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TECHNICAL REVIEWS
The technicians at Air Power USA have amassed years of experience
in compressed air systems. We are happy to share some of
this experience with you via the following Technical Reviews summarized
below. The only cost to you is $9.95, which covers shipping and
handling. Contact us for copies.
Air Compressor Unloading Controls
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Capacity or unloading controls are specifically
what translate lower system air usage into lower input energy.
This is a complete review of all air compressor unit capacity
control systems in use today. Covers reciprocating, rotary screw
oil free, rotary screw lubricant cooled, sliding vane lubricant
cooled and centrifugal controls, as well as their application,
selection and net effect input power usage.
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Automatic Condensate Drains as Used in Compressed
Air System
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An effective continuing condensate removal
system is an important contributor to a compressed air system's
performance. This is a complete review of all types of automatic
condensate drains: mechanical, level operated, timer activated,
level activated and electric or pneumatic actuated. Covers pros
and cons of each type, basic application and selection.
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Main
Line Compressed Air Filters as Applied for Industrial Compressed Air
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Correct application and selection of
compressed air filters not only delivers continuing proper quality
compressed air to the production area, but also minimizes expensive
pressure loss. This is a basic review of main line compressed
air filters that stresses the importance of efficient and effective
filtration to overall system performance.
We review filter element technology and the application and
selection of various element "standards" and "non-standard but
perceived standards". An in-depth review of coalescing filtration,
particulate filtration and vapor removal is included.
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Air Savings Opportunities in Compressed Air Systems
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There are many common compressed air
applications that are widely used in today's manufacturing facilities
that could be more effective and economical. This review covers
the most common examples, with an economic analysis of end opportunity.
These opportunities - such as a powering the application via
an alternate source - are usually low cost solutions with relatively
high savings and fast ROI (return on investment), depending
on the cost of electricity and the hours of operation.
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Compressed Air Tool and Equipment Lubricators
and Use
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Proper lubrication is critical to acceptable
compressed air tool and equipment performance and maintenance
cost. All too often this appears to be becoming a "lost art"
in many plants. It shouldn't be - lubricators are really simple
devices and when understood and applied correctly, will do their
part in optimizing productivity and quality.
We often find misapplied compressed air lubricators when we
review plant compressed air systems. Their real job is to lubricate
the tool or equipment correctly on a continuing day-to-day basis
- lubrication of the air lines is not part of the plan.
Have you seen the compressed air lubricator mounted on the main
1 1/2" feed line that then "tees off" to several 1/2" lines
with compressed air equipment at each end? Have you wondered
how much of this oil gets to the tool? How much stays in the
pipe? Or have you had air/tool equipment oil appear upstream
of the lubricators and cause problems in a process and wondered
how did that happen?
This review is a clear guide to the proper application and selection
of compressed air lubricators - all types. They are not
air line lubricators, and shouldn't perform as if they
were!
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Application and Selection of Proper Air Hose
and Quick Disconnects for Optimum Performance of Compressed Air at
Point of Use to the Process
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This is a complete review of the effect
of improper selection of air hoses and/or quick disconnects,
and what effect it may have on final power at the point of use
or process. Offers detailed methodology to select proper hose
and quick disconnect size to flow requirements.
Includes test data and test methods and charts showing net effects
of pressure on power, torque, RPM, and air usage of various
types air motors.
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Control Cabinet Cooling: How - When - True Cost
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Control cabinet cooling, when needed,
will extend the life of critical electronic equipment. Improper
cooling or poor election/installation can significantly increase
the operating cost.
Compressed air is a component of some cabinet cooling equipment
and works well when applied well. Often, the compressed air
cooler may not be the proper type, or it is misapplied in a
manner that results in increased compressed air costs.
This section reviews the following basic types of cabinet cooling:
direct compressed air blowing, fan blowing, electric refrigeration,
compressed air vortex tube refrigeration, thermoelectric refrigeration
and heat pipe. Application, selection and installation guidelines
are covered along with an operating cost comparison method.
An example is given for the very common 1500 BTU/hr cooing requirement.
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Dewpoint Monitors and Controllers Used in Compressed
Air Systems
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If pressure dewpoint is important to
your processes, you should monitor the dryer and/or system condition.
In general, pressure dewpoint monitors - and specifically the
probes - have changed significantly from those of the past.
They are much less sensitive to installation problems and also
much more reliable.
This review looks at various types of probes: hydroscope film,
aluminum oxide, chilled mirror, aluminum oxide/ceramic and thin
film polymer. It covers installation and application of each
type and offers detailed generic installation guidelines.
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Measurement Tools and Equipment Used in Compressed
Air System Analysis
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This review covers most of the instruments
used by Air Power USA, Inc. personnel in analyzing air system
performance and troubleshooting. These include basic instruments
and loggers and recorders used to measure pressure, vacuum,
dewpoint, power, air flow and leak detection. The review shows
specific equipment we use and outlines the specific conditions
for each.
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Compressed Air - What Size Pipe?
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A look at basic selection of compressed
air pipe and tubing size utilizing compressed air pipeline velocity
along with conventional pressure drop charts, covering basic
planning for piping with or close to zero pressure loss. This
review is accompanied by an article reprint from the July 2002
issue of "Plant Services" authored by Air Power USA President
Hank van Ormer titled "There's a Gremlin Hiding in Your Compressed
Air System". This article covers piping procedures to eliminate
pipeline turbulence and its associated pressure losses.
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Compressed Air Drying
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A general overview of compressed air
drying equipment, covering basic standards of drying equipment
from the aftercooler through the final dryer. Covered are all
types of dryers and basic operating principles and performance
ranges, including deliquescent, refrigeration, and desiccant
(heatless, heated, and heat of compression) compressed air dryers.
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For copies of any
of these Technical Reviews, contact us. There will be a $9.95
shipping and handling charge. |
