If your industrial application requires a compressed air system, ensuring your compressor and all of its parts are up to par can make or break your production rate of efficiency. When the success of your application depends on the reliability of your compressed air system, each part of your system needs to be optimized for the requirements of your system, whether that be the type of air compressor you select, the room you store your compressor in, or the fittings and piping you use in conjunction with your compressor. But what makes the piping size of your system so important, and how can you make sure you choose the right piping for your system’s industrial requirements?
The Purpose of Air Compressor Pipes
Air compressor piping is utilized to transfer air that the system has already compressed from the compressor storage tanks to whatever end-users your system has, like workstations or pneumatic machinery. Air compressor pipes need to complete this transfer without any leakage. If the piping on your system cannot complete this task reliably and without any leakage, your entire production will suffer from a reduced efficiency, which can be a costly issue if not addressed properly and promptly.
Ensuring your air compressor piping is made of the proper material and accurately sized for your needs is vital to keep your application running smoothly and cost-effectively.
Considerations When Choosing Piping for Your Compressed Air System
How do you select the right piping for your industrial application the first time? When choosing the piping you will use in your system, you want to remember a few things. Making sure you understand these factors well will save you time, hassle, and money when it comes to compressed air system piping.
First, you want a good idea of the piping size your system needs to run properly. Selecting pipes that are too small for your system will result in a high-pressure drop within your system. This may not seem like a significant issue, but low-pressure levels require more compressed air production to overcome pressure differential, creating unnecessary costs for your business and costing you money.
Second, ensuring your system utilizes the correct piping material for your needs is important. Some piping materials are particularly prone to damage as a result of corrosion and issues with pressure loss. Some common compressed air system piping materials include aluminum, stainless steel, copper, galvanized piping, and PVC.
Last, understanding your system’s proper design and connections can help save you from issues like overpressurization and escaped air due to connection leaks.
Does Piping Size Matter When it Comes to Compressed Air Systems?
The short answer to this question is yes. The size of your compressed air system piping is important for the efficiency of your industrial application. If the piping you select for your application is too small, you risk encountering a pressure drop within your system. Your compressor then has to work even harder to meet the demands of your system and overcome this pressure drop. Larger air compressors and applications with a higher compressed air demand will require larger piping, of course, but how do you know when your pipes are large enough for your system?
Keeping a few things in mind will help you determine if the sizing of your pipes is appropriate for your system.
- A system with properly sized pipes will encounter a drop of 10% or less of the compressor’s discharge pressure. You’ll find this reading on a gauge at the outlet of your air compressor. Longer and narrower piping can cause a higher pressure drop rate because it makes it harder for air to pass through.
- Stay mindful of changes within your production, such as expansions, the installation of new machines, or the addition of tools that utilize compressed air. Any existing piping may be too small to handle these new additions or changes, which can lead to system breakdowns, costing your business time and money.
ESA for Your Compressed Air System Piping Needs
At ESA, our technicians have the proper training and decades of experience with compressed air systems, allowing them to address any questions or concerns you may have about your system, whether it’s brand new or years old. The professionals at ESA can help you determine if the piping on your compressor will work best for your system and help you make the necessary changes. Contact us today for a consultation and speak to one of our team members about your system.
