Cambs Compressors Winter 2022 Newsletter

www.cambscompressors.co.uk Air Compressors hate cold weather, so here’s what to do to get your air compressor ready for winter! Is your compressor ready for this Winter? The chemical industry and compressed air The chemical manufacturing sector is one of the UK’s largest industrial users of compressed air by volume. Chemical sector presents greatest opportunities for compressed air savings Compressed air is utilised in chemical plants and systems for measurement, control/regulating tasks, handling, cleaning, and many other critical applications. Compressed air can also be utilised in explosive hazardous areas, because it doesn’t generate sparks. Despite the importance of compressed air and the volumes used, all too often the compressed air systems within the chemical sector have very low levels of energy efficiency. This translates into higher than needed operating costs. At a time when the price of electricity is increasing dramatically, it presents huge opportunities for compressed air cost savings in the sector. The complexities of compressed air in the chemical industry Compressed air often comes into direct contact with the chemical products during the production process and could react with the substances when it is contaminated. Therefore it must be subjected to the strictest conditions and permanent monitoring. Another challenge is the air supply for larger chemical plants is often implemented via external piping. This means designing and maintaining a comprehensive operational process, without a large pressure dew point and differential pressure fluctuations. Powering heavy duty breakers to tools delivering structural maintenance The most common sight of compressed air usage in construction is the air-driven breakers, power hammers, drills, saws, nail guns, compactors and more. However, structural maintenance, such as blast cleaning and painting surfaces to retain structural integrity is less obvious but just as dependent upon compressed air. Compressed air in construction is an essential power source This is because compressed air is an extremely useful form of energy, particularly for use in remote locations. Those in the construction sector know the importance of its portability and ability to travel great distances without power loss. Which often means the projects where it’s in use, are operating to tight timescales with expensive resources. Compressed air is typically the energy source used to power heavy duty pneumatic tools in the construction sector. But its applications are much more varied than first meets the eye. Compressed air in construction Three Essential Winter Maintenance for Air Compressors As winter looms, there is essential maintenance you need to perform, especially if your air compressor is likely to experience temperatures below 5°C. Take three simple steps now to avoid the misery and expense of an ‘emergency compressor breakdown’ call out. Regularly drain the condensate from your compressor system One of your compressors biggest enemies is moisture. Condensate tends to collect at low points within the compressed air system. These include, the compressor, separators, receivers, filters and dryers as well as in low points in the compressed air pipework. If temperatures fall low enough this condensate will freeze, blocking pipes or voids within the compressor, dryers, filters and pipework. If there is frozen condensate in the pipework, this can get blown to the downstream, causing damage to the equipment the compressed air system services. Fit heating inside your compressor room If you want to ensure your facility continues to function as it should during the winter, it’s vital to protect your industrial air compressor from extreme seasonal temperatures. You can use an ambient heater, to ensure the temperature is just above the minimum to safeguard the compressor from wear on the motor and lower the possibility of system failure. Make sure your compressor has been regularly serviced Whilst you can always take advantage of our 24/7 call out service, it’s more cost effective - and less stressful - to prepare your system in advance. Time spent checking potential issues could save you trouble later, and if you want some expert advice, contact the Cambs Compressor team and we’ll be happy to schedule in a winter service and check up. The service will cover all of your compressed air equipment. 1 3 2