:: Air Compressor Parts ::

Air compressors are typically run on either electricity or natural gas. In either case, it is often suggested that fuel and utility costs can be quite hefty. In response to the rising costs of energy, many industries have begun seeking more cost effective ways to power their air compressors. Thus far, natural gas engine-driven air compressors have been the most energy efficient models available.

Natural gas engine-driven air compressors have been praised as an economical means of cutting emissions and energy costs. The combination of a gas powered engine and advanced rotary screws has transformed the air compressor industry. Engine-driven air compressors are so effective in controlling and limiting emissions that they are used in some of the most environmentally strict and safe states such as New York, California and Florida.

Very few industries exist that are not required to purchase air compressors certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Industries are either required by law to purchase one or simply understand the importance of an ASME-certified unit. The ASME performs rigorous testing for quality and safety on all devices bearing their quality assurance label. Manufacturers who wish to have their products certified must provide excellent workmanship along with necessary safety features such as an emergency air release valve; this valve relieves air pressure in case of an overload of energy to reduce the risk of an explosion.

Natural gas engine-driven air compressors have been in existence for more than 30 years. Over the years there has, not surprisingly, been great leaps made in technological advancement. One achievement, among many, in air compressor technology is the use of greater horsepower. An engine-driven air compressor that has the capabilities of using advanced horsepower can dramatically cut energy costs. More air is emitted with less strain on the device because of the increased horsepower. The lessening of the strain also helps parts stay in top-quality functioning order, therefore reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Air Compressors Info provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. Air Compressors Info is affiliated with Original Content.

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Manufacturers and industry alike depend on the services of industrial air compressors. Most industries that use air compressors use high quality industrial-grade models. These models are different, more powerful and more expensive than ones that are used for lightweight jobs and for regular homeowners.

Industrial air compressors can be fueled by either natural gas or electricity. Most industries use natural gas to power their air compressors. Even though both types of energy used to run these industrial air compressors can be costly, many businesses find that using natural gas as a power source greatly reduces their utility costs.

Most industries use a two-stage type of air compressor for their needs. Generally speaking, this type of industrial air compressor is built for heavy-duty jobs. These offer a much higher level of air compression, as compared to smaller or compact models. Industrial air compressors usually also offer the ability to store unused air for future usage. These also can be more energy efficient because they run on a higher level of horsepower than other models; this increased usage of horsepower also creates a better working machine that is less likely to break down and requires less maintenance.

As with the purchase of any type of air compressor, those purchasing industrial air compressors need to be especially cautious of safety and quality standards. Very few industries are legally allowed to buy air compressors that are not certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Increased workplace safety and liability concerns have made it necessary for most companies to purchase high-quality, certified-devices to ensure the well-being of their employees. Some safety features may include a safety valve to use in the case of excess air pressure in the unit. The valve will automatically release air, therefore decreasing pressure, in the event of an overload of power. Without this safety device, users of the machine run the risk of causing an explosion.

Air Compressors Info provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. Air Compressors Info is affiliated with Original Content.

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FRL is an acronym for Filter, Regulator and Lubricator, devices used to “condition” the compressed air from a compressor before it gets to your application be that through an air valve to air cylinders, powering air tools and so on.

When called in to troubleshoot a complaint from a client that their compressed air filter, regulator or lubricator wasn’t working, the first response is to ask the symptoms. Common complaints are, “the regulator is not working, and it’s leaking oil”, or “my air filter fills up too quickly”. Have you ever had these problems?

The acronym FRL is placed in this order deliberately.

These air treatment units, whether they are an assembly (combination FR + L) or a number of single components - Filter + Regulator + Lubricator - installed in a row, must always be installed with the Filter first, the Regulator next, and the lubricator last.

The filter must ’see’ the air coming from the compressed air supply line first, as it’s the defense against compressed air-borne water and particulates. If you think about it, you would want the filter to remove contaminants and free water from the compressed air before that air gets to more sensitive down-stream components, including the regulator and the lubricator.

The regulator is installed after the filter to ensure that the air getting to the regulator is as clean as that type of compressed air filter will allow, thus increasing the life span and mean-time-between-failures for the regulator.

The regulator’s purpose is to regulate a lower pressure to the downstream application. Some folks are of the opinion that the regulator can be used to “dial-up” the pressure. This is true, as long as it’s understood that the pressure that’s being selected is at a level below the upstream supply pressure. You cannot use a regulator to increase the pressure downstream higher than the supply pressure upstream of that regulator.

Compressors are usually cyclic, meaning that the air pressure in the lines from them varies according to where the pressure is in the compressor receiver. When the air pressure in the compressor receiver falls to the low level set point, the compressor will kick in, and bring the pressure in the receiver up to the high level set point, at which point the compressor will stop. This cycle repeats, sometimes quite quickly, depending on the compressed air demand in the shop. A regulator will dampen the pressure swings from the system as the compressor kicks on and off, ensuring that your application, if the regulator pressure is set at the correct level, will see a constant, steady pressure.

If the regulator is incorrectly installed, upstream from the filter instead of after it, not only is the regulator not protected from air-borne water and particulates, it will negatively affect the flow of air to the filter, decreasing its effectiveness.

The lubricator’s purpose is to provide a steady, metered stream of the appropriate lubricant to the downstream application, be that an air tool, or an air valve / cylinder combination.

The lubricator is installed last in the FRL series to ensure that the lubricant has ready access to the components desired to be lubricated though many modern pneumatic circuits may not need a lubricator at all, what with the high cycle type lubricants that are commonly used by air actuator manufacturer’s.

If the lubricator is incorrectly installed after the filter and before the regulator, the lubricant flow will negatively affect the operation of the regulator. The regulator may be over lubricated to the point where it doesn’t work properly. This may be the cause of the “lubricator’s all gummed up and not working properly” complaint. Most compressed air regulators are relieving type, and if the lubricator is “feeding” lubricant to the regulator, lubricant will wick from the relieving port, hence the “regulator’s leaking oil” complaint.

If the lubricator is installed upstream from the filter and the regulator, the lubricant stream from the lubricator will simply be intercepted by the filter, and not get downstream to the application at all. Thus the filter is “filling up too quickly” complaint.

In the absence of the lubricator, the correct installation if filter first, then regulator.

If the unit you have is a combined filter regulator, it’s internally plumbed to have the air filtered through the filter ‘half’ before the compressed air gets to the regulator.

Remember, it’s FRL on purpose!

Bill Wade is a former sales representative, sales manager, marketing manager and president of companies that use and sell compressed air, along with other equipment and supplies. His sales agency currently represents a select group of companies. Mr. Wade writes about understanding compressed air, how it’s compressed, how it’s treated, and how it’s used at http://www.about-air-compressors.com.

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