C - 1
APPENDIX C: COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM
View the plant's air supply as a power transmission utility system. Correctly
designed, installed and maintained, no other utility is as powerful, economical
and unique as your Compressed Air System. Top performance of any air-driven
device only occurs when the required operating PSI (air pressure) and CFM (air
volume) are supplied, maintained, and controlled. Be sure to:
1. Eliminate or compensate for air leaks in pipes, couplings, valves and
fittings.
2. Check that the ID of the couplings & supply hose are at least the size of
the Opener's NPT tapped inlet port (
eg
, 1" NPT inlet = ID Hose > 1").
Use a Filter ( < 40µm) to make sure the air supply is kept as clean and dry as
possible. An air tool operated with excess moisture or contaminants in the
system will suffer poor performance, premature wear, increased maintenance
and downtime, and higher noise levels. The filter must be drained regularly, and
its filtration element regularly cleaned or replaced. A Regulator w/ gauge is
required so that the air tool's force, frequency, energy (air) consumption and
noise can be adjusted and controlled. A Lubricator will extend the air tool's life.
The Lubricator must be correctly sized, pressurized, oil-flow adjusted, and
installed as close to the air tool as practical.
Lubrication rate must be tailored to specific needs. Precise control is difficult to
achieve – it's affected by airflow (CFM), air pressure (PSI), oil level, temperature,
and viscosity. Do not over-lubricate. Most devices need
only a small amount
of oil. Oil flooding causes: (1) sluggish operation; (2) oil laden exhaust air
which causes: (a) back-pressure due to clogged mufflers; (b) product or
atmosphere contamination. Regularly check Lubricator's oil level. Use only a
WORKMASTER recommended oil (
eg
, WORKMASTER's TOOL-LUBE Air Tool
Oil PN: 36-21010), or a
high
-
grade
air motor oil.
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