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Compressed Air Facts

The #1 Rule of Compressed Air:

 

For every 20 degrees that compressed air is cooled, the air loses 50% of its ability to hold moisture in vapor form (humidity) and it is dropped out as a liquid.

The Difference between Air Drying and Air Filtration:

  • Air Drying is he removal of water vapor (humidity) from compressed air.
    • This is typically accomplished in one of four ways:
    • Desiccant (molecular sieve, activated alumina, silica gel)
    • Membrane
    • Refrigeration
    • Deliquescent
  • When to use compressed air dryers:
    • Air dryers should be used when you want to remove or reduce the humidity levels in your compressed air system to meet or exceed the air quality requirements for their compressed air demands.
  •  Air Filtration is the removal of particulates, water, oil droplets, and oil aerosols.
    • This is most effective when done in stages:
    • Water separator – removes bulk water, oil, and large particulates (down to 10 micron)
    • Coalescing filter – removes oil, small aerosols and fine particulates (down to .01 micron)
    • Activated carbon filter – removes oil vapors; eliminates odors and taste (down to .003ppm)
  • Where to place compressed air filtration:
    • The further away from the compressor, the more effective your filtration will work.
    • On or near the equipment, directly connected to air supply connection (IMPORTANT)
    • In front of all air dryers as pre-filters
    • Water separators should be placed at all air tool drops with regulators

 Important Things to Know:

  • Proper control of air pressure throughout your facility can help save 10-15% of your compressed air energy costs.
  • Repairing an audible air leak can save you $50 or more per year in energy used to drive your compressor.
  • When sizing a compressor for manufacturing, it is important to calculate total machine air consumption as well as total air consumed by machine operators and other personnel.
  • Proper control of air volume (CFM) will make all your air drying and filtration technology perform at their rated capacity. Most pieces of equipment have a manufacturer’s specification of volume consumption along with the recommended operating pressure.
  • Improper use of volume can cause an “over-flowing” of the rated capacity of your dryer or filtration which causes a carry over of moisture and contaminants.

Learn more ways you can save money and eliminate costly down time with the Compressed Air 101 video below!

Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions™ offers a complete line of products engineered to give customers dry, clean air for their specific application demands. These systems use the latest technology to provide the highest quality compressed air available. Watch this video to learn some of the key reasons you need to maintain dry, clean air in your system.