Applications Guide for Compressed Air Systems

摘要

Compressed air (CA) is used as a source of power for tools, industrial processes, and equipment. It is often considered as a fourth utility, after electricity, gas, and water. In most plants/shops, CA is centrally generated and distributed to all users through a pipe network. Although CA systems are a very convenient power source, they are not cheap to operate. However, nearly all industrial plants can realize from 25 to 40 percent savings on the power costs for the CA system without additional capital expenditures. Through improved management, CA systems can save energy, decrease down time, reduce maintenance, increase productivity, and improve quality. This applications guide is meant to acquaint CA system operation and maintenance personnel with the basics of industrial compressed air systems needed to achieve efficient system operation.