For many industries, compressed air can be the difference between seamless operations and expensive downtime. Pharmaceuticals, food processing, electronics, and even healthcare – in all of these industries, first-rate air quality is essential.
How do you properly test compressed air? Let’s go through the steps and explore why it’s important.
Importance of Testing Compressed Air Quality
During the process of compressing air, impurities in the form of water vapour, oil mist, and particulate matter can enter the air flow. If these impurities remain, it can result in product defects, machinery failure, and even safety hazards.
How to Test Compressed Air Quality
Step 1: Identify Your Industry Requirements
There are different compressed air quality requirements for each industry. Food and beverage, for instance, require oil-free air and air free of contaminants that could compromise the product. Pharmaceutical companies might need air that meets the ISO 8573-1:2010 purity classes.
Knowing your requirements enables you to determine the precise parameters that you need to test for, such as:
- Particles (solid impurities)
- Moisture (dew point)
- Oil content (vapour and aerosol)
Step 2: Sampling Points Identification
Next, you’ll have to decide where in your system to conduct tests for the air. Sampling locations must be placed in a manner that will provide a fair picture of several stages of air quality.
- At the outlet of the compressor (for testing base air quality)
- Before critical machinery use (to assess purity before production processes)
- At points of use (to confirm that air quality is at end-user requirements
- Good sampling can prevent issues by identifying contaminations early)
Step 3: Employ Professional Testing Equipment
Testing air quality involves specific tools. Some common techniques include:
- Particle counters: They monitor for solid impurities in the atmosphere.
- Dew point sensors: These monitor moisture levels.
- Oil mist detectors: These monitor for oil vapour and aerosol contamination.
Professionals, like Air Power East, have both the expertise and tools to produce correct results. For more information, see our compressed air quality testing service.
Step 4: Analyse the Results
After testing, you will get a report of the quality parameters of the air. Compare the results with the required standards in your industry. Should any parameter be beyond acceptable levels, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Some solutions could involve the addition of more filters, drying systems, or a compressor system upgrade. If you’re not sure what the next steps are, our professionals can help. Visit our contact page to speak to us about your specific requirements.
Step 5: Implement Preventive Controls
Once you’ve reached your desired level of air quality, upkeep is important. Filter maintenance, routine servicing, and inspections will become a necessity. Regular maintenance prolongs your compressor lifespan and prevents expensive breakdowns.
Step 6: Optimising Compressor Position
Finally, the location in which your compressor system is placed can make a significant impact on air purity. Having your compressor located in a tidy, regulated environment lessens your contact with impurities.
Test Your Compressed Air Quality with Air Power East
Compressed air testing for quality is not a compliance issue, but an investment in efficiency, in safety, and in product quality. By following these simple actions, your operations will run effortlessly.
For more information on compressed air systems and maintenance, contact us today. Our professionals are ready to assist you in keeping your air clean, compliant, and cost-effective.
