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  We’re reaching into the grab bag to answer your top questions about industrial air compressor maintenance and system design. Don’t see your question answered here? Contact us with any other issues that are on your mind. One of our compressed air system experts will be happy to help! 1. How do I dispose of used air compressor oil? Air compressor oil is toxic to humans and animals and can cause problems in the environment if it is not disposed of properly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates disposal of used oil from air compressors and other industrial equipment. Both... Read more »

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What is a compressed air receiver tank—and how do you know if you need one? Our guide to compressed air receiver tanks explains how they work, what they do, and how you can use them to maximize the efficiency of your compressed air system. What Is a Compressed Air Receiver Tank? An air receiver tank (sometimes called an air compressor tank or compressed air storage tank) is what it sounds like: a tank that receives and stores compressed air after it exits the air compressor. This gives you a reserve of compressed air that you can draw on without running... Read more »

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If you are using PVC or CPVC for your compressed air system, you may be putting people and property at risk. PVC is not a safe or approved material for compressed air piping. In fact, the use of PVC piping for compressed air can lead to dangerous or deadly explosions. Here, we’ll explain the problems with PVC, why it should never be used to conduct compressed air, and what you should do if your current system contains PVC.   Why PVC Pipe Should Not Be Used for Compressed Air Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and its cousin, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), are... Read more »

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Thinking about buying a rotary screw air compressor? Read this first to learn how a rotary screw air compressor works, what they are used for, and how they are maintained. Plus, five important questions to ask when determining whether a rotary screw air compressor is right for you. What is a Rotary Screw Air Compressor? A rotary screw air compressor (sometimes called a “twin-screw compressor”) is a type of air compressor that uses a pair of enmeshed helical screws to compress air. As the screws turn, the air is continually compressed. Rotary screw air compressors are widely used for applications... Read more »

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Confused about compressed air pressure drop? You’re not alone. Pressure drop—the loss of air pressure between the air compressor and the endpoint where the air is used—is a common problem with compressed air systems. In addition to causing problems with pneumatic tools and equipment, pressure drop also drives up your energy bills. Understanding the causes of pressure drop in your compressed air system and how to address them could save you hundreds or thousands on your energy bill annually. What is Pressure Drop? Put simply, pressure drop in a compressed air system is the difference between the pressure discharged by... Read more »

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If your processes require ultraclean compressed air, you may think that you need an oil-free air compressor. But in most cases, clean air requirements can be met without the expense and maintenance hassle of an oil-free compressor. Before you spend the money, take a look at the pros and cons of oiled vs. oil-free compressors and see which one is right for you. What is an Oil-Free Air Compressor? Rotary screw air compressors come in two basic varieties: oil-injected (or oil-flooded) and oil-free. As the name implies, an oil-free air compressor does not use oil for lubrication in the compression chamber.... Read more »

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Lubricated air compressors require regular oil changes and maintenance to ensure proper operation. Operators need to understand what kind of oil to use in the air compressor, how often to change the air compressor oil and oil filters, and how to recognize common problems with air compressor oil. This guide will answer your questions about air compressor oil. About Oil-Lubricated Air Compressors Most air compressors used in industrial compressed air systems are lubricated (also known as oil-flooded air compressors). This simply means that oil is used to lubricate moving parts in the air-end (the part of the compressor where the... Read more »

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Air receiver tank safety should be a priority for every compressed air user. Poor maintenance, improper storage, or operation at unsafe pressures can lead to a dangerous air receiver tank failure. This article explores the common causes of air receiver tank failure, safe maintenance and storage for air receiver tanks, and the importance of using ASME-rated compressed air equipment. Your compressed air receiver tank is a type of pressure vessel. It stores air under immense internal pressure over a long period of time. If the tank is not maintained properly, corrosion, stress, and fatigue can lead to a dangerous tank... Read more »

