Frequently Asked Questions

1. Top 10 Air System Mistakes
2. Pressure loss in piping system

Pressure loss in piping system

It is important to minimize pressure drop throughout the compressed air system. This prevents you from producing pressure that never reaches the demand point which is a direct waste of energy. Every pound of increase or decrease in pressure requires a one half of one percent increase or decrease in power. Therefore, a 10-psig decrease can save you 5% in power costs.

 This amounts to $1,740 in annual savings for the 100 horsepower compressor in the earlier example. This adds up because most Industrial plants have more than one 100 horsepower compressor. The pressure of an air system is often raised to overcome pressure drop. The cause is usually found to be shortcomings in the piping system and pressure loss at the filters and dryers. Each of these problem areas will cost you money on an annual basis.

 The following are some common problem areas:

1. Delivering air to the point of use in pipe that is too small. An example: using 30' or more of 3/8" rubber hose rather than 1" pipe with a short hose at the tool.        
2. Using "tee" pipe connections rather than 30 or 45-degree angle entry connections when introducing air into a flowing stream of air.
3. Saving money by using undersized filters and dryers that have a higherpressure drop.