Posts by: Anina Diener

Did you know that you could get leaks in your compressed air system fixed for free? Yes, free. This is not a trick! It’s a program from ComEd—and a benefit you’re entitled to as a ComEd client. Fluid-Aire Dynamics is an approved service provider under the ComEd Fix-It-Now leak repair program, a benefit provided for ComEd customers in Northern Illinois. Here’s how it works: Contact James Brevoort, Fix-It-Now Program Specialist, at 224-775-1953 or james.brevoort@fluidairedynamics.com to sign up. Our technician finds leaks in your system using an ultrasonic detector, which can detect even the smallest air leak. If the leaks can… Read more »

Air leaks are very common in compressed air systems. The key is to know how to detect and fix them as the cost of even a tiny leak adds up to a large expense if left unattended. How common are compressed air leaks? Compressed air leaks are widespread in all applications. Not only are they common, but they are time-consuming to find and fix. In the average manufacturing operation, 20-30% of the total energy consumption is compressed air. On average, 30% of that expense is due to compressed air leakage. How costly are compressed air leaks? Here are 2 examples… Read more »

How does a backup compressor help my operation? In the typical manufacturing operation, compressed air is mission-critical. If it goes down, you may as well turn off the lights and send everyone home. Besides losing production time when your compressor goes down, usually the product that was being produced at that moment is ruined too. Take a food manufacturer for example. If production suddenly stops, not only do they lose the hours of production that they are down, but whatever is currently in their production line is most likely spoiled because it may not be baked, or mixed, or put… Read more »

Refrigerated Air Dryers As a refrigerated air dryer chills compressed air to 33–40°F, water vapor condenses into a liquid. Then it is expelled from the system via a water trap and automatic drain. The cool, dry air is reheated to room temperature, exits the dryer, and into the production lines. This helps reduce condensation in the compressed air piping system. There are two types of refrigerated dryers – cycling and non-cycling. Non-Cycling Air DryersNon-Cycling air dryers allow the refrigeration circuit to run continuously. The temperature is controlled by the use of a hot gas bypass valve and the cycling action… Read more »

Ambient air always contains some level of moisture. When you compress air, the moisture will condense and can cause problems if it isn’t addressed. When an oily water mixture, (the byproduct of condensation) makes its way through the air lines and to points-of-use, it can cause many problems. Blasting and painting processes are affected, along with pneumatic tools, CNC machining centers, robotics, and many other applications. When a compressor draws in air, it is compressed about 8 times the normal atmospheric pressure in order to achieve 100 PSI. Moisture that is present as a vapor in the air begins to… Read more »

Air compressors range from large-scale industrial machines to small portable units. Purchasing the right machine for your need requires knowing the basics of how an industrial air compressor works and understanding your application. Whether you want to use an air compressor to power air tools or to apply a smooth paint coating, you must know how the different technologies available will affect your application. Types of Air Compressor Systems When you plan to purchase an industrial air compressor, your first task is deciding the type of the air compressor that you have to buy. In terms of design and principle… Read more »

  The importance of understanding relative humidity to dew point when working with compressed air systems. How many of you consider the relationship between relative humidity to dew point and the effect it can have on your compressed air systems? We spoke with several customers, and people who work in the industry, and we have discovered that many don’t understand how important it is to know both terms when talking about compressed air dryness. Knowing the relative humidity percentage and dew point temperature helps you ensure your compressed air systems are functioning properly and can help save you from costly… Read more »

Sometimes even the most hardworking technicians and service advisors can find it difficult to stay productive. We have come up with 8 tips using professional auto body shop information and feedback. Read and implement the following for in order to boost your productivity and make the most of your (and your team’s) work day.

This week’s discussion addresses what seems to be an unknown to most users of compressed air. Many calls come in from customers who say their compressor system no longer keeps up the demand of your auto shop. Of course, this could be due to many factors such as added production equipment, air leaks in the equipment and/or distribution piping, or the need of maintenance to the air compressor itself.

