Compressed Air Systems
The purpose of a compressed air system is to generate and maintain a reliable source of high-pressure, or compressed air. Compressed air is used directly in such commercial applications as spray painting and sandblasting, and it is used extensively as an energy source for powering pneumatic tools and actuators. This course covers industrial compressed air system and their common components, including different air compressor types, filters, coolers, receivers, dryers, and distribution systems. Leak detection and compressed air safety is also discussed.
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Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- List some uses of compressed air
- List the components in a typical industrial compressed air system
- Describe classifications of air compressors
- Explain the purpose of the major components of a compressed air system
- List safe work practices associated with compressed air systems
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English, Portuguese, French, Russian |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What are compressed air systems used for?
Compressed air systems are used in a variety of industries to supply process requirements, operate pneumatic tools and equipment, and to meet instrumentation needs.
What does a typical compressed air system include?
A typical compressed air system consists of an air compressor, intake air filter, interstage coolers, aftercoolers, air dryers, moisture drain traps, receivers, and air distribution piping.
What is a compressor?
A compressor is a device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume through the addition of mechanical energy.
What are intake air filters?
Intake air filters prevent dust from entering compressors, since dust and dirt causes sticking valves, scoured cylinders, and excessive wear.
What are interstage coolers?
Interstage coolers are used on multistage compressors to reduce the temperature of the air before it enters the next stage. They are normally water cooled on larger compressors.
What are aftercoolers?
Aftercoolers are used to remove moisture in the compressed air system on the compressor discharge by lowering the temperature with a water cooled heat exchanger.
What are air dryers?
Air dryers remove the remaining traces of moisture after the aftercoolers to provide dry air for instruments and pneumatic equipment.
What are moisture drain traps?
Moisture drain traps remove air moisture at low points in the piping and from air receivers.
What are receivers?
Receivers are used as storage and for smoothing out pulsating air coming out of a compressor.
What are the two primary types of compressors?
Compressors are classified as positive displacement or dynamic.
What are the two primary types of positive displacement compressors?
Positive displacement compressors are further classified as reciprocating and rotary compressors.
Sample Video Transcript
Refrigeration dryers remove moisture from the compressed air through a mechanical refrigeration system to cool the air, and condense water and lubricant vapor. Coalescing filters are the most common form of compressed air purification. These filters remove liquid water and lubricants from compressed air, and are installed downstream in a refrigerated air dryer system, or upstream in a desiccant dryer system. Coalescing filters can only remove previously condensed liquids and do not remove water or lubricant vapors from the compressed air.
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