Air Compressor Pipes, Tanks & Ancillary
Air Receiver Tanks
We highly recommend getting a tank or storage for the compressed air if your air compressor doesn’t come with one. The tank should be sized based on three to four gallons of storage per horsepower of the compressor.
Air receiver tanks are useful additions to your air compressor system and are recommended in almost every circumstance. They increase the storage capacity of your compressed air system, which alone can make them invaluable, but they also do so much more.
Air receiver tanks remove temperature fluctuations and reduce the load on other components. They provide more consistent airflow, eliminating pulsing and compensating for occasional pressure surges. They also lower the energy costs associated with starting and stopping the motor.
- Wet Receivers: Wet receivers remove moisture, and installing them after the moisture separator works best will reduce the load on dryers and filters. They help remove contaminants, stabilize pressure, and reduce pulsation.
- Dry Receivers: Dry receivers can guard against drops in air pressure by storing air for sudden demands. This ensures reliable performance from dryers and filters. The dry receiver is placed after the air dryer.
Drains
Drain valves remove condensed moisture during operation. If condensate is not removed, the buildup can have expensive consequences.
Moisture buildup can wash away lubrication, and water getting into places it shouldn’t be can spell disaster. Too much condensation can cause rust and scale buildup and place a lot of stress on your air dryer and other components.
Your drain valve options are varied, and not every drain is suited to every application. Most available valves are rated for the most common temperature, moisture, and pressure conditions. Some drains are better suited to dirty applications, and there are many ways to increase efficiency and decrease waste.
Oil/Water Separators
Oil is collected, filtered, and reused, but eventually, it needs to be drained and replaced. An oil/water separator helps filter out most of the oil from air compressor drainage, which also keeps you EPA-compliant.
The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, defines expended oil as a pollutant and places restrictions on air compressors regulating the amount of oil that can be discharged. This is specified as 15 parts per million but applies widely to any amount that causes a sheen on the surface of wastewater. This applies to the runoff many compressors discharge in their drainage. Oil/water separators contain particles that attract oil and attach it to a filtering bed, reducing the amount of oil in the runoff to acceptable levels.
Pipes
Setting up an air compressor system involves several crucial components, and piping is one of them. The role of piping is to ensure that air is moving consistently at a constant rate and pressure. However, not all piping is created equal, and using inferior materials can lead to disastrous results. Therefore, choosing the right piping materials is essential to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of your air compressor system.
Recommended pipes:
- Copper Pipes: Copper pipes are not only visually appealing but also durable and do not contaminate the air that passes through them. However, the main drawback of copper pipes is that they require soldering during installation, which can be challenging and time-consuming for inexperienced assemblers.
- Stainless Steel: If you are unsure about soldering pipes or prefer avoiding the hassle of copper pipes, stainless steel pipes can be an excellent alternative. They offer high strength and durability while being rust and corrosion-resistant, ensuring that your equipment or pipes stay undamaged over time.
- Aluminum Piping Systems: Aluminum pipes combine the strength of metal pipes with the cost-effectiveness of plastic pipes and are an excellent solution for industrial and commercial installations. They utilize brass and nickel-plated fittings, which form a leak-proof seal around the pipes without the need for glue or solder. One person can assemble this lightweight system, which will last for years.
Whether you are using a system for commercial or private use, choosing the right piping can prevent future issues and save you money. It is crucial to design your system carefully and select your pipes wisely.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you need preventative maintenance, repairs, or assistance selecting a high-performing compressor for your operations, we’re here to help. Contact our experienced team at Hodge Industrial Technologies today to learn more about how we can support your business.