How do you determine the diameter of the compressor room header pipe? Many piping installers might take a look at the outlet diameter of the air compressor and chose a similar size, but due to the variety of different outlet sizes, and the combination of flow of multiple compressors in a room this may not […]
Air Preparation
What are the primary goals for compressed air systems?
When running an efficient compressed air system, the primary goals for the production of air are the following: • A properly managed supply side results in clean dry stable air being delivered at the appropriate pressure in a cost-effective manner. • It is critically important to ensure the consumption of compressed air is managed by […]
Wanted for criminal waste: Killer Watt!
Did you know that there are criminals hiding in your plant wasting your energy and hard-earned dollars? In fact, they are nasty, terrible creatures who deserve to be tried and convicted. Be sure to hunt them down and arrest their wasteful ways. Remember that all it takes is a little effort — and it could […]
Compressed air: Dewpoint control saves
A medicinal products supply company installed a 600-cfm heatless desiccant dryer to condition their air, due to the nature of their business they wanted high air quality. They also wanted to save energy, so they upgraded this dryer to dew point dependent switching, a control mode that turns off the 90-cfm purge flow when output […]
How do I fix a VSD compressor control gap?
Question: I have a 1,000 cfm VSD compressor, but due to motor and control problems it is producing only 560 cfm. I notice my compressors are fighting with each other. What new size of VSD do I need to fix this problem? Answer: The basic rule in running with a VSD is that the variable […]
VMAC’s introduces G30+GEN rotary screw air compressor/generator
VMAC has announced the release of its G30+GEN gas powered rotary screw air compressor/generator, which combines two convenient forms of power into a single, innovative system. VMAC’s G30+GEN provides 25 CFM of compressed air at 100 psi and is designed to maintain max CFM 100% of the time. Operators can quickly switch from compressor mode […]
Where do you get compressor efficiency information?
Years ago, in the North American compressed air market, it was a free-for-all when it came to compressor ratings. Some questionable efficiency numbers were published, leading customers to believe that they were making good choices in purchasing the most energy efficient compressors. However, as time went on, it was gradually discovered that some published numbers […]
Compressed air fail: Optimized nozzles
A building products company had constantly overheating bearings on some large fans induced draft in their process and decided to use compressed air to provide some extra cooling. On one fan bearing they installed a spare air wand and tied it in position with wires, so the nozzle pointed directly at the hot bearing, this […]
Compressed air fail: One little button
A farm implement manufacturer had a system of three large 150-hp compressors that were air-cooled lubricant-injected screw compressors. To control these compressors — two of which were needed for peak duty on any given day — the compressors were set up in a cascaded pressure band arrangement, with each unit running in load/unload mode. In […]
Compressed air fail: Frozen lines
A wood products company had some troubles operating its compressed air system in the coldest winter months. Maintenance workers found that the pressure at various points in their plant would fall to very low levels, especially after weekend plant shutdowns. The plant had a system of lubricated screw compressors with refrigerated air dryers to condition […]