Determining what size of compressor to buy is a very difficult problem. This is especially true if the compressor will be for a new system that hasn’t been built yet. If you answer this question wrong, you might end up with pressure problems if the compressor does not have enough output to feed peak air […]
Air Preparation
How many horsepower should a 100 hp compressor consume?
CAGI Sheets tell the story! When you buy a 100 hp compressor, how many horsepower do you think it should consume? Yes, this is a trick question. Compressor ratings are often confusing when it comes to checking the specifications of screw compressors. The 100 hp associated with the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) compressor data […]
What’s more efficient, reciprocating compressor or screw air compressors?
Often, when it comes to choosing an air compressor for a service shop, there is a choice between types and sizes of compressors. Do you choose a standard reciprocating compressor or do you go with a more modern lubricated screw? But depending on the way you use your compressed air, and how the compressor is […]
What are air dryers?
In pneumatic systems, compressors draw in ambient air that always contains some amount of water vapor. The process of compressing air to around 100 psi raises the air’s temperature, but also dew point and water-holding capacity. Any subsequent cooling downstream will likely cause some water vapor to condense. Liquid water in pneumatic systems creates problems […]
Can water damage my compressed air system?
In a previous post, we discovered that air compressors will produce significant amounts of water, which is squeezed from the ambient air the compressor ingests through its intake. This water, if left in the system, can damage the air compressor and components connected to your compressed air system and possibly contaminate your product. Piping will […]
Compressed air fail: Relying on service technicians
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge An electronics component manufacturer was having trouble with their compressors. Despite having purchased a very expensive and sophisticated control system, they were experiencing problems with their automatic compressor control. The system is designed to control the four large air compressors in their compressor room by coordinating the […]
How do I compare air compressor efficiency?
When you are purchasing a compressor, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. You should be aware that about 80% of the lifetime cost for an average air compressor is due to electricity, the remainder is purchase price and maintenance. Often, a compressor will consume its total purchase price in electricity in […]
How can I tell how many leaks I have in my plant?
If yours is like most compressed air systems, there is usually no simple way of directly measuring leaks. Most air compressors have no flow gauge installed for you to read. But a good rough estimate can be made by indirectly measuring during some special testing—using a watch and determining the flow using a calculator. If […]
Top Donaldson award goes to heatless, regenerative desiccant dryer design
Donaldson Co. Inc., a manufacturer of filtration systems and parts, announced its patent recipients and winners of the Company’s 14th Annual Inventor Awards, which are given to employees whose work on various technology innovations has contributed to Donaldson’s continued success as a leader and filtration innovator. Employees are eligible to win one of five […]
Compressed air fail: High compressed air costs at high-end car dealer
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A high-end car dealership purchased a premium brand air compressor for their upscale dealership to service both service and body repair bays and the numerous air tools used in the facility. As part of some extra customer service, an air auditor visited the site to assess the […]