At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- List the various components in a typical compressed air system
- Describe the different types of air compressors
- List typical safety hazards and safe work practices associated with compressed air systems
- Explain the purpose of the following compressed air system components: coolers, air dryers, filters, and air receivers
- Describe how air compressor air volumes and pressures are measured and expressed
The following key questions are answered in this module:
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.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
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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