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. 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. If […]
Air Preparation
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 70° 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. […]
Compressed air efficiency: 7 tips to get the best bang for your buck
By Ron Marshall The words “bang for your buck” are frightening when it comes to compressed air, but there are definitely very good opportunities to save money by optimizing the way you operate. Compressed air is one of the most costly utilities used in industrial and commercial sites. 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 development—the 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 […]
How important is pressure to my compressed air efficiency?
By Ron Marshall The pressure at which you operate your system has a significant effect on the energy efficiency of your air compressors, and can affect the air consumption of the compressed air powered tools and equipment in the plant. Running at higher pressure than desired causes higher system flow and more power consumption, increasing […]
VMAC enters equipment rental market with gas engine-driven air compressor
VMAC has entered the equipment rental market, leading with the VMAC 30 CFM G30 gas engine-driven air compressor. The affordable VMAC G30 gas-driven rotary screw air compressor is now available for the first time to equipment rental customers. “There’s been tremendous growth in the equipment rental market in recent years, and the market is expected […]
Will a VSD compressor save me money?
The development of the variable speed drive screw compressors has had a large impact on the efficiency of compressed air systems worldwide. If properly applied, one or more variable speed controlled compressors installed in a system will save energy and may even help better control system pressure. Typical fixed speed compressors always run their main […]