On-The-Job Air Compressor Emergencies
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- Category: Blog
- Published on Wednesday, 22 May 2013 13:54
- Written by Super User
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There is always the chance of an air compressor breaking down. These breakdowns are hazardous to you, your company and your equipment. Anyone operating around an air compressor should be aware of how to handle these emergency situations.
Common problems include:
- Too much pressure
- Mechanical Failure
- Leakage
- Tears
- Water vapor and oil buildup
Not only are these situations hazardous, but they can also result in costly financial problems that can run a company thousands of dollars a year. As with most problems involving your industrial air compressor, preventative maintenance goes a long way in ensuring that you keep those problems to a minimum.
These preventive measures include:
- Checking your valves and gauges routinely
- Manage your condensates
- Ensure anyone handling the air compressor is qualified
- Ensure your PSI readings are on level with the manufacturer’s recommendations
On the job accidents and malfunctions are some of the worst things to happen in the workplace. Knowledge and prevention serve to help prevent these mishaps from occurring.
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
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- Category: Blog
- Published on Monday, 06 May 2013 09:46
- Written by Super User
- Hits: 4281
A 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.
Properly Maintaining an Industrial Air Compressor
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- Category: Blog
- Published on Monday, 29 April 2013 00:00
- Written by Super User
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Industrial 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
What You Need to Know About Rotary Screw Compressor Lubricants
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- Category: Blog
- Published on Monday, 08 April 2013 10:02
- Written by Super User
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An important part of rotary screw compressors is lubricant. It is useful to know about different lubricant types as that knowledge ensures correct use and even helps to extend the life of the compressor.
What are the Types of Lubricants?
- Mineral Oils – this type has been used for a long time. Its use began to decrease when it began to cost money to dispose of oil. A benefit of using mineral oil is that contaminants in the compressor are taken out with the oil. A drawback of mineral oils is that they tend to oxidize quickly around higher temperatures and pressures which forms varnish and sludge.
- Synthetic Hydrocarbons – a plus of this type of lubricant is that polyalphaolefin (PAO) base stock is usually used and the PAOs are chemically stable and therefore predictable. PAOs, however, are not good solvents. PAO lubricants may be considered the best lubricants for rolling element bearings used in these compressors.
- Organic Esters – the two main types are dibasic acid (diesters) and polyol. Diesters have the same consistency over a range of temperatures which makes them desirable and they are also good solvents which makes them customizable for the application. A drawback is that they will dissolve paint and varnish. Polyol esters are similar to diesters but remain stable at higher temperatures.
- Phosphate Esters – these have a very limited use. They are not very tolerant of heat of moisture which means that they need changed very often. A plus of these esters is that they can be made fire resistant.
- Polyglycols – these were first created for natural gas compressors. For use in air compressors these fluids serve as compromise fluids. They do not form varnish so there is no visual sign that the lubricant has failed.
- Silicones – this type is resistant to heat, oxidation, and vaporization. High cost, leakage, and poor lubricating properties limit their correct use.
- Semi-Synthetics (Blends) – the idea behind blends is to provide the benefits of a pure synthetic at a cost that is not as high.
For all of your rotary screw compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will 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.
All About Compressed Air Receivers
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- Category: Blog
- Published on Monday, 01 April 2013 08:57
- Written by Super User
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Compressed air receivers are air storage tanks that work with compressed air systems in order to improve their performance. These receivers function in many ways, such as:
- Stabilizing pressure
- Regulates and responds to pressure output
- Dampens pressure pulses
- Separating liquids from air stream
Compressed air systems and receivers are often used in factories and assembly lines to aid in building products or operating tools. Since air compressor systems come in a wide variety such as high pressure, dental or portable, receiver types also come in a variety, including wet and dry and vertical/horizontal. Some examples include:
- Vertical Receivers: come in leg support, ring base and horizontal forms
- Pump Mount: smaller and made with flat tops to mount the motor and compressor
- Remote Receivers: bigger units with separate installation
- Dry Receivers: typically larger, placed in the air dryer and filtration
Be sure to conduct routine maintenance as this ensures the air system will work efficiently. Ideally hire a technician to perform simple tests such as air audits and the hydro test.
Try to install compressed air receivers indoors since the elements can compromise important gauges and valves. Dry receivers need to be installed after the air drying equipment while wet receivers need to be installed in front of/downstream the dryers and filtration. Be sure the pressure gauges are big enough to see and keep receivers on a foundation in order to stave off ruse and keep them dry.
For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will 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