Compressed Air System Piping: Design Considerations for Pressure Drop Reduction

Compressed air is a major source of power in an industrial setting. But to get the most out of your air compressor system, you need to make sure all the ancillaries are well-designed and installed. Piping is an essential support system which plays a huge role in how well your compressed air system performs overall. We at VEMC are a top-notch ELGi dealer in Mumbai and in this blog, we tell you all you need to know about the design consideration of your piping to reduce the pressure drop in your air compressor system.

Factors contributing to pressure drop in piping

  1. Pipe diameter: This is one of the most obvious factors that impacts the pressure of the compressed air in the piping. Pipe diameter impacts the velocity of the air moving through the pipes. To put it simply, larger the pipe diameter, lesser will be the pressure for a given volume of air.
  2. Length of the pipe: Longer the pipe, greater will be the friction loss and hence lesser will be the pressure exerted by the compressed air. Pressure drop is thus directly proportional to the pipe length.
  3. Material: The friction that the moving air particles experience against the walls of the piping also contributes significantly to the drop in pressure. Thus, the material of the piping walls will also determine the extent of pressure drop.
  4. Fittings: How the piping is designed and fitted is an important factor that affects the drop in pressure. A highly complicated design with too many bends will reduce greater amount of air pressure as compared to a more straightforward one.

Strategies to minimise pressure drop

Now that we have understood what factors cause drop in pressure, let’s take a look at how to avoid or at least minimise it.

  1. Appropriate pipe sizing: Make sure the pipes are of the right size in terms of both length and diameter. Both long as well as broad pipes can cause unnecessary drop in pressure.
  2. Avoid unnecessary bends and restrictions: As much as possible, the piping design should be simple and straightforward. Too many bends and restrictions can also cause a drop in pressure due to greater friction.
  3. Use smooth-surfaced pipes: As mentioned above, friction of air particles with the internal surface of the pipes can also reduce the pressure of the compressed air. It is therefore advisable to use smooth-surfaced material for your piping.

It is quite clear that not only does the power and capacity of your air compressor matter but also the overall system and piping design. With the right piping design and installation, you can maintain optimum performance by reducing drop in pressure.

For more expert advice on your air compressor systems, feel free to call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading ELGi compressor dealer in Mumbai with a wide array of air compressor options available to meet your needs. 

Why Air Compressor Dryers Are Essential

Air Compressor

Atmospheric air always contains a certain amount of moisture. When this air goes through rapid pressure changes through a compressor, this moisture precipitates as a condensate. This can be potentially harmful not just to your air compressor itself but also to your business operations. Moisture in your food processing or packaging business can encourage the growth of microorganisms, thus causing spoilage and quality concerns. Moisture also speeds up the process of corrosion in metallic parts leading to higher repair and maintenance costs. Vemc Is The Leading Air Compressor Dealer In Mumbai.

In This Blog, We Explain Why Air Compressor Dryers Are Essential And Which Type Of Compressors Suit Your Needs The Best:

  • The Need To Dry Compressed Air:

When air is compressed, the water vapour condenses and starts flowing into the pipes. The point at which the vapours start condensing is called Pressure Dew Point (PDP). This can cause serious issues with pipes and the connected equipment over a period of time, and thus the compressed air needs to be dried. This can be achieved by using either an integrated aftercooler or standalone drying equipment. 

Whether you use an aftercooler or augment your compressor with a standalone dryer depends entirely upon your business requirement. VEMC as the top Elgi Compressor Dealer in Mumbai can provide you with all the relevant information and also supply the equipment as per your need. 

  • Two Main Dryer Types:

As any compressor dealer in Mumbai will brief you, two main types of compressed air dryers are available in the market. Which one you choose depends upon your need, budget and business application.

  1. Refrigerant Dryers

This is one of the most cost-effective solutions to your problems. A refrigerant dryer provides air drying through cooling (as the name suggests). By cooling the air intensely, these dryers try to achieve the dew point at temperatures between 2-10 (C). This makes them highly energy efficient. Besides, the refrigerant gases used in equipment these days are more sustainable and environment-friendly. Get in touch with your nearest Elgi compressor dealer in Mumbai to know whether refrigerant dryers are right for your business operations.

  1. Desiccant/Adsorption Dryers

These air dryers are slightly expensive but at the same time more energy efficient and effective in removing moisture from the air. These work through a chemical process which binds to the moist air and removes it. These dryers can attain dew point at temperatures as low as -40(C). 

Conclusion

Following the right procedures to dispose of condensate is necessary for your business as well as the environment. The moisture often contains tiny oil particles invisible to the naked eye. These need to be removed using an oil/water separator. Otherwise, you could incur fines or penalties for violating environmental guidelines.

For more information on Elgi reciprocating compressors or drying your compressed air, feel free to call us at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. VEMC is the leading Elgi air compressor dealer in Mumbai and can help you tackle your air drying issues effectively.

