You might think that when designing a compressed air piping system, you should concentrate on the connectors. After all, this is where leaks are most likely to occur, and most people believe leaks are the most serious threat to the efficiency of their system. However, this is not always the case.
The following three factors have a greater negative impact on a system's pressure efficiency than leaks:
A sharp bend in your piping system will slow airflow and reduce pressure. Consider compressed airflow to be similar to highway traffic: when turning sharply, you must slow down. Coming out of a bend necessitates concentration because you must correct any overcompensation for the turn as well as account for any unexpected objects on the new road.
Because air cannot think or steer, a bend in a piping system causes it to ricochet off the pipe's interior, wasting energy. A straight airflow path is referred to as “laminar,” whereas a convoluted airflow path is referred to as “turbulent.”
Turbulence causes pressure drops, which will only worsen if the compressor's output is increased. Avoid 90-degree elbow corners as much as possible; otherwise, they will cause turbulence, reducing pressure delivery. The most efficient airflow path is a straight path. The pressure is typically reduced by 3 to 5 PSID due to turbulence caused by right-angle bends. As a result, avoid sharp bends and instead opt for gentler ones ranging from 30 to 45 degrees.
Water corrodes some pipes, causing rust flakes to break off and travel through the piping system. These rust flakes, along with vapor, will find their way into your end-use equipment, where they may clog nozzles and contaminate materials that you intend to deliver or apply with compressed air.
Furthermore, the interior surface of a rusted pipe is rough, which causes turbulence and reduces air pressure even further.
The presence of moisture is an unavoidable byproduct of air compression. The water produced by compression is derived from the air drawn in by your compressor. Humidity is present in all ambient air. When air is compressed, the water in it condenses from a vapor to a liquid state.
To reduce moisture in the piping system, simply change the compressor's supply inlet source. The water produced by compression weighs more than compressed air, causing it to sink. When air is drawn in from the top of the compressor, less moisture is sucked in with it.
Corrosion in a piping system is a cause for concern because the corroded surface can flake off and accumulate into obstructions. The connectors, valves, or devices such as sensors or dryers are the primary points of restriction in the piping system.
These components may reduce the diameter of the pipe through which air can flow, as well as accumulate particles in the air stream. A buildup of particulates on these devices reduces the available downstream pressure while also increasing the pressure upstream.
The particulate content of a compressor's air intake necessitates the use of air filters. It is preferable to install good air filters before your compressor, as this will remove particles that may clog interior devices and end-of-use nozzles.
Schedule a Consultation with All Air Compressors
At All Air Compressors, we will help you and guide you through the whole process of designing your compressed air system.
All Air Compressors is your trusted technicians who specialize in compressed air servicing and repair, air piping installation, and line filter installation.
source: quincycompressor