The Cost of Air Compressor Leaks and How to Detect Them

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Category: Blog

Published on Tuesday, 22 January 2013 18:00

Written by Super User

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The average leak rate of compressed air systems is estimated to be 25 percent by the U.S. Department of Energy.  This means countless dollars lost by businesses using these systems and also lowered productivity and equipment life.

How do Leaks Waste Money?

• Wasted Electricity
• Reduced Productivity
• Increased Service Costs
  
  

What are Some Areas Where Leaks can be Found?

A leak can be found in several places on an air compressor.  A large number of fittings and hoses can oftentimes mean more leaks.  Leaks may be the result of wear and tear on the equipment or from poor installation.  Some areas where leaks are commonly found are:

• Condensate Traps
• Hoses
• Disconnects
• Shut-off valves

How can a Leak be Detected?

The first step to reducing or eliminating leaks is to find problem areas.  You can check for leaks using a couple different methods.

• Listen and Feel – this works for larger leaks because you would have to get close enough to feel them.  This method is not practical to use to detect most leaks.
• Soapy Water – soapy water is placed on the areas where a leak is suspected and if one is present bubbles will form which will confirm the suspicion.  This method two has its drawbacks as it requires a close proximity to the equipment and does not tell how severe a leak is.
• Ultrasonic – this is the most reliable form of leak detection and can work for even the smallest leaks.  This method requires special equipment and knowledge of how to use it.

After determining where the leaks are it is crucial to develop a plan to fix them.  While it costs money to fix these leaks, doing so will be more cost-effective in the long run as those leaks will no longer be plaguing your air compressor.  It is also important to develop a plan for how to detect any future leaks early on and repair them in a timely manner.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Used Air Compressors

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Category: Blog

Published on Tuesday, 29 January 2013 12:21

Written by Super User

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Air compressors play an important role in industrial operations.  They are machines that escalate the volume of air which is stored within a particular space.  While holding volumes of air, the pressure is relatively increased.  This produces a force that is commonly used for a range of application.  The applications are usually by industries in manufacturing, commercial, and even personal use. 

There are several types of air compressors available and the ones intended for industrial use are categorized in two forms, dynamic or positive displacement.
Typically when you are looking to purchase an air compressor for your business you plan to buy a brand new unit, but if you are looking for a way to save some money purchasing a used model may be a good way to do so.

Regardless of your needs or demands for an air compressor there are many benefits to purchasing one that is pre-owned.  If you are considering investing in a used air compressor you should think about what the quality of the unit will be like.  To ensure that you receive an air compressor that is in good condition you will need to do research on the best leads and sources.

If you find the right source it is possible to get an air compressor with the same quality as a brand new one, yet with a much lower price.  Another gain you get is that your range of options is broader.  Also, the chance for getting better and more advanced models are increased since you have more money to spend.  There are tons of uses and applications that an air compressor can play for your business and having a unit around your business will always be a benefit for you.  Given some know-how and doing your homework correctly, you can obtain everything you need from a used air compressor.  

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.

Ways to Reduce Your Compressed Air Costs

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Category: Blog

Published on Tuesday, 12 February 2013 01:40

Written by Super User

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Energy is the most expensive element in the use of compressed air.  Over the course of time, energy may cost you more than the initial cost of the compressor itself.  But just because energy is a big cost when it comes to compressed air it does not mean that there are not ways to cut back on this expense and save your company some money.

What are Ways to Reduce Costs?

• Turn Compressor off – turning the air compressor off for nights and weekends is one way to reduce energy bills.
• Fix Any/All Leaks – make sure you inspect your compressor on a regular basis.  Even a small leak can waste money.
• Keep Pipes Dry and Clean – keeping pipes dry and clean helps give you good air quality pressure.
• Ensure Corrosion Does Not Build up in Pipes – dust or sludge buildup causes corrosion and therefore increases leaks.
• Run Compressor at the Proper Pressure – make sure you are not turning up the pressure to make up for a leak.
• Keep up with Maintenance – keeping up with maintenance can prevent breakdowns and cut down on energy costs.

For more ways to cut back on costs or for information on air compressor maintenance it is recommended to seek out experts in the field.

For all of your air compressor needs Air Center, Inc. will be able to help.  Air Center stocks many air compressor parts and filters for major manufacturers, designs and installs compressed air systems, and employs technicians who are able to service any compressed air equipment.