Pressure drops can set in gradually, and slowly reduce the performance of your compressed air system over a long duration of time. For that reason, they may be tough to spot right away, but eventually you’ll notice a decline in the performance of your system. If you suspect that the pressure has dropped on your compressor, there are actions that you can take to restore it to normal function.
Pressure drops slow down your operation and increase energy consumption. The efficiency of your compressor declines. You can always call an experienced technician to perform routine maintenance on your compressor. Your other option may be to look for the source of the problem yourself.
Ways to Reduce Pressure Drop
Your compressed air system consumes enough energy as is. If you notice it using more than normal, it could be due to a pressure drop. You have options in this situation. You always want to reduce moisture within the system. You can always be looking for ways to improve compressed air performance.
Below are a few things to check for as you inspect your air compressor:
A System Redesign – The layout of your system may cover too much ground. It may be time to reconfigure it and move your most used tools closer to your compressor so that you can eliminate any extension pieces, and reduce the amount of ground that needs to be covered. When you shorten the distance air needs to travel, you improve the efficiency of the system.
Inspect Tubing – If your system includes tubing, it’s important to inspect it, to make sure that the tubes remain airtight. Rust formation can also cause trouble with tubing. If you see any rust buildup or cracks, it’s time to replace the tubing.
Check for Worn Hoses – Kinked or worn-down hoses can lead to air leaks. When you inspect hoses regularly to make sure they’re in prime working condition, you may be able to spot a leak earlier, before the problem worsens. Make sure that none of the hoses in your system are in a stressed position.
Consider System Connections – All connection pieces should all be properly sized and tight. If you have any overly complicated connection points, it may be time to reconfigure your system with a simpler approach in mind.
Check Regulators – The settings on the pressure regulators may be what is causing the pressure drop, and the increase in energy. You can try resetting it, and if you still experience the drop, it might need to be replaced.
Change Lubricators – The lubricators on your air compressor need to fit with the actual flow rate of the system. If they’re not working correctly within the confines of your system, they may need to be changed.
If you cannot find the source, it may be time to call for a repair.
The Benefits of Reducing Pressure Drop
If you’re experiencing a pressure drop in the system, you may not notice the difference at first. It may not become apparent until your system is expending a significantly higher amount of energy than previously.
But when you successfully address this problem, you will experience improved performance, reduced, maintenance, and lower operating cost. All of this leads to you being able to focus on core aspects of your business.
Your Air Compressor is a Complex Machine
It can be incredibly difficult to troubleshoot your compressor, and to know what needs to be fixed. If you’ve looked, and cannot identify the source in order to reduce pressure drop, it may be time to contact an experienced technician to help you with the problem. Contact us today to help you identify and fix the problem!
