Compressed air is used in a wide range of applications and has thus become a staple of industry, but it has its drawbacks. When compressed, air cannot hold as much moisture, so condensate develops. On top of this, many other impurities can find their way into the system such as oil and dirt. These impurities mix, often to become acidic, and can quickly damage machinery and wreak havoc on your maintenance budget. That is where condensate drains come into play. Condensate drains attach to compressed air systems and act to remove condensate from the compressed air system.

One or more condensate drains are typically attached at common collection points in compressed air systems. There are a few options when it comes to condensate drains, and they have vastly different savings/cost points to consider. For example, a manual condensate drain valve remains cracked slightly open at all times and can add quite a bit of cost annually due to lost air, not to mention the constant attention they require to operate. Another non-sensor condensate drain is a solenoid or timed valve. These will open and close at regular intervals, regardless of the presence of condensate. These, like the manual condensate drains, can waste quite a bit of money.

For increased efficiency, many drains have a sensor. The simplest of these condensate drains is a float type sensor. These will seal when not draining condensate. However, they’re also the most prone to malfunction and struggle when presented with oily or sticky condensate. The most efficient option for condensate removal is a zero air loss condensate drain. These have a sensor which will measure the amount of condensate and open when it reaches a predetermined level. The difference between this and a float type sensor is that these require electricity, and will open and close fast enough that you avoid the loss of air.

When choosing a type of condensate drain, you first need to make a few decisions. Are you ok with air loss? Or do you simply need an option that doesn’t require electricity? Manual or float type valves might be the way to go. Is the initial cost an issue? The more efficiency gained, the higher your initial cost is likely to be. For example, a manual or float type sensor is initially going to cost much less than a no air loss condensate drain. However, your costs over time in lost air will accumulate quickly.

When choosing an air compressor, make sure to pick one that is powerful enough to meet your needs or those of your business. Take into consideration an air compressor’s airflow and pressure when comparing compressors. There are three main types of air compressors: rotary screw, reciprocating and centrifugal, or dynamic, compressors. Screw and reciprocating compressors are positive displacement machines. Reciprocating compressors use a piston within a cylinder to increase the pressure of the air by reducing volume, while screw compressors use intermeshing screws that force air into a smaller and smaller space.

Unlike rotary and reciprocating air compressors, a centrifugal air compressor is a dynamic system. A dynamic compressor increases air pressure using impellers – rotating disks - as well as a diffuser to convert velocity energy to pressure energy. It has the distinct advantage of being an oil-free air compressing system.

Progressive stages are used to increase the pressurization of the air to the desired level, driven by an electric motor or a steam or gas turbine. Because centrifugal compressors compress air in stages, the air being compressed stays cooler and the air compressor is more efficient, both mechanically and in terms of the energy being used.

Centrifugal air compressors usually operate at a high minimum speed. They are also capable of running continuously for long periods of time. They are often found in manufacturing plants, automobiles, and in gas, oil and refining industries. These compressors can also handle large flow rates, and these kinds of compressor can be some of the most efficient and consistent air compressors available. Centrifugal air compressors are often very compact as well.

Centrifugal air compressor systems are a great fit for industrial settings, as they produce a constant flow of high-pressured air to meet high demands. The rotating impeller system means that centrifugal air compressors are able to provide continuous air flow. Other benefits are that centrifugal compressors provide oil-free compressed air, and because of their few wearing parts tend to be very low maintenance as well. Centrifugal air compressor systems are also usually very compact.

Among the many benefits of a centrifugal air compressor are its simple design, its ability to produce oil-free air for sensitive applications such as the food and beverage industry, and its ability to produce high volumes of air. Although centrifugal compressors often have a high initial cost, this is usually compensated for by their long and relatively low-maintenance life.

Industrial air compressors are heavy duty machines that are used by a variety of industries to supply power to run tools and machinery. They feature an airend that compresses air, and this can be used to supply the energy that is needed to move machinery such as construction or fabrication equipment. Buyers need to be aware of several issues that are associated with these machines, and this ensures that they will purchase the proper machines for their needs.

Businesses often choose to power machinery and tools with compressed air. This offers a number of benefits from other choices, and industrial compressors can supply equipment and machinery with a steady supply of air power.

Consumers should be sure they purchase the right product for their needs, and there are several things to keep in mind before making a purchase. The primary component that is used to buy an industrial air compressor is the amount of air that is needed to run machinery or other tools. Compressors are variable in the amount of air that they can supply, and buyers need to research the needs of their machinery before they make a purchase.

