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Compressed Air Piping
A key item
often overlooked during compressor installation is the
importance of a properly configured and sized distribution
system. Improperly configured compressed air piping can
result in excessive pressure drop, turbulence and velocity.
If present excessive pressure drop, turbulence or velocity
will effect the ability of the compressor(s) to accurately
sense system pressure, leading to poor compressor control
and wasted energy.
Many times
the connection size at the discharge of the compressor
package is interpreted as the guideline for sizing the
compressed air distribution system. This approach often
causes major problems with compressor control and hinders
the ability of the compressor to maintain stable downstream
pressure.
Good piping
practices dictate that the piping should be sized for the
anticipated flow rate with the objective of minimizing
system pressure drop, turbulence and velocity. Again it’s
easy to be misled by the size of the compressor discharge
connection. Often times the compressor discharge size may be
smaller than the properly sized pipe to accommodate the
output flow from that same compressor, not to mention the
capacity of multiple compressors.
Below best
practices in compressed air system design:
- Use
directional angle entries instead of crossing tees.
- Use long
sweeping ells instead of tight 90’s.
- Use of
large headers to negate any pressure drop
- Use of
properly sized and placed control & auxiliary receivers
- Use of
drip legs
- Piping
configured to slope away from compressor
- Avoid
use of any PVC piping
- Use of
loop distribution system
- Outlets
taken from top of pipeline.
-
Connection provisions for use of a temporary compressor
It may cost
a little more initially to do it right, but long term
benefits of minimized operating costs, avoiding production
issues and potential revamp costs are well worth it.
If you have
questions concerning compressed air distribution piping
AirNow Compression Services is available to assist.
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