Industrial Air Compressor Condensate Management

Anyone who owns an air compressor understands the importance of properly maintaining their machine. A crucial tool in this process is a condensate management system. So long as these systems are functional, they are very important components of all air compressor systems because they separate the small amount of oil from the condensate that gathers in the air compressors. This allows the caretakers of the air compressor to perform simple, ecological, and economical disposal of any leftover waste.
Providing industrial sized air compressors to factories, construction sites, and other large jobs is something Air Center, Inc., knows how to do. With top of the line and state of the art Kaeser equipment available, they can fit you with the right air compressor to tackle any job.

Why You Need to Manage Your Condensates

Oil, water vapor, oxides, and other micro particles run through your entire compressor system along with the air you are trying to compress. These contaminants can cause harm to the internal parts of your system, such as rust, ruptures, and clogging. You need to remove these contaminants from your system through filters or dryers.

Disposing of Your Contaminants
In order to properly dispose of your condensates, you will need to reduce them down to the legal limits. Many separators automatically reduce oil to legal limits, but it is still necessary to check with your local municipality to determine what their individual legal limit is.

In the past, people would use a waste management company to come and remove collected condensate from their site. Today there are a number of different types of condensate management systems which can used independently within a company, and can separate almost any compressor fluid from the condensate. This allows the 98% of the condensate that is solely water to be disposed on site. The small percentage of remaining oil can then be collected and recycled, or disposed of at a much cheaper rate than what was possible before.

Properly Maintaining an Industrial Air Compressor

air-compressor28Industrial air compressors are a crucial and fundamental part of the plant. With so much emphasis on the lifetime of these machines, air compressor maintenance has become key to conserving a company’s funds. When properly maintained, industrial air compression systems decrease downtime, increase production rates, and improve the quality of the air being produced. Using a professional air compressor maintenance service will reduce safety hazards and increase the reliability of the air compressor.
A lot of minor problems can be attended to simply by:

  • Replace necessary parts
  • Lubricate bearings, gears, and rotor surfaces in air compressors
  • Change air lubricant separators when it reaches 10psid (2-3 psid is ideal)
  • Regularly clean air-inlet piping and heat exchanger surfaces
  • Lubricate and clean the compressor drive
  • Keep all air passages clean
  • Make sure enclosed motor fins are free of debris
  • Check and adjust belts routinely

Lack of maintenance can cause excessive energy consumption, high operating temperatures, poor moisture control, and excessive contamination. Keep in mind that all industrial air compressor equipment should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Depending on ambient conditions, it may be prudent to carry out maintenance more often than advised by compressor manufacturers.

For all your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Types of Condensate Drains

condensate-drainA condensate drain is a necessary component of a compressed air system because it disposes of potentially harmful condensates in a safe way. Condensates form from the cooling of moisture in the air system, and must be drained properly and regularly. If the condensate is not drained, water vapor and other contaminants would not be properly removed via refrigerated air dryers or mist eliminators.  
A type of condensate drains are timed electric drains.

  • Programmed to drain condensates at specific time intervals
  • Designed to discharge condensates at pressure ratings as high as 720psi
  • Knobs adjust the open time and duration between cycles
  • Valve-open lights display operating conditions 
  • A motorized ball valve is also used for timing  

Another type of condensate drain is an automatic drain trap, or float drain. Float drains operate without electricity and discharge both clean and heavy emulsion condensates. They are compact in size and automatic, saving energy and space.

  • After drains discharge the condensate, oil and water separators are used to reduce hazardous waste  
  • Oil and water separators siphon out materials such as mineral oils, semi-synthetic lubricants, synthetic lubricants, 24KT fluids, and polyglycols  
  • Lubricants are trapped in these systems, allowing water to pass through.

Draining condensates are one of the most important aspects when dealing with industrial air compressor maintenance. Not only will a well drained system function more smoothly, but it will also save you valuable time and money.

For all your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. can help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Industrial Air Compressor Producer, Kaeser, Introduces new Mobilain Model

Kaeser is proud to introduce the new Mobilair(TM) M250 portable compressor. The 288 hp M250 takes its place alongside the most powerful models in the Mobilair line, providing 900 cfm at 125 psig. Designed for easy towing and maximum maneuverability, it is also exceptionally compact and lightweight - with the standard version weighing in at less than 7,000 lbs.
Providing industrial sized air compressors to factories, construction sites, and other large jobs is something Air Center, Inc., knows how to do. With top of the line and state of the art Kaeser equipment available, they can fit you with the right air compressor to tackle any job.
When it comes to buy an industrial sized air compressor, there are a few things you should always take into consideration:

What power source are you using?

Electricity

Gas

Diesel

How readily available are replacement parts for your compressor?

Are you planning on buying a stationary compressor or a moveable compressor?

In addition to some of these questions, it is important to consider your energy saving options as well. Energy saving models usually have a higher initial price tag, but over time, the amount of energy they can save you adds up to much more than you initially paid.
It’s important to consider all these options when buying a big piece of machinery like an industrial air compressor. But with the right knowledge and help, you’ll be able to find a model that fits your needs perfectly.

Air Demand Analysis on Your Industrial Air Compressor

air-analysis2An Air Demand Analysis is probably one of the smartest investments you can look into when designing a brand new compressed air system. Air Demand Analyses are a key step in ensuring your unit obtains the highest performance and efficiency available for your work. A professional engineer or vendor can perform various tests to determine which brand and unit type works best in your environment. Here are some great benefits you will enjoy if you invest in an Air Demand Analysis:

  • Accuracy- Air Demand Analyses employ a process that focuses on acquiring data that is both accurate and valuable. This accurate data is utilized to ensure you receive the most optimal system
  • Energy Costs- Electricity is the highest cost when it comes to operating an industrial air compressor. Air Demand Analyses look to meet all of your system requirements while maintaining minimal pressure. You are matched with the most appropriate device through this process
  • Customization- Everything from your layout to the features of the unit is customized and tailored to you and your business’ unique needs, all with the most optimum unit chosen just for you
  • 3D Image- After your system is selected and tailored to fit, you may opt to view a 3D image of your system before having it installed. This gives you an idea of how your system will work in practice

If you are in need of a new industrial air compressor, have a professional engineer or vendor conduct an Air Demand Analysis for you. These professionals make it their goal to ensure you have the best system available. Through an Air Demand Analysis, you can ensure maximum performance, reliability and efficiency while minimum on the overall costs.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. should be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.