There are also several different products on the market, and they are known for their differences in the way they compress air. Industrial rotary screw compressors are one of the most common types, and they feature energy efficiency, low maintenance and low noise. Rotary lobe blowers are another option, and these machines are best for air knives, waste water treatment and pneumatic conveying. Portable compressors are the machine of choice for those in the construction industry. Most of these are affixed to a trailer and are designed to be towed behind a vehicle.

There are a few maintenance tasks that are essential for ensuring an industrial air compressor lasts for as long as possible. The tanks that are used to hold air should be drained on a regular basis. There is a lot of water that can accumulate in these tanks, and draining will ensure the tank lasts. Another issue has to do with filters, and these should be changed on a regular basis. This prevents dirt and other debris from ruining the parts that are used by the machine to compress the air.

Have you ever been interested in finding out what a compressed air receiver is and does? Air receivers are tanks filled with air that are suggested to be in all compressed air systems. These air receivers serve many purposes. They are often used to decrease wear and tear on a compression module, get rid of pulsations from a discharge line, separate moisture, give extra storage for compensating surges in compressed air usage, and to reduce energy costs. They are used by thousands of facilities and can be found in different forms, ranging in color, size, specialty, and more.

Control storage is an important function of a compressed air system. The main purpose of control storage is to optimize the effective operation of the compressor control. Essentially control storage is any storage generated between the onset of air compressor discharge and before any cleanup equipment. While control storage overlaps in its purpose with demand (dry) storage it differs in the location of the storage and its usefulness. Often, compressed air design systems manage to combine the key functions of both control and demand storage enhancing its effectiveness.

The fundamental reasons why control storage with reciprocating air compressors are used together in air systems are to reduce the pulsations from the compressor discharge, removing condensate through condensation and settling and removing short cycling of the compressor controls.

There are two different locations of air receivers, wet ones and dry ones. Wet receivers are great for additional storage and reducing moisture. Removing moisture in the system downgrades the load on filters and dryers. Wet receivers refer to a storage tank placed right after the compressor. Usually this type is used to help with reducing pulsation and pressure stabilization. On the other hand, dry receivers are good for when large air demands pop up unexpectedly. As for sizing, the size of an air receiver depends on air usage, as well as compressor style.

Installing air receivers can be a tough task, but with careful attention you can have yours working correctly. Wet receivers have to be installed opposite or downstream of the moisture separator. Dry receivers are often installed after purification equipment. Remember that every air receiver should be on a sturdy foundation to keep it safe, also allowing for space and preventing it from rusting. After installation, keep in mind that moisture should be drained often. Compressed air receivers allow the addition of receiver accessories and safety relief valves are required. Every receiver has a drain in order to eliminate any added up moisture, either manual or automatic.

The reliability of an air compressor system can benefit immensely from control storage provided it is properly assessed. Before purchasing an air receiver, make sure you check out the American Society of Mechanical Engineers for a specialized code regarding pressure vessels and compressed air receivers in general.

A business owner searches for a building to house his business cheaply, then begins production. As problems arise with the pipes, air ducts and air supply systems, a large portion of his revenue is eaten away in repairs. His bottom line gets consumed faster by defective or old systems because they take more power to run. The business owner in this situation would benefit tremendously from an Air Demand Analysis for an overall view of his present numbers and how to best approach repairing or upgrading his property's current system.

An Air Demand Analysis gives business owners access to substantial savings in energy consumption, air quality, and maintenance of existing systems. Industries such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, research, health care to name a few would benefit from an analysis of the air in which they operate. Air pressure, emissions and air quality all have consequences, especially if left unchecked. This is especially important to the small business owner or those in professions dealing with delicate products.

The analysis is carried out by experts who place sensors in strategic spots to obtain an accurate reading of air flow, energy consumption and air pressure in existing pipes and ducts. When the reading is complete, a detailed report is produced that details the readings and provides an appraisal of changes the business owner needs to make, complete with projections of savings. Energy and money saving equipment designed by engineers will be installed by professionals, who will then provide contact information in case of questions about the repaired or upgraded system.

The initial consultation and analysis is generally free of charge, though some companies may charge a nominal fee. Many companies that offer an Air Demand Analysis, repairs to the system, and installation of new equipment exist and can be found online. A little research into the matter will give the business owner a better idea what his needs are, what equipment he will need to supply those needs and the cost of the supply. The companies will supply the business owner with fax and phone numbers, email addresses and live chat boxes with which to contact them for support. Manuals and warranties can be found on these sites, giving the business owner a better understanding of the services offered and how they will be carried out. Air Demand Analysis is a necessary item for many businesses concerned with improving air quality, energy consumption, and maintenance.