Tag: pressure drop in pipe

Pressure Drop vs Differential Pressure

Published on by John BallLeave a comment

I find myself interchanging these terms; pressure drop and differential pressure.  This is very common as both are determined by the change in pressure between two points.  In this blog, I will cover the difference between these two terms in my view.

Pressure drop only occurs when the air is flowing.  The higher the velocity, the higher the pressure drop.  Velocity is created when the pressure changes.  So, the higher pressure will go toward the lower pressure.  But we wish that pressure difference to be as low as possible.  Pressure drops are always a loss, and you cannot regain that energy.  Forms of pressure drop that can be found are small diameter pipes or tubing; restrictive fittings like quick disconnects, and undersized conditioning equipment like after coolers and air dryers.  If a pressure drop is too large, the pneumatic equipment will not have enough power to operate effectively and efficiently.  I have another blog with a video that helps demonstrate this, “Pressure Drop and its Relationship to Compressed Air”. 

Differential pressure can be static or flowing.  It is very similar to pressure drop except that the energy is stored.  The most common device that does this is the pressure regulator.  You can reduce the pressure downstream to the point-of-use.  This type of pressure reduction will save you money, instead of wasting money.  For every 10 PSI reduction in pressure, it will save you 5% in energy.  With blow-off devices, you want to use the least amount of pressure to “do the job”.  Over-driving compressed air pressure is a common and wasteful condition found in facilities.

Here is a graph of a typical compressed air system.  As you can see, the typical pressure drop from the air compressor to the point-of-use.  So, if you can reduce the pressure drop through the system and optimize the differential pressure from the regulator to your point-of-use, you can enhance your compressed air system.

Pressure Drop Chart

In a simple statement, pressure drop loses energy while differential pressure stores energy for later use.  EXAIR offers a variety of efficient, safe, and effective compressed air products to fit within the demand side and which can help to reduce pressure drops within a system.  This will include the EXAIR Super Air Knives, Super Air Nozzles, and Safety Air Guns.  If you wish to go further in optimizing your system, an Application Engineer at EXAIR will be happy to help you.

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Basics of the Compressed Air System

Published on by John BallLeave a comment

Compressed air is used to operate pneumatic systems within a facility, and it can be separated into three categories; the supply side, the demand side, and the distribution system.  In this blog, I will cover each area. 

The supply side is the air compressor, after-cooler, dryer, and receiver tank that produce and treat the compressed air.  They are generally located in a compressor room somewhere in the corner of the plant.  There are two main types of air compressors: positive displacement and dynamic.  The core component of most air compressors is an electric motor that spins a shaft.  Positive displacement uses the energy from the motor and the shaft to change volume in an area, like a piston in a reciprocating air compressor or like rotors in a rotary air compressor.  The dynamic types use the energy from the motor and the shaft to create a velocity with an impeller like centrifugal air compressors.  This velocity converts to a rise in pressure.

How do they work?  Most air compressors are driven by an electric or gas motor.  The motor spins a shaft to push a piston, turn a rotor, or spin a vane.  At the beginning of the air compressor, we have the intake where a low pressure is generated from the displacement to bring in the surrounding ambient air.  Once trapped, Boyle’s law states that when the volume decreases, the pressure increases.  For the dynamic type, the velocity and design will increase the air pressure.  The higher pressure will then move to a tank to be stored for pneumatic energy.  The amount of power required is dependent on the pressure and the amount of air that needs to be compressed. 

The demand side is the collection of devices that will use that compressed air to do “work”.  These pneumatic components are generally scattered throughout the facility.  This would include valves, cylinders, blow-offs, pneumatic clamps, etc.   To condition the demand side, regulators and filters are used.  The Pressure Regulators help to limit the amount of pressure.  For blow-off devices, the lower the air pressure to “do the job”, the less compressed air is used.  To help with the fluctuations in demand, a secondary Receiver Tank can be used.  The demand side can also be a system to do specific jobs. In using pneumatic systems, the “power” must come from the supply side. 

To connect the supply side to the demand side, a compressed air distribution system is required.  Distribution systems are pipes which carry the compressed air from the compressor to the pneumatic devices.  For a sound compressed air system, the three sections have to work together to make an effective and efficient system. An analogy that I like to use is to compare the compressed air system to an electrical system.  The air compressor would be considered the voltage source, and the pneumatic devices would be considered as light bulbs.  To connect the light bulbs to the voltage source, electrical wires are needed which will represent the distribution system.  If the gauge of the wire is too small to supply the light bulbs, the wire will heat up and a voltage drop will occur.  This heat is given off as wasted energy, and the light bulbs will be dim.  The same thing happens within a compressed air system.  If the piping size is too small, a pressure drop will occur.  This is also wasted energy.  In both types of systems, wasted energy is wasted money.  One of the largest systematic problems with compressed air systems is pressure drop.  With a properly designed distribution system, energy can be saved, and, in reference to my analogy above, it will keep the lights on.  To have a properly designed distribution system, the pressure drop should be less than 10% from the reservoir tank to the point-of-use.

