Here’s a quick question; when is the last time that you actually took a moment to consider whether your gear was operating at peak efficiency? There’s a good chance that you haven’t done so in a very long time, simply because you figured that it
Perhaps the biggest key to optimal compressor efficiency is to always make sure that the entire system has excellent integrity. Basically, this translates into constantly replacing any parts that might have failed or otherwise broken down over the course of the regular operational life of a particular pneumatic installation.
Check out these tips from their resident experts on the best way to improve airflow efficiency and see if you can’t coax a little more performance out of the compressed air-driven tools you use at work.
1. Use Better Air Tubing
On one hand, air tubing is probably the single most important part of a pneumatic system since it does for compressed air-based tools the same thing that wires and cords do for electrically driven machinery. At the same time, it’s perhaps one of the most forgotten aspects.
Take a few moments at your next possible convenience to see if there are any airlines that need to be replaced. If there are, then you might want to take a few more moments to just swap out a couple of pieces so that you can ensure that there are no places where pressure might drop.
2. Consider Using FRL Technology
A filter regulator lubricator combination can do a great deal to process the air that’s moving through your system. These feature an air filter, which cleans the air of any particulate matter, as well as a lubricator to ensure that there’s enough oil going to each of the moving parts attached to your equipment. At the same time, they also serve as a pressure regulator so you can be sure that there’s never too much force going to any of your gear.
Keep in mind that this kind of equipment can serve as all three devices, so you won’t have to worry if you’ve previously been having to install more than one component to get the job done. In fact, they can make it to where you no longer have to think about how much lubricant you’re adding or anything like that.
3. Size Everything Correctly
Cylinder and valve sizing are another one of those areas that constantly gets overlooked in spite of how incredibly important it is to maintain the regular functioning of a system. Those who might need a sizing tool can always find one right on our site.
This will also help save a great deal of time when you need to start changing out different fittings. If they’ve all been sized correctly and are made to fit standard clearances, then you’ll be more than likely able to match each part to a new replacement.
4. Invest In A Chiller Unit
Chillers are designed to remove heat from the flow of air via vapor-compression or the absorption refrigeration cycle. This allows you to cool and dehumidify the air flowing through your system, which is vitally important for those who work in any facility that has an ambient temperature high enough to interfere with the proper functioning of equipment.
5. Replace Flow Controls
Speed controls that feature onboard one-touch fittings minimize installation time. They are an opportunity to reduce the amount of time that you personally have to spend on maintaining certain pieces of gear.
That being said, if your existing ones are starting to malfunction you might see a major reduction in the amount of lost air simply by changing these around and putting in a few new ones. In fact, this is an excellent opportunity to try and replace all of the valves that you might have seen cause problems in the past.
6. Check for Leaks
While you’re at it, you’ll want to go through and inspect your entire system to make sure that there aren’t any other leaks that could cause you some issues later on. Once a leak starts, it can start to grow in size over a period of time until it finally mushrooms into a serious problem. In a worst-case scenario, air leaks can cause integrity failures of equipment. As a result, you’ll want to do whatever you can to stop these now.
Some technicians are able to listen to an air circuit and hear whether or not something has gone wrong with it. You might also want to give a thought to trying an acoustic measuring device or some other kind of tool that can tell you whether or not there’s been a leak that could potentially bring down your pneumatic installation.
7. Check the Compressor Filter
Filters are always collecting particulate matter. Dust, grime and other debris have to be stopped before they enter your air tubes. Catching this debris is precisely how an air compressor’s filter works. However, that eventually causes them to get full up with material.
Chances are that you don’t check these nearly enough, so now is a great time to take a few moments and do so. You might need to clean it out or replace it. Once you do, there’s a possibility that you’ll notice your compressor acting much differently because you’d gotten so used to the inefficient way it was running before.
Technicians who’ve gotten used to an air compressor with a full filter might also notice that the system sounds very different once they’re done changing this part out. Not only is this normal, but it can also be a very good sign if the old filter was blocking air from entering the machine in the first place.
Find A Supplier Who Can Get You the Pneumatic Parts You Need At SMC Pneumatics
SMC Pneumatics already has you covered by providing you with a choice of a wide variety of equipment that you can use to upgrade your existing installations and improve the overall quality of the gear that you’re working with.
Nothing produces inefficient situations like a parts shortage or the inability to find exactly what you need when you need it. If this sounds familiar, then please contact us online using our convenient form. One of our seasoned representatives will be sure to get in touch with you and help you get the service you need. You might even want to make a list and we’ll help you find every last part on it.