▶ Most of the problems faced by compressed air users can be solved by a greater appreciation of the importance of compressed air treatment. Even the smallest system can produce large quantities of oily acidic condensate.
Removing condensate from any compressed air system is vitally important. Even small quantities can have a significant and detrimental effect on downstream equipment and process.
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▶ Removal using drain valves is simple, however most are purchased on their initial price only. with little thought to their maintenance and running costs.
▶ The hidden cost with the most common drain types lies within their operation that is they discharge expensive compressed air. Air leaks are often the biggest single waste of energy associated with a compressed air system and are not always from piping, fittings or joints.
▶ The most prevalent contaminant is Water, in the form of vapor, enters the air system at the compressor intake, and is concentrated to the saturation point by compression. As cooling occurs downstream of the compressor, the moisture in this saturated air condenses into harmful liquid water.
▶ Still another contaminant, oil, is injected into air systems by lubricated compressors. Many gallons of oil can enter an air system over the course of a year in this way.
▶ Dirt takes many forms in air systems since it enters from several different sources. Small particles of atmospheric dust not removed by intake filters are concentrated by compression. Pipescale forms over time by the gradual rusting process. Hot-running, lubricated compressors create fine particles of carbon dust when lubricants break down.
▶ In every application, air quality can be adversely affected by contaminants like water, oil and dirt. The result is lower productivity, increased maintenance, and higher operating costs.
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