How to Use an Air Compressor: Things to Consider

Air Compressor

Air compressors are used for a variety of applications across industries. This is because of the enormous amount of power that compressed air generates. Compressed air when focused and channelised in the proper way can be used to accomplish tasks like cleaning, drilling, pumping etc. in an effective and efficient way. VEMC is the leading air compressor dealer in Mumbai and in this blog, we explain how best to use your air compressor.

Picking The Right Compressor For Your Needs:

It all begins with selecting the right compressor for your business operations. For instance, if you are using the compressor simply for cleaning tasks, a portable compressor without a tank will fully suffice. In case you wish to perform heavy-duty tasks, this obviously won’t be enough and you may have to look for a more powerful compressor. Likewise, you may also want to check out whether the reciprocating or rotary air compressor is better suited for your tasks. A quick call or visit to VEMC –– the authorised Elgi Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai can help you choose better!

  • Getting started

Find the ideal position for your compressor. Make sure the floor is sturdy and can resist the load and vibrations from the compressor while it is at work.

  • Oil And Air Intake

Make sure the compressor has enough oil. Manually remove the oil cap and add the oil if it isn’t up to the specified mark. An adequate amount of oil keeps the compressor parts in good health by avoiding unnecessary friction.

Next, turn the switch on and fill the air tank. This should also get the PSI needle going. Set the PSI that you will be needing for the operation. Make sure the drain valve is tightly closed. Your nearest compressor dealer in Mumbai can definitely help you with these manual nitty-gritties. 

  • Moisture And Drainage

Moisture can speed up the process of rusting and corrosion, thus affecting the working life of your compressor. This naturally has implications for your maintenance, repair and replacement costs. Besides, moisture can also encourage the growth of microbes and cause spoilage of food or other sensitive inventory. Regular drainage of moisture is therefore necessary. This might call for some help from your nearest ELGi Air Compressor Dealers in Mumbai, but in most models, the drain valve is located at the bottom of the tank.

  • Power

Connect the air compressor to a three-pin power source. For your personal safety and to avoid damage to equipment due to high voltage, always make sure your compressor is grounded. As much as possible, avoid using extension cords and instead use an additional air hose to increase your reach. This is because extension cords can cause your compressor to overheat.

  • Meeting All Safety Regulations

Use goggles and closed-toe shoes to protect your eyes and feet from impact while using an air compressor. To ensure the safety valve is functioning properly, test it by tugging on it before use and listening to the air escaping.

Conclusion

To know more about how to make the best use of your ELGi reciprocating compressor while ensuring safety and efficiency, call us on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We at VEMC are the leading air compressor dealers in Mumbai.

8 Ways To Improve The Efficiency Of Your Compressed Air System

Improve The Efficiency Of Your Compressed Air System

A number of factors can hold back your air compressor from performing optimally and giving you the best results at lower costs. Whether it is your compressed air filter or lubrication, everything must work seamlessly in tandem, enabling you to make the most of your compressor at limited energy inputs.

Here are 8 ways in which you can boost the efficiency of your Elgi air compressors and ensure they work for you.

Understand Lubrication

Like all other equipment in your facility, an air compressor consists of moving parts. To avoid wear and tear on these parts while they’re in action, lubrication is a must! However, both over and under-lubrication can create problems. Also, the quality of the lubricant must be chosen carefully to avoid damage to the machine. This is all the more important if you’re using your compressor in a sensitive line of work such as food processing or confectionery, as it can poison the consumables. Each system requires a specific type or level of lubrication and the safest way out is to go through the user manual and follow the instructions.

Know how Particulates Impact your System

Particulates can enter your Elgi compressor system, hamper its performance or even cause damage to the parts. All of this depends upon the atmosphere where an air compressor is being used and accordingly necessitates the use of a good quality compressed air filter, such as an Elgi air filter.

Prevent Compressor Contamination

Both moisture and particulate matter can be a source of contamination for air compressors. This can cause poor air quality of air being forced out from the compressor or damage to the internal parts of the compressor itself. To avoid this, regular inspection, the use of air dryers, or the right air filter for the compressor, is important.

Cooler Building Temperatures

Both increases and decreases in temperatures can cause the performance of an air compressor to plummet. This can be combated by regulating the temperature of your building using air conditioning, central heating, or natural ventilation.

Reusing the Energy you Create

Sustainable use of air compressors can be ensured by avoiding wastage and making the most of the energy released. Air compressors release a lot of heat as they function. So make sure you tap this heat and utilise it well for some or the other function, in your building.

Keep your System Clean

All mechanised equipment requires regular upkeep and maintenance to ensure optimum performance. Air compressors are no exception. Inspect and replace the compressed air filter frequently and clean the inner parts regularly to keep the system in its best shape.
Whether it is replacing your compressed air filter or scheduling an audit for your compressor system, we can keep a close watch on all your maintenance parameters. We are the leading Elgi air compressor dealers in the country, and pride ourselves on having a rich industry experience of 72 years. So get in touch with VEMC –– the most reliable Elgi compressor dealer in Mumbai out there, and book an audit at 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.