 |
PREMIER Air Systems 1302 Goshen Parkway West Chester, PA 19380 Phone (800) 220-7059 Fax (610) 692-9192 |
| | Home | Products | Literature | Application | Contact Us | Distributor Center |
 |
| The Necessity For Compressed Air
Treatment… Compressed air contains contaminants that cause damage to pneumatic tools and equipment, cause fouling of controls and instruments, ruin surface finishes, and cause product spoilage and production downtime. The contaminants can be in several forms - solids, liquids, and vapors – water usually making up the largest portion. Removal of the water and contaminants is necessary to sustain pneumatic equipment life, and continue efficient production operations. The air compression
process itself causes the concentration of water and contaminants, and
it adds oil aerosols, vapors, and abrasive metallic particulate to the
compressed air as well. Air that is compressed to a typical working
pressure of 100 psi contains roughly 8 times the contaminants of air
at atmospheric pressure. Even air that has relatively low humidity at
atmospheric pressure will become saturated when compressed to 100 psi,
requiring treatment before use. Heat that’s generated
during compression adds to the damaging effect these contaminants can
have. Rust, scale, and decay within compressed air system piping, and
ambient air that contains gaseous and corrosive substances, also contribute
to the damaging effect of compressed air. Fortunately, there are several ways to condition compressed air for safe use. PREMIER Air Systems manufactures air dryers, and provides filters and air system accessories, that optimize the effectiveness of your air system – no matter what the application. |
Compressed Air
Treatment Factors Understanding the
requirements of the application forms the basis of compressed air treatment
selection. Compressed air drying equipment is rated to perform at 100°F
inlet air temperature, 100°F ambient air temperature, and 100 psig inlet
air pressure. When selecting air drying equipment, deviation from these
standard factors effects dryer performance.
Other application conditions must be considered as well, including: Geographic Location – Warm ambient air holds more moisture
than cool air. Compressed air systems located in facilities where the
summer months are very warm must install dryers that have enough capacity
to handle large condensate volume. Compressed air systems
that are located in extremely cold environments,
and that have piping that passes through the cold, must remove as much
moisture from the air as possible to avoid blockage caused by accretion
of frozen condensate in air system piping. Required Air Pressure – Air compressors typically supply
air that is compressed from 80 – 120 psi. Compressed air holds less
moisture as pressure increases. This allows an air dryer with a lower
flow capacity to be used in high pressure applications. Applications
that require pressures significantly lower than 100 psi may overflow
the capacity of drying equipment. It is important to
understand the pressure requirements of the compressed air applications
in your operation to help you determine the best model to install. Required Air Volume – All components of your air system
must be sized large enough to supply the maximum amount of required
air. Compressor Type – Compressor type, compressor age
and condition, and lubricated or oil-free design are factors that must
be considered. |