A non-toxic plastic sometimes used as a piping material in compressed air installations.
A pressure at absolute zero (i.e. a perfect vacuum.) Absolute Pressure equals the sum of the Atmospheric Pressure and Gauge Pressure.
The temperature measured from Absolute Zero, using the Kelvin Scale.
A form of carbon characterised by high adsorptive capacity for gases, vapours or solids.
The natural action of a gas, vapour or liquid being attracted to and held on the surface of a solid.
A heat exchanger for the reduction of temperature of air after compression.
The removal of heat from the air after compression is complete.
A machine which compresses air to a pressure higher than its inlet pressure.
A tank in which compressed air is stored, also called a pressure vessel.
The temperature of the surrounding environment in which the equipment is working in.
The pressure exerted by the atmosphere.
A device that shuts off flow by means of a hollow spherical component (ball).
An instrument that senses and records pressure. The pressure energy detected is converted into mechanical movement, i.e. moving a pointer on a dial.
A colourless, odourless, incombustible gas. It is a major greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change (global warming).
A colourless, odourless, incombustible, toxic gas.
A temperature scale on which the freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius and the boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius (at one atmosphere of pressure).
A mark that denotes compliance with European directives.
A commonly used abbreviation for ‘cubic feet per minute’, a figure applied to the output of an air compressor.
The energy in chemical bonds holding the atoms of a compound together. Food, wood, batteries, and fossil fuels possess chemical energy.
This is the process of bringing together fine liquid particles or mists to form larger particles as liquid droplets.
A legal phrase to identify a person who performs the activities required by the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations for compressed air systems.
The actual volume rate of flow compressed and delivered at the standard discharge point, at stated inlet conditions.
The water formed in a compressed air system from water vapour due to a decrease in air temperature or increase in pressure.
A quantity that does not change its value, no matter what happens to other related variables, usually represented by the letter K.
A fluid (liquid or gas) used to remove heat from compressed air.
The amount of compressed air required by tools and equipment.
A chemical possessing a strong affinity for water.
The temperature at which air is fully saturated with water vapour at the prevailing pressure.
The process by which two quantities decrease or increase with each other.
A hole or valve through which gas or air leaves the compressor.
The volume displaced by the compression element of the first stage per unit of time (e.g. litres per second, cubic feet per minute).
A network of pipes installed from one point to another in a factory that delivers compressed air to a point of use.
Devices that collect condensate from a compressed air system. These are often fitted to air receivers, filters, dryers or piping.
A device that reduces the water vapour content of the compressed air.
Something that is produced with minimum effort or energy.
A device that removes contaminants from compressed air.
A physical process that selectively removes gases, vapours, liquids or solids from compressed air by providing a barrier to such particles.
A temperature scale on which the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point of water is 212°F (at one atmosphere of pressure).
A device which varies the amount of air flowing through it.
Carbon-rich fuel formed from the remains of ancient animals and plants. Coal, oil, and natural gas are all fossil fuels.
The main drains used for the disposal of wastewater of domestic or industrial origin, under the responsibility of the local water authority.
Air that is under atmospheric conditions at the inlet point which is unaffected by the compressor.
The free air delivered by a compressor is the actual volume which it will compress and deliver at the stated pressure, at the intake temperature and pressure. FAD is expressed in cubic feet per minute or litres per second.
The state in which a compressor is producing air and operating at full capacity.
This is steel coated with zinc to reduce the effects of corrosion
The pressure that is shown or indicated on a gauge or instrument
A device or machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
This is a law which states how pressure, volume and temperature interact
This is anything that can cause harm e.g. in the workplace: lifting, machining, working from ladders
A process where heat which is generated by a compressor, that would otherwise be wasted, is saved and re-used
This is system pressure which is over 40 bar
A Motor that uses up to 3% less electricity than a standard motor, by virtue of an improved design
The degree of water vapour in the atmosphere
A hole (or valve) through which air enters the compressor
The removal of heat from the air between stages in multi-stage compression
The process by which one quantity decreases when another increases
The energy possessed by a moving object
This is pressure generally considered to be between atmospheric pressure and 20 bar
A fluid (generally an oil) used to overcome friction between surfaces that come into continuous moving contact
This is a term represented by the prefix ‘n’ denoting a standard condition of temperature and humidity
This is an energy resource that is either replenished very slowly or is not replenished at all by natural processes
This refers to a compressor that is switched on i.e. running but the compressor is not producing air
An air compressor in which oil is injected into the chamber during the compression process to limit the temperature rise in the chamber
This refers to a compressor that is producing air, either at part load or full load
This is when the pressure of a compressed air system is exceeded
A self-contained unit consisting of a compressor and prime mover together with accessories for its safe operation
A physical quantity that can be measured, e.g. volume, pressure, etc.
