How to Use Air Preparation Equipment Properly

Air preparation equipment is a critical part of ensuring that pneumatic devices, cylinders and other components can work correctly for many years, reducing maintenance costs and cutting down on downtime. It’s easy to overlook or even underestimate the importance of this process, but it’s an important aspect of making sure that a machine can operate properly for as long as possible.

Proper Compressed Air Preparation

The key to keeping a machine working well for as long as possible is making sure that all of the air it consumes is clean and dry. This means that it’s important to have the right filters, regulators and lubricators in place so that the compressed air you deliver is free of moisture, oil vapor and other contaminants.

Filters are one of the most vital pieces of air preparation equipment, as they remove contaminants like dirt and dust from the compressed air. They come in a variety of types, including centrifugal and coalescing designs, which can help reduce the amount of moisture and oil vapor in the air.

Regulators are another key component of air preparation, as they regulate the pressure of the compressed air that you deliver. They should be selected based on the type of device that you’re using and the flow required to drive that equipment.

A regulator also bleeds or removes downstream pressure to keep the system isolated and able to be disconnected when it’s needed. These valves are available in many styles, from a single channel design for isolating a cylinder or service unit to a two-channel design that locks the system down to prevent re-energization of the machinery.

Lockout Tagout & Disconnecting

It’s also essential to disconnect the pneumatic air prep equipment when it’s not in use or when it’s being serviced. This allows you to prevent the re-energization of the equipment, which could cause serious injury or damage.

The best way to do this is by installing a manual shut-off valve as a safety device. This type of valve is typically installed decentrally in a system so that it cannot be influenced by downstream service units.

In addition to disconnecting the equipment, this valve can be used for bleeds and relieves of downstream pressure, so it’s important to ensure that the correct types are used to meet the needs of your application.

Total Air Preparation Systems

A total air prep system is a great alternative to specifying and then assembling all of the parts needed separately on site, as this reduces installation time, space and costs, while safely providing clean air supply to your machines. A typical total air prep unit consists of a filter, regulator with pressure switch, drain valve and lubricator.

This is a great option for customers who need a reliable and efficient system, but do not have the budget to buy each of these components individually. These air prep units include everything needed to supply your automated machines with clean, dry and lubricated air.