Air Quality And Air Treatment In Compressed Air Systems

By Grayson Atkinson, System Design Supervisor; Michael Camber, Marketing Services Manager; Neil Mehltretter, Engineering Manager; Kaeser Compressors, Inc.

Compressed air quality is mission critical in manufacturing. When determining the right air treatment components for a compressed air system, there is a great deal to keep in mind. Careful planning can significantly reduce life cycle costs, improve uptime, and reduce product scrap. Don't be afraid to work with a compressed air expert to properly select the right air treatment solutions for your application.

When planning, designing, and installing a compressed air system it is important to not only focus on the compressors and air storage but also consider compressed air treatment components such as dryers, filters, drain traps, etc. The impact of air quality on your work flow and performance is huge. Compressed air contaminants - including water, oil, dirt, dust - can cause many problems including poor finish quality, product rejects/rework, and increased materials costs as well as increased equipment wear and maintenance costs.

In this paper, we discuss compressed air quality and how it impacts operating costs and production. We also outline information about designing a compressed air system for maximum effectiveness while minimizing costs. We will also discuss energy benefits where it applies.