Why monitoring compressed air quality is important in industrial application

Compressed air is an effective method of power transfer in control equipment throughout many different types of manufacturing and non-manufacturing processes. At Glaston we provide systems to monitor and ensure the quality of compressed air through our air treatment products and expertise. We provide air compressors for a range of different industries, including (but not limited to):

• Automotives
• Food and Beverage
• Agriculture
• Oil and Gas
• Pharmaceuticals 
• Renewables and Energy Recovery

Despite its effectiveness, compressed air in a system can be contaminated by a number of different substances. Dust particles, water vapour, oils and microorganisms can all cause performance issues to your compressed air system if not managed and removed. Such damage can be unsafe for your staff and customers and will limit production and productivity in your company. It could lead to expensive repair and maintenance costs, in some cases stopping production completely. Our specialist solutions for compressed air quality monitoring to make sure your system is running safely and efficiently for as long as it possibly can.

Compressed Air Quality Monitoring

When air is compressed, its contaminants are compressed along with it, meaning the concentration of contaminants in your system increases. And even more contamination can occur after the compression process. It’s important to treat the air in a system to make sure it’s clean and safe because different systems will require different standards of clean air. Medical or food and beverage systems, for example, will require a higher standard of treated air. Contaminants in systems here could cause huge problems for people’s health. 

We supply tools that help you monitor air quality in your systems. Our AIRScan provides analysis of your system, including the level of contaminants, and suggests ways to improve efficiency. Every industry has a different air purity standard based on the tasks they perform. With AIRScan, you can reliably evaluate your compliance with the relevant air quality standards for your industry and applications and easily treat and maintain your system accordingly.

Different systems of air compression are more or less suitable depending on the industry in which they will be deployed. We have produced a handy eBook, which will give you all the details you need to help you opt for the right air compression system for your industry. We supply compressed air treatment systems to either dry or filter the air in your systems, depending on what you need.

Compressed air dryers

In the case that air is contaminated with liquid or vapour, a compressed air dryer is the best method to treat the air in a system. Liquid and vapour can be present from either water or oil. If left untreated they can cause corrosion inside your systems or encourage the growth of microorganisms by providing an environment in which they can grow. 

There are a range of different types of dryers you can choose, which one may depend on compatibility or suitability to your chosen system or how dry you need the air to be. This determination is known as the dew point. For example, in an industry that will need the driest air possible then a desiccant adsorption dryer might be needed. If requirements aren’t quite as rigorous, then a refrigerant dryer might be more viable.

Compressed air filters

Filters can be installed at various points throughout a compressed air system. Like the dryers, the type of compressed air filter you need will depend on the level of air quality you’re looking to achieve and the type of contaminant you’re looking to remove. There are four different types: 

• Pleated media – This option is suited for capturing dry particulates like dust in compressed air. 
• Wrapped media – For effective use in wet and oil-contaminated environments. 
• Macro-structured activated carbon – Best suited for filtering out oil vapours.
• Cyclone for water – Uses centrifugal force to separate water droplets in the air.

Looking After Your Business

Compressed air quality monitoring and treatment is important for keeping your equipment running at optimal performance. Choosing the right compressed air treatment for your system and industry can have marked benefits and avoid big problems. It can help you:

• Save on energy consumption 
• Significantly reduce running costs 
• Maximise the available space in your business 
• Reduce maintenance costs
• Improve the longevity of your equipment, avoiding costly replacements
• Ensure your systems are safe for your staff and end users

If you need to know more about our compressed air quality monitoring or treatment products and services, contact us today. Simply fill out the online form with your enquiry, or you can give us a call. Our friendly team of expert engineers are on hand to answer any questions you might have and help you get the right equipment for your needs.