Industrial Utility Efficiency

Air Compressors

Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference Show Report

By Troy Dreier, Senior Editor, and Brooke Jones, Digital Content Editor, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 

From October 29-31, 2024, professionals who operate, maintain and design industrial compressed air, vacuum, blower, nitrogen generation, process cooling and HVAC systems gathered at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA, for the 6th annual Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference. The event featured two tracks of conference presentations and panels.

Read Full Story

How to Size and Maintain Oil Free Compressed Air Systems

By Sullair

When users consider adding an oil free air compressor to their facility, there are several factors that should go into the decision to ensure it is the right equipment for the user’s operation. Some considerations and factors can include why to choose oil free to begin with; how to properly select and size the compressor; how to adjust sizing for different cooling water conditions or different ambient temperatures; and what it will take to maintain the compressor throughout its lifespan. To lay a foundation, it is important to first understand why oil free air is important, how compressed air is used and what options are on the market.
[ Read Full Story ]

Meat Processor Improves Uptime, Saves Costs with Compressed Air System Upgrade

By Mike Grennier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

For decades, a major meat processor and packaging operation in Northern England did what many growing companies do when more compressed air is needed to meet demand: added another air compressor and then another air compressor and so on. Yet the company decided the strategy of adding equipment had run its course, especially given a positive outlook for continued growth and the need to resolve nagging issues with system downtime and compressed air quality.
[ Read Full Story ]

Rotary Screw Air Compressor Oil System Components

By Isel Inc.

There are many critical components involved in rotary screw air compressors, and the lubricant we use is of vital importance in the process.  Screw machines rely heavily on these fluids for bearing lubrication, system cleanliness, water removal, sealing, as well as heat transfer. These fluids work in a very unforgiving environment and must function well in circumstances that would normally be deemed torturous in other lubricant applications. We run it at high velocities, through scorching temperatures, while we blast it with water.
[ Read Full Story ]

Air Compressor-Chiller Combination Saves Glassware Manufacturer $9 Million Monthly

By Aggreko

A large manufacturer of consumer glassware products in the North East sought a solution for injecting cold compressed air into its refractory furnace. Doing so would minimize the internal corrosion thereby extending the life of the furnace lining and their annual maintenance interval. The manufacturer opted for a unique solution from Aggreko Engineering featuring a rental, oil-free rotary screw air compressor combined with a heat exchanger and chiller. Installed in 2019, the solution is expected to save the company \$9 million monthly given the ability to maintain extend furnace maintenance from one year to two years – and boost plant uptime.
[ Read Full Story ]

Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test Pinpoints Expected Life of Air Compressor Lubricants

By Isel Inc.

When it comes to the selection of a lubricant for an air compressor application, one of the major deciding factors is the expected life of the fluid. Yet exactly how the expected life of the fluid is determined and compared, especially between manufacturers, can be confusing. Fortunately, there are tools and tests that can provide reliable predictions of performance – one of which is a Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test. Having the test performed goes a long way toward helping those responsible for air compressor performance and maintenance make an accurate comparison between the life expectancy of lubricants offered.
[ Read Full Story ]

The Pros and Cons of Single-stage and Two-stage Rotary Screw Air Compressors

By FS-Curtis

Among the many “systems” plant personnel are concerned with, the compressed air system often provides the biggest opportunity for improvement and overall savings. There are many manufacturers and several air compressor technologies to choose from. Reciprocating or rotary? Fixed speed or variable speed? Oil flooded or oil free? Single-stage or two-stage technology? It’s enough to make anyone want to run and hide!
[ Read Full Story ]

How to Detect and Eliminate Varnish in Oil-Injected Rotary-Screw Air Compressors

By Michael Caruso, AMSOIL INC.

Varnish is a leading cause of airend failure in oil-flooded/injected rotary-screw air compressors. The purpose of this article is not to cover every scenario conducive to varnish formation, but to point out that many factors need to be considered when it occurs, and methods are available for its detection. Ultimately, it’s up to both the oil manufacturer and maintenance professional to ensure the oil used is up to the task of resisting varnish and maximizing air compressor performance and life.     
[ Read Full Story ]

How Centrifugal Air Compressor Specifications Impact Costs

By the Compressed Air & Gas Institute

In an ever-evolving world of regulations, requirements, and legal ramifications, it can be all too easy to want to cover all the bases by adding a wide range of industry codes and standards to any project being put out for bid. Many assume that if the purchased equipment meets all the requirements of every developed code and standard then surely it will be a reliable and safe machine to operate with the best performance and energy efficiency. However, many of these codes and standards are developed with a tremendously broad range of machinery and equipment in mind and they may not always fit well with the specific project being developed. Compliance to these codes and standards may require very costly modifications to a manufacturer’s standard product for little to no real benefit. 
[ Read Full Story ]

The Basics of Sizing a Centrifugal Air Compressor

By the Compressed Air & Gas Institute

Properly sizing a compressed air system can help determine if your facility has enough air to adequately supply your production equipment. Designing a cost effective system that minimizes any interruptions to productivity requires thoughtful planning and design. Typically, the desired outcomes of such a system focus on stable pressure and efficient operation, though it is important to note that each of these elements requires a unique solution. This article will provide guidance in proper selection considerations and suggest when a centrifugal air compressor may be ideal for your needs.
[ Read Full Story ]