Processes lead to continuous improvement.

EXAIR created the “Six Steps to Optimizing Your Compressed Air System”.  By following these tips, you can have the supply side, demand side, and distribution system working at peak efficiency.  If you would like to reduce waste even more, EXAIR offers a variety of efficient, safe, and effective compressed air products to fit within the demand side.  This will include the EXAIR Super Air Knives, Super Air Nozzles, and Safety Air Guns.  This would be the electrical equivalent of changing those incandescent light bulbs into LED light bulbs.  If you wish to go further in enhancing your system, an Application Engineer at EXAIR will be happy to help you. 

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Photo:  Lightbulb by qimono.  Pixabay Licence

Pressure Drop and Compressed Air Piping

Published on by John BallLeave a comment

EXAIR has been manufacturing Intelligent Compressed Air Products since 1983. They are engineered with the highest of quality, efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in mind. Since compressed air is the utility for operation, the performance limitations can be defined by its supply. With EXAIR products and pneumatic equipment, you will need a way to transfer the compressed air from the source to the point-of-use. There are three main ways; pipes, hoses and tubes.

One of the largest systematic problems with compressed air systems is pressure drop.  If too large a pressure loss occurs, pneumatic equipment will not have enough power to operate effectively and efficiently.  The amount of pressure drop is based on restrictions, obstructions, and piping.  When air is forced into small areas, it will cause a high velocity.  The high velocity will create turbulent air flow which increases the pressure loss.  A restrictive type of pressure drop can be found in different forms, like small diameter pipes or tubing; or restrictive fittings like quick disconnects and needle valves, and undersized filters, regulators and valves. 

Why did I bring this up? Pressure drop… Pressure Drop is a waste of energy, and it reduces the ability of your compressed air system to do work. To cut waste, we need to reduce pressure drop.  If we look at the equation for pressure drop, we can find the factors that play an important role. Equation 1 shows an equation for pressure drop.

Equation 1:

From Equation 1, differential pressure is controlled by the flow of compressed air, the length of the pipe, the diameter of the pipe, and the inlet pressure. As you can see, the pressure drop is inversely affected by the inner diameter to the fifth power. So, if the inner diameter of the pipe is twice as small, the pressure drop will increase by 25, or 32 times.

It is very important to know the inner diameter of the supply lines to your pneumatic devices.  As an example, a model 110006 6” Super Air Knife will need a 3/8″ black, schedule 40 pipe that has an I.D. of 0.493″ (12.5 mm).  We use this pipe to flow 21 SCFM of compressed air at 100 PSIG through 50 feet of pipe.  What would be the pressure drop?  With Equation 1, we get a pressure drop of 1.28 * (21 SCFM/60) ^1.85 * 50 feet / ((0.493″)^5 * 100 PSIG) = 3.15 PSID.  Thus, you started with 100 PSIG, and at the end of the 50 ft. pipe, you will only have (100 PSI – 3.15 PSI) = 96.85 PSIG to use. 

Let’s look at a 3/8” hose and a 3/8” tube. The 3/8” hose has an inner diameter of 0.375” (9.5 mm), and the 3/8” tube has an inner diameter of 0.25” (6.4 mm). In keeping the same variables except for the diameter, we can calculate the pressure drop with the above equation. 3/8″ hose = 1.28 * (21 SCFM/60) ^1.85 * 50 feet / ((0.0.375″)^5 * 100 PSIG) = 12.4 PSID. 3/8″ tube = 1.28 * (21 SCFM/60) ^1.85 * 50 feet / ((0.25″)^5 * 100 PSIG) = 94 PSID.

As you can see, the 3/8” hose has a pressure drop 3.94 times higher than the 3/8″ NPT pipe. Also, the 3/8″ tube has a pressure drop 7.6 times higher than the hose. 

Diameters: 3/8″ Pipe vs. 3/8″ tube

At EXAIR, we want to make sure that our customers are able to get the most from our products. To do this, we need to properly size the compressed air lines. Within our installation sheets for our Super Air Knives, we recommend the in-feed pipe sizes for each air knife at different lengths. (You will have to sign in to the website to download).  We also have an excerpt about replacing schedule 40 pipe with a compressed air hose. We state; “If compressed air hose is used, always go one size larger than the recommended pipe size due to the smaller I.D. of hose”. Here is the reason. The 1/4” NPT Schedule 40 pipe has an inner diameter of 0.364” (9.2mm). Since the 3/8” compressed air hose has an inner diameter of 0.375” (9.5mm), the diameter will not create any additional pressure drop. Some industrial facilities like to use compressed air tubing instead of hoses. This is fine as long as the inner diameters match appropriately with the recommended pipe in the installation sheets. Then you can reduce waste from pressure drops and get the most from your EXAIR as well as all other pneumatic products.