Did you know a whopping 85 percent of manufacturers report using social media as a content marketing tactic? They are using platforms such as SlideShare, YouTube and Facebook to create inspirational and educational content that indirectly promotes their businesses.

As manufacturers, you’re constantly looking for ways to save money in order to grow our bottom line. This will allow you to grow your business. It is recommended that instead of taking a lot of resources out of one or two departments, manufacturers can grow their bottom line through several small cost cutting initiatives that add up to save large amounts of money.

You’ve made a sizable investment into your air compressor, so you’ll want to get the most life from it that is possible. Here are some simple steps that will help you achieve years of trouble-free operation. Follow instructions – It may seem obvious, but reading the manual for your air compressor is a small time investment with big payoff. You’ll learn the maintenance schedule as well as operating guidelines for your compressor. With this information, you can extend the life of your equipment and minimize downtime. Check oil levels daily – For compressors that use oil, check oil before every use…. Read more »

What are the main differences between refrigerated and desiccant air dryers? Refrigerated Air Dryers A refrigerated air dryer chills the compressed air to 33 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit at which water vapor is condensed into a liquid and is then expelled from the system via a water-trap and automatic drain. The cool dry air then is typically re-heated to around room temperature before exiting the dryer and going to your production lines. This helps reduce condensation on the compressed air piping. There are two types of refrigerated dryers; cycling and non-cycling. Non-Cycling Air Dryers: Non-Cycling air dryers allow the refrigeration circuit… Read more »

Changing the oil on your rotary screw air compressor is important for the life of the machine and can avoid large repair costs. On top of checking it regularly to ensure it’s topped off, you should change it at regular intervals. The length of this interval depends on the type of oil being used in your machine. Rotary Screw Air Compressor or Rotary Vane Air Compressor** Standard Oil every 8000 hrs or 12 months Food Grade Oil every 2000 hrs or 3 months If you don’t change your oil as above a few things can happen to your compressor: Buildup… Read more »

I bet as a business owner, or even as a great employee, you are always thinking of ways to improve your company’s efficiency. Compressed air is used in many different industries all over the world for a variety of critical operations. Read on to learn 11 tips for reducing air consumption and energy costs. Remember, compressed air is not only your 4th utility, but also your most expensive utility. 1. Eliminate pressure drop: A few of the major contributors to pressure drop are inadequate pipe sizes, undersized and dirty filtration, excessive filtration, inadequate storage, and air compressor maintenance issues. 2. Install low… Read more »

1. Loop type distribution system – In most cases a loop type distribution system is beneficial. Loop type compressed air systems allow the air to flow in any direction to get to the demand in the path of least resistance. Typically you can multiply the capacity of straight line piping by 1.5 for loop type compressed air distribution systems. For example: If a 2” pipe is rated for 500 CFM at 125 PSI that same length of pipe in a loop system would be rated for 750 CFM at 125 PSI. 2. Feed the loop type piping from a dry… Read more »

There are 2 key aspects to sizing your piping correctly: max system CFM requirements and minimum required operating pressure.   Max CFM A study needs to be completed to determine what the max demand in the system (in CFM) is going to be. This needs to be a worst case scenario, with even momentary uses being considered Momentary uses of compressed air are considered any usage of your air for a period of time that is less than a minute. Examples of these momentary uses are; dust collector blow down valves, large air cylinder/ ram actuation, sometimes diaphragm pumps, and… Read more »

We all know what it is to go from room to room at home turning off all the lights that the kids left on. We are sensitive about the thermostat setting at home during the winter, keeping it lowered at night or when not home for an extended period. We fix the drippy kitchen faucet, or the toilet that runs continually. These are examples of cost cutting measures to keep our utility bills more affordable. But what about your compressed air system at your place of business? Compressed air is your fourth, and most expensive, utility. Minimally, it costs you electricity to… Read more »