Have you discovered recently that you are not getting the most from your compressed air systems? Air compression systems need a lot of investment. So, if they are not performing at their optimum, there’s a need to investigate further.
One of the usual suspects in the case of inefficient compressor systems is the air piping design within the system. Often, improving it can go a long way in boosting the efficiency of your air compressors. This also ensures that the tools within your compressor are getting adequate air to function optimally.
Having problems with air supply? These are some effective ways you can improve the air piping design and make your air compressor systems more efficient:
1. Eliminate quick couplings – Quick couplings, despite their benefits, can increase the chances of leakage. You should avoid using them, except when you require a fast and easy disconnect of the hand tool or paint gun. In all other scenarios, connecting your machine to a hard pipe or a flexible connection with a hose pipe should be more than enough.
2. Consider the pipe length – The length of airflow directly impacts the pressure in your machines. The longer the airflows, the more significant the pressure drop. Hence, pipe length should be an important factor for consideration when optimizing your piping design. Understanding your compressed air needs and aligning pipe length accordingly can be beneficial in making your system more efficient.
3. Evaluate the pipe diameter – Pipe diameter too plays an important role in determining whether your systems are receiving adequate air or not. Consider this — will you draw enough air into your lungs from a straw as compared to without it? In the same way, the pipe diameter should be big enough to ensure adequate air flow into the systems. Trying to pass high-volume compressed air through a small diameter pipe can be detrimental. The high velocity can cause more friction and lead to a significant loss in air pressure. This would be reason enough to choose a pipe with an appropriate diameter after careful consideration.
4. Reduce piping elbows – Nothing affects air pressure as much as piping elbows. Those sharp changes in direction severely impact air pressure. So, fewer the elbows, the better. If you must use piping elbows, the long radius elbows are a better choice. This is because they cause lesser friction than the short radius ones and hence, lead to lesser pressure drops.
5. Check the size of components – Ensure that you don’t overlook the size of your components when optimizing your piping design. When the filters, valves, regulators, and quick connections, are appropriately sized, they improve the airflow in your systems significantly. When they are undersized, airflow gets restricted and consecutively, pressure is reduced. It’s also important to avoid quick connect couplings as much as possible since they lead to considerable pressure drops.
6. Eliminate leakage – Testing regularly for leakage in your compressed air systems is a must to ensure their optimal functioning. The most common material used for piping is PVC and PVC pipes become brittle with usage. In comparison, aluminium and copper pipes leak less. Aluminium also has the added advantage of not rusting or scaling. This helps keep your air compressor system clean. The common phrase “a stitch in time saves nine” applies here — repairing the smallest of leaks can save you a fortune in annual repair costs.
7. Consult air compressor experts – It may not be possible for you to know all the nitty-gritties of your piping designs. Thankfully, there are air compressor experts, like VEMC, who can help prevent unnecessary breakdowns or repair expenditures.
With these tips, you can successfully get the most out of your air compressor systems. An efficient compressor system can help save money and time, while offering smoother airflow.
For your reference, here’s a chart to guide you in choosing the right pipe length and diameter for your compressed air systems:
VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. With more than 72 years of industry experience, we provide best-in-class solutions and customised support in this field. We are the authorised dealers of ELGi air compressors. Contact us at +919819907445 and we would be happy to help you determine the right air compressor for your needs.