With the diameter playing such a significant role in creating or mitigating pressure drop, it is very important to understand the type of connections to your pneumatic devices; i.e. hoses, pipes, or tubes. In most cases, this could be the reason for the under performance of your pneumatic products, as well as wasting money through operation of your compressed air system. If you would like to discuss further the ways to save energy and reduce pressure drops, an Application Engineer at EXAIR will be happy to help you.

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Intelligent Compressed Air: Distribution Piping and Pressure Drop

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

An important step you must take after determining your compressed air requirements is the distribution piping for the system. The piping will be the “veins” that connect your entire facility to the compressor. Before installing pipe, it is important to consider how the compressed air will be consumed at the point of use. In order to ensure optimal performance of any compressed air operated device, you must ensure sufficient compressed air flow is delivered. Simply put, inadequate air flow won’t allow you to get the job done.

Pressure drop through the pipe is caused by the friction of the air mass making contact with the inside walls of the pipe. This is a function of the volume of flow through the pipe. Larger diameter pipes will result in a lower pressure drop, and vice versa for smaller diameter pipes. The chart below from the “Compressed Air and Gas Institute Handbook” provides the pressure drop that can be expected at varying CFM for 2”, 3”, and 4” ID pipe.

Once you’ve determined the appropriate piping size for your system, you’ll need to consider the different materials that are available. Some different materials that you’ll find as options are: steel piping (Schedule 40) both with or without galvanizing, stainless steel, copper, and even some plastic piping systems are available.

Plastic piping is not generally recommended to be used for compressed air. Some lubricants that are present in the air can act as a solvent and degrade the pipe over time. PVC should NEVER be used as a compressed air distribution pipe. Take a look at this inspection report an automotive supply store received fines totaling $13,200 as a result of an injury caused by shrapnel from a PVC pipe bursting. However, there are some composite plastics that are suitable for use with compressed air. PVC is most certainly not one of them.  

Steel pipe is a traditional material used in many compressed air distribution systems. It’s strong and durable on the outside and is a familiar material for many to work with. Its strength comes at a price, steel pipe is very heavy and requires anchors to properly suspend it. Steel pipe (not galvanized) is also susceptible to corrosion. This corrosion ends up in your supply air and can wreak havoc on your point-of-use products and can even contaminate your product. While galvanized steel pipe does reduce the potential for corrosion, this galvanizing coating can flake off over time and result in the exact same potential issues. Stainless Steel pipe eliminates the corrosion and rusting concerns while still maintaining the strength and durability of steel pipe. They can be more difficult to install as stainless steel pipe threads can be difficult to work with

Copper piping is another potential option. Copper pipe is corrosion-free, easy to cut, and lightweight making it easy to suspend. These factors come at a significant increase in costs, however, which can prevent it from being a suitable solution for longer runs or larger ID pipe installations. Soldering of the connecting joints can be time consuming and does require a skilled laborer to do so.

Another lightweight material that is increasingly more common in industry is aluminum piping. Like copper, aluminum is lightweight and anti-corrosion. They’re easy to connect with push-to-lock connectors and are ideal for clean air applications. Aluminum pipe remains leak-free over time and can dramatically reduce compressed air costs. While the initial cost can be high, eliminating potential leaks can help to recoup some of the initial investment.

When designing and maintaining your compressed air system, pressure measurements should be taken across varying points to identify (and fix) any issues before they create a greater problem down the road. According to the Compressed Air Challenge, these are the places you should take regular pressure measurements to determine your system operating pressure:

  • Inlet to compressor (to monitor inlet air filter) vs. atmospheric pressure
  • Differential across air/lubricant separator
  • Interstage on multistage compressors
  • Aftercooler
  • At treatment equipment (dryers, filters, etc.)
  • Various points across the distribution system
  • Check pressure differentials against manufacturers’ specifications, if high pressure drops are noticed this indicates a need for service

*More recent compressors will measure pressure at the package discharge, which would include the separator and aftercooler.

Once you’ve taken these measurements, simply add the pressure drops measured and subtract that value from the operating range of your compressor. That figure is your true operating pressure at the point of use.

If your distribution system is properly sized and the pressure drops measured across your various equipment are within specifications, any pressure drop noticed at the point of use is indicative of an inadequate volume of air. This could be due to restrictive fittings or undersized air lines, hose, or tube. Check that the point of use product is properly plumbed to compressed air per the manufacturer’s specifications.

EXAIR Products are designed to minimize this pressure drop by restricting the flow of compressed air. The more energy (pressure) that we’re able to bring to the point of use, the more efficient and effective that energy will be. If you’re looking to improve on how compressed air is used within your manufacturing processes, give us a call.

Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD

Image courtesy of Tampere Hacklab via Flickr Creative Commons License