If not removed, this moisture can rust pipes, shorten component life, clog air lines and reduce air flow, which all contribute to costly downtime. Installing a dryer removes this water vapor before it condenses in the line or in downstream equipment. Sludge, oil and foreign matter may be added to the air system by the compressor itself. Such contaminated air can interfere with the operation of the air driven device and, in time, damage it. Compressed air filters, installed upstream of the air driven device, remove these contaminants as well as most water condensate from the flowing compressed air.
Some applications require extremely clean air virtually free of oil aerosols.
Air driven devices are designed to work at a certain pressure. Most devices will operated at pressures in excess of that recommended. However, operating at higher pressures can cause excess torque, force and wear and can waste compressed air. The best operation and life of the device can be obtained by using the proper pressure level. A regulator is used to reduce and maintain the pressure at a level suitable for the device.