The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Compressed Air Equipment

When you work in the compressed air industry, you hear many of the same questions from customers. They range from questions on how to improve the quality of air to what maintenance is required to maximize efficiency and extend the lifetime of equipment.

Most problems trace back to the same issues. That’s why we wrote this article that addresses the top 5 most frequently asked questions about compressed air equipment.

How Do I Remove Moisture From My Compressed Air System?

This may be the most common question we received about achieving quality compressed air output. There are five main techniques for removing moisture. Cooling plus separation, over compression, membrane drying, refrigerated drying, and absorption drying. Each one is a unique process performed by an air dryer.

For a full breakdown of techniques to remove moisture from your compressed air system, and determine which is best for your application, read 5 Ways To Remove Moisture From Your Compressed Air. This article will help you understand each process and guide you in the right direction for choosing an air dryer to meet your needs.

How Do I Find And Fix Air Leaks In My Compressed Air System?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the air leaks typically waste 20-30% of a compressors total output. In a poorly maintained system, that number can climb even higher.

The first step is identifying air leaks with an ultrasonic acoustic detector. This sensor detects noise from air leaks that may not be audible to the human ear. The next step is fixing the air leaks. This may require replacing piping, hoses, fittings or couplings. Using a thread sealant is also recommended.

For more information on how to find and fix air leaks in your system, check out The Ultimate Guide To Find And Fix Compressed Air Leaks, or call Compressor Service to inspect your system. There are even energy rebates that will help pay for your repairs.

What Maintenance Does My Air Compressor Require?

Maintaining compressed air equipment should be at the top of priorities for any facility. It is the only way to maintain optimal efficiency and extend the lifetime of equipment. Proper care of your air compressor includes, but is certainly not limited to: changing the air filters, monitoring fluids, cleaning the coolers, and draining condensate.

For a comprehensive checklist of maintenance actions and tips on how to keep a maintenance log, read our article Preventative Maintenance Checklist For Industrial Air Compressors.

How Do I Reduce Pressure Drop In My Compressed Air System?

Pressure drops force your compressor to work harder, and that shows up on your electric bill. For every 2 psi of pressure drop, it costs you roughly 1% more in energy consumption. It can be caused by undersized equipment, underused piping, clogged or dirty filters, long distribution runs, worn couplings and mismatched fittings, and poor system design, to name a few.

Addressing these issues can reduce energy costs and extend the lifetime of your equipment. It just requires some TLC and technical expertise to identify and fix, but it’s worth the investment. Whether that means upgrading your compressor, optimizing your air piping layout, or just regular maintenance of your equipment, you’ll be thankful you did.

Read our full article, Reduce Pressure Drop In Your Compressed Air System, for ways to lower energy costs and extend the lifetime equipment with best practices for resolving this common problem.

How Do I Choose The Right Size Air Tank?

Sizing your air compressor tank for optimal efficiency requires one of two things: knowledge about your CFM requirements, and understanding of a more complex formula used to determine the appropriate size.

For reciprocating compressors, CFM x 1.25, then rounding up to the nearest gallon size, provides the recommended tank size.

For stationary compressors, T=V(p1-p2)/C Pa is the proper way to calculate what size air tank you need. In most cases, a qualified technician is going to help you understand this formula and what it means for your specific application.

For more info, check out How To Choose The Right Size For Your Air Compressor Tank. This article has a more in-depth explanation of what questions to ask to meet your specific needs.