This refers to a compressor when it is producing air, but not at full capacity
This describes the way in which tools and equipment are used
A pipe or system of pipes used for the conveyance of compressed air
A mechanical device which has a plunging or thrusting motion
This refers to the science systems driven by compressed air
The point at which the compressed air performs its useful work, i.e. powering air tools or equipment
The action of a compressor type that traps and compresses a measured volume of air between its fixed and moving parts that causes the air’s pressure to rise and reduce its volume and delivery to a system
This is stored energy that can be released or harnessed to do work (chemical energy is a form of potential energy)
The rate at which energy is transferred or converted per unit of time. It is quoted in Watts
The difference between the specified upper and lower limit of pressure in which compressors are required to operate
The drop in pressure between any two specified points in a system
The ratio between the absolute discharge pressure and the absolute inlet pressure
A device to limit the maximum system pressure by allowing the escape of the compressed air into the atmosphere when a dangerous limit has been reached
A device which reduces the incoming pressure to a lower level and maintains it irrespective of inlet pressure and outlet flow rate changes
This is an air storage tank or air receiver
An energy source available directly from the environment e.g. coal, oil, natural gas, sun, wind, geothermal energy and hydropower
A self-propelled machine, e.g. an electric motor or internal combustion engine, used to drive machinery
This is something that is free from contaminants. Air purity is the degree of cleanliness required for an application (often referred to as “air quality”)
A machine in which a piston moves alternately backward and forward in a cylinder
A fluid used for cooling that, when changing from liquid to gas, takes heat from its surroundings
A device which recycles a fluid (a refrigerant) between liquid and gas stages producing a cooling effect on the compressed air
An energy resource that can be replenished within a finite time
An air main that begins and ends at the compressor so that every usage point has two possible routes of supply
The chance, great or small, that someone will be harmed by a hazard
A positive displacement rotary machine used for compressed air applications at low pressures up to 1.5 bar
Compressors where the air is compressed by circular motion
A time related control that switches off the prime mover when the compressor has been on off-load for a specified period of time
These are energy sources derived from a primary energy source. The most common secondary energy source is electricity
An electronic device used to measure a physical characteristic such as pressure or temperature and converts the information into an electronic signal
A pipe that delivers gas, oil, water, steam or air to and around a site
A device incorporating a means to close off supply of air flow
A switch (mechanical or electronic) which responds to the signal from a sensor
Piping arrangement whereby various branches are taken from a single pipe such that each usage point has one route of supply
This indicates that the figures quoted are derived at a standard temperature and humidity, the ‘s’ prefix is used, e.g. scfm – standard cubic feet per minute
This is the normal operating pressure, often referred to as “working pressure”
An energy source derived from secondary energy sources
This is the science of the conversion of heat to other forms of energy
A domestic or industrial service company, e.g. gas, oil, water, electricity company
This is an electronic device which when fitted to a motor can vary the speed of a compressor and vary its air output
This is the gaseous state of water
Piping Material Features Comparison |
|||
| Piping Features | Stainless Steel(Type 304L) | Mild Steel | Blue anodized Aluminum Alloy |
| Weight (Dia 6inch, Length 6m) | 127.2 | 169.6 | 29.142 |
| Anti-Corrosive | Yes | No | Yes(100%) |
| Pressure drop (Dia 2 inch Length= 20m, Airflow=3 cubic metres/Minute, Pressure=10 bar) | 0.25 | 0.4 Bar | 0.1 |
| Efficient Energy Use | High | Low-moderate | High( Potential Cost savings of 34%) |
| Structural Durability | Very Strong | Very Strong | Strong |
| High Thermal Endurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Installation Ease | Less Difficult | Difficult | Easy(High Flexibility and Modularity) |
| Simple Installation | Approx 6 feet length per hour | Approx 6 feet length per hour | Approx 45 feet Length per hour |
| Manpower and Work Hours Needed for 2″ Pipe Over 3000 Feet | Approx 600 man-hours/8 men for 2 weeks | Approx 600 man-hours/8 men for 2 weeks | About 100 man-hours with 8 workers, completed in under 2 days |
| Annual Charges for Installation, Commissioning & Operation | Approx 3000 dollars | Approx 7820 dollars | Approx 1300 dollars |
| Installation Cost Breakdown: Material % / Labor % | 30% / 70% | 25% / 75% | 80% / 20% |
| Texture of Surface | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.001 |
| Required Specialized Tools: Welder, Threader, Groove Cutter | Yes | Yes | No |
| Quality of Air | High — When needed, these pipe systems comply with ISO 8573-1:2010 air quality standards | Low( Not according to !SO 8573-2010 air quality standards) | High — These pipe systems support compliance with ISO 8573-1:2010 air quality standards when required. |
| Cost Rate per Meter | Almost 2 less than Aluminum | 3 Times less than Aluminum | 163.64 Dollars |
| Service Life Depends on Environment, Pipe Design, and Grade | 30 years | 40 years | 20 years |
| Upfront Installation Cost | Material : 30% Labor:70% | Material : 25% Labor:75% | Material : 80% Labor:20% |
| Care and Maintenance | Difficult — Rust buildup under pipes and fittings can reach machinery, requiring weekly preventive maintenance. | Difficult (Accumulation of rust under pipes and fittings which travels to machinery may require preventive maintenance every 3-4 days) | Easy — No rust buildup, with preventive maintenance needed every 4 weeks. |
