The
Air/Oil separator is the last oil barrier before
air enters a plant's distribution system. If
it fails to do its job, a large amount of oil is
allowed
to escape the air compressor, adding to lubricant
costs. In addition, the oil can have adverse
effects on down stream compressed air users. If
air/oil
separators are not changed on a regular basis
they become clogged. As a result, the compressor
must
pump to a higher internal pressure causing electrical
costs to increase. In many operations the cost
for the electricity to run a compressor for 1
year exceeds the purchase price of the compressor.
Every
2 PSIG pressure drop at the separator will increase
electrical costs 1%. Stretching air/oil separator
service intervals is false economy, costing more
in oil and electricity. |