Poor compressed air quality due to climate change: why?

While the energy medium of air is available almost without limitation worldwide, its quality is not the same everywhere. Air differs greatly in different climate zones due to different loads from emissions from traffic, industry, agriculture and other influences. Like many other systems, compressed air treatment is affected by extreme climatic conditions. 

Rising temperatures: Heat waves and the like exert special pressure on refrigeration dryers. These can no longer maintain the pressure dew point and the air remains too humid. This leads to clumping and corrosion. Compressor inlet temperatures also rise due to high outdoor temperatures, increasing the oil vapor content in your compressed air.

High humidity: Heavy rain and thunderstorms not only raise rivers. The high humidity poses a risk of overloading condensate drains and oil/water separators, which then often overflow. 

Sahara dust: the fine dust taxes the filters in your systems. Among other things, this leads to higher energy requirements.

The result is faulty, faltering production processes and economic damage. Climate change requires a new approach to compressed air treatment, matching compressed air quality to the relevant requirements.

Standard ISO8573-1 defines the permissible level of dirty substances per cubic meter of compressed air. Solid particles, water and oil are listed as the three primary foulants. Special attention is also paid to loads caused by germs and bacteria. However, DIN-ISO Standard 8573-1 does not specify limit values for germs/microorganisms.

Particle concentration

When generating compressed air, ambient air is drawn in and compressed by a compressor. As a result, dust, moisture, oil, aerosols and microbiological constituents also end up in the compressed air in multiplied quantities.

Humidity

Water is the most problematic of all contaminants in compressed air. Water not only leads to corrosion damage, but also promotes the growth of microorganisms, which are harmful to personnel and can contaminate products and processes.

Residual oil vapor content

Ambient air contains oil in its gaseous state (oil vapor). Typical values for contamination are between 0.05 and 0.5 mg/m³. However, in dense, urban or industrial environments, the level may be higher.

Bacteria-free

Compressed air systems contain large amounts of microbiological contaminants, and hot, humid systems provide an ideal growth environment for them.

The design and sizing of compressed air components are critical to quality, and efficient handling contributes significantly to reducing operating costs. Therefore, examine your installation regularly and consult the expert for advice.