Effective filtration is key to the efficient operation of compressed air systems.
To be cost effective, filtration must be proactively planned, managed and financed as part of an ongoing maintenance strategy. This means looking beyond the initial purchase price of each filtration element to the total lifetime operating cost.
Maintaining air quality
Compressed air is commonly regarded as the fourth utility after electricity, gas and water and is generated on site rather than delivered by a service provider. As a result contamination removal is often governed by financial constraints and the purchase decision is often based on the initial cost of filtration equipment, with little regard for the air quality provided or the cost of operation throughout the life of the filter element.
Once installed, compressed air purification equipment must be regularly maintained to ensure that it delivers the required air quality and that operational costs are kept to a minimum. These should be factored into the annual maintenance budget for the production plant.
Three types of filter
Coalescing filters remove oil/water aerosols as well as solid particulates as small as 0,01 microns. The dual filter installation from Parker domnick hunter ensures a continuous supply of high quality compressed air with low operational costs and minimal maintenance. Adsorption filters utilise a bed of activated carbon to remove oil vapour from the compressed air. Dust removal filters take out dry particulates with a high level of efficiency.
Why change the filter element?
To achieve the stringent air quality levels required by ISO8573-1:2001, highly specialised filtration materials are employed in the construction of filter elements. These have a finite capacity and lifespan.
During operation, the filter media is constantly bombarded by high velocity dirt particles whilst also being under extremes of pressure and temperature. Coalescing filters also have to contend with acidic condensate, hot water, oil and chemical additives from compressor lubricants. Pressure spikes can rupture filter elements, allowing contamination to be carried past the filter and into the compressed air system. Once in the system, contamination is very difficult to remove.
A balance between risk and cost
A cost saving in the short term can turn out to be a costly mistake. The price of a replacement element is often significantly lower than the energy associated with operating at higher differential pressures. The costs of maintenance and replacement parts are insignificant compared to those associated with product spoilage should a filter element fail.
Costs to a business resulting from poor air quality include corrosion in the distribution system, frozen valves, unhealthy exhaust fumes and energy inefficiencies On the other hand, if filter elements are regularly changed the plant will have guaranteed high quality compressed air, protection of downstream equipment, reduced operational costs and increased productivity and profitability.
Parker domnick hunter
Parker domnick hunter, represented locally by Parker Hannifin, specialises in purification and separation technologies. The company manufactures compressed air treatment products for industries where low cost of ownership and energy savings can make a real difference. Parker domnick hunter compressed air filters can offer significant energy savings provided that they are regularly maintained.
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For more information contact Jolanda Bouwer, Parker Hannifin, +27 (0)11 961 0700, [email protected], www.parker.com
| Tel: | +27 11 961 0700 |
| Fax: | +27 11 392 7213 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.parker.com/za |
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