Step 8 for Compressed Air Analysis : Mapping out the Pressure of a Compressed Air System

Pressure mapping and monitoring is important in ensuring an efficient compressed air system. Proper sizing of compressors and piping is essential, so that compress air system can deliver the required air flow at a certain pressure level, keeping overpressure and pressure loss across components to a minimum. If the pressure is insufficient, machines and pneumatic components will be less efficient or not work. While setting a high pressure in the system might mitigate some of this issues, an increase of 1 bar corresponds to an energy increase of around 7%. 

Directly after the compressor, it is common to place a filtration system. Monitoring the pressure after filtration gives an indication of the actual usable pressure in the system and can be compared with the compressor ratings. Using pressure sensors to quantify the pressure drops across different users give an insight on the health of the machine, and take proactive actions to counteract the abnormalities in pressure drops. 

Among the most common issues for pressure drops is in filters, as the filters get clogged up more over their life-cycle. Under enough accumulation and the filters break through, a operator using a inadequate analog gauge will not be able to pick up on the abnormality, as the analog gauge will show a minimal pressure drop. Therefore, a pressure sensor that is able to continuously monitor and trigger alarms will prevent issues like this from happening, and inform operators to change filters on time (ideally at 0.3 bar that accounts for 85% element costs)

CS Instruments offers a range of pressure sensors that can also incorporate temperature and humidity measurements as well, with 4-20mA analogue output, Modbus RTU and options from 0...16 bar to 0... 400 bar.

CS Instrument Pressure Measurement Solutions