All compressed air systems have unique supply and demand characteristics, but one thing they have in common are similar warning signs that something is wrong. Identifying impending issues can increase efficiency, save from unplanned downtime and avoid safety issues. Here are some warning signs to be on the lookout for. Changes in or increased noise levels Be aware of any changes in or differences in noise. Bearing noise can be a symptom of a major problem. Listen for any rattles,
Should saving energy be of interest to the industrial compressor user? If you are using compressed air in your plant, your company is typically wasting energy which equates to wasted dollars. In fact, estimates indicate that poorly designed and maintained compressed air systems in the United States account for up to $3.2 billion in wasted utility payments every year.”(1) Here are 10 ways to to reduce energy use in your compressed air production: 1. Eliminate Compressed Air Leaks “Leaks are
A catastrophic compressor failure in your plant might have you jumping through hoops to keep your plant online. Will staff be chasing around for a rental compressor? Will the failure cause plant shutdown? It pays to rebuild your air compressor to avoid unexpected downtime, unhappy customers, and the cost of emergency compressor rental. Rotary screw compressors have formidable operating conditions It is the rotary screw air compressor, with low vibration and pulsation free air delivery, that is most frequently selected to provide
Compressing air, whether using a reciprocating, screw type, a vane, or even a diaphragm air compressor, generates heat. In the winter, cold air entering a compressor intake helps reduce that compressor generated heat. However, as summer creeps in, air temperatures can soar into the 100+ degree range. The compressor is now ingesting hotter, more humid air, increasing heat production and hampering any on-compressor cooling systems. Electric motors on compressors convert electrical energy to heat as well. According to the publication
Heat and humidity can take an extreme toll on your compressor efficiency. Higher temperatures and humidity can reduce the life of your oil by up to 50%. And, strain is placed on dryers and filters to reduce additional water in the system caused by excess humidity. Changing air compressor oil/fluids will help maintain viscosity for better lubrication to help remove moisture from your system. Changing your inlet filter will help maintain proper operating temperature. Avoid unnecessary downtime and increased operational
With the emergence of long life synthetic lubricants, oil analysis is becoming an increasingly popular tool for monitoring the serviceability of the lubricant as well as foreshadowing developing problems. As synthetic lubricants are recommended for eight to ten times the life of petroleum lubricants, a good oil analysis program is a must for assuring that there is no contamination or degradation of the lubricant and that it can continue to function for the extended drain interval. Air Engineering’s analysis program
Air compressors are an important piece of equipment, and its crucial to do everything possible to avoid breakdowns or a decline in performance. Preventative maintenance helps keep your air compressor running efficiently and extends its service life. There are a few important air compressor components that should be checked at specific intervals to better improve equipment health: Air/Oil Separator Air/oil separators should be changed every 4,000 hours or annually. Since these components are responsible for removing any leftover oil from
How To Prevent Oil From Destroying Your Rotary Screw Compressor and Avoid Spending too Much Money in the Process Protecting yourself from these problems is EASY with a good Oil Analysis Program. One Of Your Compressor’s Biggest Enemies Is Acid Build-up In Its Lubricant. The inside of a rotary screw air compressor is a tough place for oil to remain stable. It’s one of the few mechanical environments where oxygen, heat and moisture are continuously combined. In order to withstand
Figure 1. FCI ST100 Thermal Flow Meter at WWT Plant One of the biggest expenses in wastewater treatment operations is the cost of energy to run the blowers and compressors that produce air for the aeration basins. The figures most often cited are that 40 to 50 percent of a wastewater plant’s total energy usage can be attributed to the aeration process. By measuring the system’s air flows with accurate, repeatable air flow meters, the aeration process can be better
Here are some statements compressor dealers use to justify their high prices. Defend yourself with THE TRUTH. Compressor Dealer Says: “Our lubricant is patented, so it cannot be duplicated.” YOUR RESPONSE: “A patented formulation is not a superior formulation just because it is patented. The patented difference in formulation may be the color of the lubricant. ”Tell the dealer you want to conduct a functional comparison with AIR ENGINEERING’s High Performance Lubricant. That comparison will measure electrical amp draw and pressure
Air compressors are important pieces equipment, but sometimes they experience some sort of failure. We’ve prepared this guide to some of the most common issues encountered with industrial air compressors. Use this guide to troubleshoot your air compressor so you can minimize downtime and get your system back up and running. Symptom: Frequent air/oil separator plug-up/collapse Cause Correction Wrong type of lubricant in compressor. Review and analyze lubricant. Replace with correct lubricant. Ingestion of chemically active gases. Inspect and replace
Silicone oils don’t mix well with anything else, so it requires you to get as much of out of the air compressor as possible. A little extra effort will pay off. This includes draining as much of previously used lubricant as is practical: for example, disconnecting and draining any hoses. In all cases, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and incorporate the following steps for additional cleaning: System should be warm when initiating coolant change procedure. Confirm that all pressure is relieved