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You may still have frost outside, but spring is just around the corner. When you’re planning your spring cleaning, don’t forget your compressed air system. Spring is the perfect time to assess your industrial air compression system and perform critical maintenance to make sure it is ready for the hot summer months ahead. A thorough spring cleaning of your industrial air compressor and other compressed air system components can prevent expensive repairs and eliminate costly downtime. Of course, you should be conducting most routine maintenance checks daily or weekly throughout the year, following the preventative maintenance guidelines in the user... Read more »

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Wondering how to choose the right air compressor for your facility? In this guide, we’ll cover all the basics, including how air compressors work, the types of air compressors, and air compressor specifications and features to look for. How to Choose the Right Air Compressor  Choosing the right air compressor for industrial and commercial applications can be complicated. The right choice depends on several factors:  How much air (CFM) is required by your applications? What air pressure is needed?   Are your air requirements continuous or sporadic?  Where will the air compressor be used?  Applications for Industrial Air Compressors  An air... Read more »

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What size piping do you need for your compressed air system? Understanding how to properly size pipes for compressed air can improve the overall efficiency of your system. Correctly sized compressed air piping will help you save money and ensure that you always have the PSI you need to run machines and tools at the ends of your lines. Here’s how to determine the right diameter compressed air pipes for your system. How Pipe Size Impacts Compressed Air System Performance  Sizing air compressor piping comes down to two factors: how much air are you trying to move? And how far... Read more »

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Do you need an inline filter for your air compressor? Chances are, the answer is yes! Inline filtration is the key to clean, reliable compressed air. Here’s everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining inline air filters for your air compressor. What Is an Inline Air Compressor Filter and Why Do You Need One? The inline air compressor filter removes oil and particulates from your compressed air supply. Compressed air contains contaminants when it leaves the compressor including oils, particulates, and even microorganisms. The inline compressor filter captures these contaminants before the compressed air meets your production... Read more »

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  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 »

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Do you need an oil-water separator for your compressed air system? The answer is probably yes. An external oil-water separator is essential for proper maintenance of your compressed air system and compliance with environmental regulations for disposal of compressed air condensate.   What Is an Oil/Water Separator?  An oil-water separator (sometimes called a condensate separator) is exactly what it sounds like: a device that separates oils and lubricants from liquid water. The oil-water separator collects condensate from your air compressor, tank, filters, and dryer, and removes the oil from the water prior to putting it down the drain. It also eliminates... Read more »

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What kind of compressed air dryer do you need? It may seem difficult to choose between desiccant vs. refrigerated air dryers for your compressed air system. But once you understand the differences between these types of air dryers and what they can do, the choice is likely to be clear. What Is the Purpose of a Compressed Air Dryer? First, why do you need a compressed air dryer at all? Almost all compressed air applications will require some type of air-drying system. A compressed air dryer ensures a consistent supply of dry air for your application.  A compressed air dryer... Read more »

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 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 air compressor tips and tricks 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,... Read more »

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Fluid-Aire Dynamics trusts PneuTech compressors, dryers, in-line filtration and parts and supplies. These quality products provide exceptional value while providing the highest efficiency. Learn more about the product line-up and why we strongly recommend PneuTech in this short video.

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Should you buy a reciprocating air compressor or a rotary screw air compressor? If you’re shopping for a new air compressor, you may be wondering about the differences between rotary and reciprocating compressors. But while both types of compressors create compressed air, there are important differences in how they work and the applications they are best suited for. Here is how to choose between a reciprocating and rotary compressor for your operation. What Is the Difference Between a Reciprocating Air Compressor and a Rotary Screw Air Compressor? Both reciprocating and rotary screw air compressors produce compressed air using “positive displacement”—that... Read more »

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Do you know how to calculate dew point and relative humidity for your compressed air system? Understanding these measures and how they are related will help you maintain your compressed air system at optimal performance. To minimize condensation problems in your system, it is important to know how much moisture is in the air vs. how much moisture the air is capable of holding. Measuring or calculating your dew point and relative humidity (RH) can help you avoid problems with your compressed air system and production applications. Here’s how to know if your pressure dew point is too high—and what... Read more »

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