One hidden problem in many compressed air systems is something called “artificial demand.” Many users are unaware of the effects of this component of compressed air demand as evidenced by higher than needed compressed air pressures on most systems. Artificial demand in a compressed air system refers to the excess consumption of compressed air caused […]
Air Compressors
Compressed air fail: Expensive air conditioning
Compressed air is useful for very many important tasks in facilities. However, due to the high cost of producing it, there are some end uses that are very wasteful. Air conditioning and ventilation is one such inappropriate end use. In a recent survey, a compressed air auditor found a surprisingly unique waste of compressed air […]
Compressed air fail: Corrupted VSD settings
When the equipment is new and set up correctly, the coordination of VSD air compressors with fixed speed units is quite easy — if the number of compressors in the mix is four or less. Typically, what should happen is the VSD compressor maintains trim position with all combinations of fixed speed compressors providing base […]
Compressed air fail: Hidden filter
A compressed air audit at a metal parts painting plant yielded some puzzling results. Pressure loggers were placed at the compressor discharge and in the plant, but the readings were showing an unexpected and significant pressure drop between the instruments. Visual checks showed that the only thing between the loggers was an air dryer with […]
Compressed air fail: Dryer balance
A compressed air auditor was monitoring a system in a plant that produces plastic film. Part of the measurement involved analyzing the flow from the compressor room and the dewpoint of the compressed air. When examining the data, a strange pattern developed on the flow and dewpoint profiles (Fig. 1). We can see the output […]
One Cajun beef, please, but hold the air compressor oil
No one wants air compressor oil contaminating production. And in food processing applications, quality and safety are essential. E2M Kitchen, a fresh and ready-to-eat meal provider, knows this all too well. The Charlotte-based company significantly evolved its food preparation and packaging process for creating gluten-free, dairy-free, and preservative-free meals. Every tool used in its production […]
Sauer Compressors announces two new managing directors
Two new managing directors strengthen the management team of the Sauer Compressors Group. The compressor manufacturer has appointed Nicole Fässler as CFO and Mladen Milcinovic as COO as of January 1. As CFO, business economist Nicole Fässler is responsible for the new management area of Finance, HR and IT. The Swiss national has extensive experience […]
Compressed air fail: Unexpected water
It’s always frustrating to find water in a compressed air system, and especially so in locations where the air is supposed to be dry. During a recent compressed air audit, a survey of the piping found that poor dewpoints were being experienced in the system. Investigation found that significant amounts of free water mixed with […]
Compressed air fail: Extra heat
Most of the energy that goes into an air compressor comes out as heat, so it is always a good idea to direct the hot air produced to a location that needs heat — like into a plant in the winter season. The compressor in the photograph has a specially designed heat recovery system that […]
Compressed air fail: Bad water
Water-cooled compressors can have an advantage in locations where the ambient conditions are hot — and therefore using air cooled compressors would result in discharge temperatures that exceed the capacity of the air-drying systems. Overloading air dryers could result in free water entering the plant piping system. This would cause contamination of connected machines and […]