like vacuum cleaners, the flow of air into the compressor cooling systems […]
Compressed air fail: Flow meter install finds extra funds
A food processing plant had installed a new variable speed drive compressor as extra capacity for their plant. Another variable speed unit of the same size had been running their system for a number of years. A compressed air auditor measured their system with data loggers and the readings showed that both compressors were unexpectedly […]
How do you start the compressed air audit process? 7 easy steps.
So you want to do a compressed air audit. Congratulations, you are taking a big, important step! Measuring your compressed air system is a very good way to start understanding the costs associated with your system — and what challenges you are facing with efficiency, pressure, air quality and reliability. If you are calling in […]
What will happen if I don’t have my compressed air system audited?
Everyone knows that, if left unsupervised or uncontrolled, any system will fall out of adjustment. Compressed air systems are no different, compressor pressure settings will drift, leaks will appear, and all manner of waste will be created by accident or design. Consider a plant that makes farm machinery, the subject of the graphic in this […]
Why should you have your compressed air system audited?
If you have a look at your compressed air system, you will likely see a number of gauges telling you the pressure in the pipes — but rarely are there any instruments telling you how efficient your system is or how much compressed air is being consumed. These missing pieces mean you are operating your […]
Festo acquires component manufacturer Fabco-Air
Festo announced that it has acquired Fabco-Air, Gainesville, Fla., a manufacturer of pneumatic automation components. The acquisition is the latest in a series of investments to support sales growth in North America. Fabco-Air’s NPT pneumatic cylinders are applied by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on new machinery and systems as well as replacement components in the […]
ControlAir announces hew high flow capacity volume booster
ControlAir Inc. has announced the introduction of the new Type 6100 High Flow Capacity Volume Booster. The Type 6100 is designed to significantly increase the stroking speed in valve actuation system applications that require high forward flow and exhaust capacities. The Type 6100 is a 1:1 signal to output relay that when used with a […]
How much money can I save by having my compressed air system audited?
Having a compressed air audit done can open your eyes to things that have gone on under your nose for a long time. Basic to a compressed air study is calculating the annual operating cost of the system by taking the measurements collected by system instrumentation (temporary or permanent) and the site utility costs and […]
Why should you use caution with emergency compressors?
In the heat of summer, it is common to have heat-related problems in an industrial facility. When these problems include the failure of the air compressor, the only option is often to bring in a motor driven portable rental compressor. The use of these gas or diesel units can cause huge problems in a plant […]