Image by Thom Sibent from Pixabay
At EXAIR we will often talk about best practices for Compressed Air Usage on the Demand Side. We talk about things like always having point-of-use filtration with our Filter Separators, or dialing down the pressure with our Pressure Regulators to ensure you are using the minimum pressure required to get the job done. Best practices like these will ensure you get the most out of our Intelligent Compressed Air Products. Something that is just as important is implementing best practices for the Supply Side, or in the Compressor Room. In this blog I want to highlight some of the best practices, or general good ideas for your compressor room.
1. It is ideal if the compressor room can be centrally located. This helps to minimize the length of pipes, as well as allows for easier noise control. Longer pipes can lead to pressure loss, as well as increase the likelihood of leaks, which can be very costly in the long run.
2. The compressor room should be sized to allow for future expansion and easy maintenance. The Compressed Air Challenge recommends at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides of the compressor for easy access and ventilation.
3. Performing basic preventative maintenance is going to be essential in keeping your compressor running efficiently, and ultimately keeping costs down. Regularly replacing intake filters or servicing the lubricant are going to be vital.
4. As well as regularly replacing intake filters, ensuring that the source of the intake air is as clean as possible will have a positive impact on performance. Ideally, the inlet pipe should come from an external area to the compressor room, or even external to the building if possible.
5. Adequate ventilation is needed in the compressor room. Air compressors generate significant heat. If excessive heat is allowed to build up, it reduces the efficiency of the air compressor, raising utility costs, causing compressor lubricant to break down prematurely and that could possibly result in increased maintenance and compressor failure. Tapping this possible energy source as a way to provide heat for the facility, for hot water service or pre-heating a process are other ways to further capitalize on the efficiencies of producing compressed air.
Keeping these kinds of principles in mind for your compressor room will ensure you get the most out of your equipment within. And, as you have the opportunity to implement EXAIR intelligent compressed air products, you can be assured of a consistent and more reliable supply of compressed air.
If you have been considering the application of EXAIR compressed air products to increase productivity, safety or efficiency, I would encourage you to give us a call. I would be happy to assist you with your next project.
Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer
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