What type of piping is needed for my compressed air system?

Compressed air systems find use in various industries such as construction, automotive, metal-work, and wood-work. Tools used in these industries require compressed air to run and since they don’t need motors, they are lightweight and handy to use.

Compressed air systems work best when air is released from the system at the right pressure, volume, and consistency. These systems can run the risk of miscalibration which robs them of their power and leads to rust and debris build-up in the pipes.

This makes choosing the right air compression system as well as its parts integral to their efficient functioning. Pipes are one of the most critical components in a compressed air system and defective and inefficient pipes can often lead to loss of power. Moreover, obstructions and blockages, moisture build-up, and sharp angles can also affect the pressure of compressed air systems negatively.

Paying proper attention to the size, layout, installation, and maintenance of pipes used in compressed air systems is a prerequisite to ensuring their powerful performance. Two materials usually go into making pipes: plastic and metal. Of these two, metal pipes are the preferred choice for compressed air systems.

Here are some of the common types of metal pipes used for compressed air systems along with things to consider when choosing them:

  • Black steel pipes are the most commonly used ones because they are strong and durable. However, it can be time-consuming to install them and they are also susceptible to corrosion. There’s also the risk of the threaded connections slipping and leaking.
  • Another widely used type is galvanised steel pipe. They help solve the corrosion problem. However, in some cases, the galvanised coating can come off and cause blockages in the air flow.
  • Copper pipes come with a lot of advantages. They are free from corrosion from condensation and are easy to cut and weld. They are lightweight and come with a wide range of fittings to choose from. Their smooth interior means that they can sustain solid laminar flow. However, they can be a bit expensive since they require time and skill to install, especially the threading and soldering bit.
  • Aluminium pipes can also be a good choice since they are lightweight, durable, and anti-corrosive. They’re also easy to install and maintain than other types. The only downside is that it can be as expensive as copper.
  • Stainless steel pipes are corrosion-free, both from the inside and outside. Moreover, they are easy to weld and press. However, they can be heavy and the material cost can be on the higher side.

VEMC, an authorised ELGi compressor dealer in Mumbai, supplies ELGi air and reciprocating compressors that are ideal for both commercial and industrial operations. Our range of screw and piston (reciprocating) compressors are cost-effective and long-lasting solutions for light-to-heavy-duty industrial applications. To know more about our range of compressed air systems and for help in choosing the right one, contact us on +91 98199 07445. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

How often should I change the oil in my pump/piston?

How often should I change the oil in my pump/piston?

Air compressors need to be in optimum condition to give the best performance. Maintaining them properly ensures that they last long and help save money in the long run. There are several maintenance routines to consider for a smooth-functioning air compressor. One of the most important routines is changing the oil in the pump or piston of the air compressor. While focusing on other maintenance routines, many people overlook this one, which often leads to poor performance of the air compressors and, in some cases, also causes damage to the systems.

Why is it important to change the oil?

The oil in a compressor has several functions apart from lubrication. It helps the compressor parts to cool down so that the motor doesn’t overheat. The oil also acts as a sealing agent during the compression process.

If the compressor doesn’t have enough oil, it may not perform as efficiently as it’s supposed to. Low oil levels cause the compressor to overheat since air compression produces heat and oil absorbs the heat. Moreover, low oil levels also increase friction, which can lead the compressor to overheat. It’s also important to replace the contaminated oil from the air compressor regularly. Failing to replace the old oil with new oil causes debris and particles to build up and hampers its smooth functioning. Lack of sufficient oil can also increase the chances of rust, wear and tear, and corrosion. Finally, oil has a tendency to oxidise in the presence of water and heat. This reduces its effectiveness which can lead to costly breakdowns.

In some systems, overheating leads to an automatic shutdown. In such situations, the compressor can be used again only after it has cooled down and the oil has been replaced.

How often should the oil in an air compressor be changed?

Air compressors need consistent lubrication to prevent friction on the pumps or pistons and hence, the oil level must be checked regularly. The frequency of changing oil in compressors depends on the type of compressors used. Some compressors need more frequent changes than others and it’s best to consult the user manual that comes with the system. It’s possible to even find the life expectancy of some oils in terms of service hours in some of the manuals.

For rotary screw compressors, the oil should ideally be changed every 2000 hours or 12 months, whichever is earlier. For reciprocating air compressors, the oil needs to be changed every 3 months.

Performing an oil analysis that checks for important factors such as viscosity, particle count, water contamination, and total acid number (TAN) can help determine when to change the oil. It’s ideal to conduct an oil analysis every 500 to 2000 hours, depending on the user manual and the warranty.

VEMC, an authorised ELGi compressor dealer in Mumbai, supplies ELGi air and reciprocating compressors that are ideal for both commercial and industrial operations. Our range of screw and piston (reciprocating) compressors are cost-effective and offer long-lasting solutions for light-to-heavy-duty industrial applications. To know more about our range of compressed air systems and for help in choosing the right one, contact us on +91 98199 07445. VEMC is a 72-years-old young organization with ISO 9001:2015 certification and is CRISIL MSE-1 rated.