All too often, system pressure is raised to a high level or new compressors are purchased to satisfy a deficiency at a particular piece of equipment when the real problem lies in undersized piping or clogged filters, dryers, or separators. Pressure regulators are recommended to isolate high pressure needs from low pressure needs in order to insure air usage is not excessive. This also reduces the leakage rate in the low pressure zones. If one particular piece of equipment requires high pressure air with the balance needing only low pressure, it may be cost effective to provide totally independent compressions for this purpose. This heat available to supplement space or water heating requirements.
Many air compressors use standard motors as the prime driver.
These should be considered both as a retrofit option and as an option for new compressors. Extending the compressor intake air to the exterior is recommended and can be very cost effective. Dryers Most compressed air systems require that the delivered air be relatively dry and free of moisture in order to prevent damage to the end use. Several methods of providing dry air are available and the energy consumption for these dryers can vary enormously. The first step in providing dry air is the after-cooler which lowers the compressed air temperature and condenses water in the process.