Compressed Air Contaminants

Compressed air has applications in virtually all industries. Its uses range from being an efficient, reliable source of pneumatic power in manufacturing plants to operating critical instrumentation in process industries. In every application, air quality can be adversely affected by contaminants like water, oil and dirt. The result is lower productivity, increased maintenance, and higher operating costs. For these reasons, air system designers must recognize and understand the types of contaminants they face. 

The most prevalent contaminant is water. Water, in the form of vapour, enters the air system at the compressor intake, and is concentrated to the saturation point by compression. As cooling occurs downstream of the compressor, the moisture in this saturated air condenses into harmful liquid water.

Still another contaminant, oil, is injected into air systems by lubricated compressors. Many gallons of oil can enter an air system over the course of a year in this way. 

Dirt takes many forms in air systems since it enters from several different sources. Small particles of atmospheric dust not removed by intake filters are concentrated by compression. Pipe scale forms over time by the gradual rusting process. Hot-running, lubricated compressors create fine particles of carbon dust when lubricants break down. 

Today's air system designer is faced with the challenge of improving air quality through the selection of drying and filtering equipment that is best suited to removing these contaminants. Judgments must be made based on the particular application, the degree of dryness and cleanliness required, and the types of equipment available. That's where we can help. Super-Dry offers complete, cost-effective, practical solutions to your drying and filtering needs. We have the expertise necessary to assist you in the selection of the optimum combination of equipment for your application.