Nine Quick Questions Worth Asking Before You Order
Need to place an order?
Answer these questions so
we can serve you better and faster!
1. How will be air
be used?
Since air can be used for breathing, instrumentation,
air tool operations, cylinders & valves, paint
spraying, sandblasting and more, we need to know how
you intend to use your air system and the quality of
air you require.
2. Will operation be intermittent, continuous or both?
Some plants need compressed air at all times, others
only need compressed air periodically. It is important
that we know what your needs will be.
3. How much pressure (PSI) and airflow (CFM) will
you need?
The total discharge pressure or PSI (Pounds per Square
Inch) must exceed the PSI requirement of all pneumatic
tools or equipment being operated. The airflow the
compressor creates is measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per
Minute). CFM is stated in two different forms; PD (Piston
Displacement) and ACFM (Actual Cubic Feet per Minute).
Always consider ACFM as it is the measure of USEABLE
compressed air.
4. What air quality will you need?
Depending on your air compressor's purpose, you will
need air with varying levels of water content or
saturation (dew points). Dryers within the system
can bring the dew point to levels of +35oF, -40oF
and even -100oF. Some jobs require that the air be
drier (or have a lower dew point) than other jobs.
Consider the degree of air, gas and liquid purification
you will need for your facility.
5. What horsepower will you require?
Horsepower has a direct effect on the CFM rating volume
(or capacity)of the compressor. The greater the horsepower,
the larger volume of air or CFM the compressor can
provide. But please note, that horsepower alone should
not be the basis for your equipment selection.
6. What size and type of tank will you need?
The tank provides a reserve of air to meet peak flow
and pressure demands and provides feedback to activate
cut-in /cut-out points for operation of the compressor
pump. The larger the tank (also called the receiver)
the more air reserve is available. Tanks also come
in vertical or horizontal configurations and should
always have the ASME Certification Stamp.
7. Where will the compressor be located?
If you plan to put your compressed air system indoors,
remember that the heated environment should prevent
air lines and drains from freezing but that sufficient
ventilation is also needed to cool the compressor
if temperatures reach high extremes. You cannot afford
to breath hot humid air.
8. What electrical requirements (codes) will you need
to satisfy?
Make sure your facility's incoming electrical service
is adequate before specifying an air compressor/system.
Have a qualified electrician review the requirements
to meet local regulations.
9. How will you dispose of "hazardous waste"?
The EPA and local authorities (such as the TNRCC in
Texas) are increasingly concerned about the oily
condensate generated by compressed air systems. You
must have an adequate disposal system or your facility
can face some costly fines.
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