Industry News

What Is A Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from compressed air. Reducing heat in the compressed air aids in getting water vapor condensed out of the air before it gets into the plant or workshop air flow.

Compressor Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers are everywhere and there are many different kinds. So how does this affect compressed air and air compressors?

The fluid we are primarily concerned with is the compressed air exiting our compressor receiver and heading for the plant air mains and air tools, air valves, air motors, air pumps, etc. Compressed air is known as fluid power, hence my saying that air is a fluid.

The other fluid is a coolant, often surrounding the compressed air line in some types of heat exchangers.

How To Determine The Size Of Your Heat Exchanger:

  • the temperature of the compressed air as it enters the heat exchanger
  • the maximum flow of compressed air to the plant – you will want the exchanger to be sized to be able to heat exchange sufficiently at the plant’s maximum compressed air demand
  • what temperature the compressed air should be as it leaves the heat exchanger
  • how the heated water will be cooled

Q Air-California is the premier supplier & distributor of industrial vacuum and compressed air systems, and accessories. Contact us today for more info.

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What Is Centrifugal Air Compressor Technology?

Centrifugal air compressors operate by transferring kinetic energy from a rotating impeller into potential energy in the diffuser. There are several stages within the centrifugal pressure design, as well as an intercooling stage between each major stage. Centrifugal air compressors are designed to flourish under high capacities and work best when used for applications over 200 total horsepower.

Centrifugal Air Compressors Deliver Class 0 Certified Oil-Free Air  

Centrifugal air compressors, as well as some rotary screw air compressors, can supply oil-free air, often referred to as Class 0 per ISO 8573-1. It is important to understand that the Class 0 designation is distinctly different from trace oil designation. Figure 2 presents the classifications of oil-free air. Employing a Class 0 certified centrifugal compressor provides numerous benefits to a manufacturing facility including minimized maintenance, reduced energy costs and an oil-free airstream (assuming the source inlet air is also hydrocarbon free).

The oil in the machine is kept out of the actual air path, since oil-free compressors do not use oil in their actual compression process. This also helps keep costs down by minimizing the number of filter change outs required. Oil-free centrifugal air compressors are designed for lower maintenance, and provide the highest energy efficiency. Read more details on the advantages of oil-free centrifugal air compressors here.

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Is It Time To Overhaul Your Air Compressor?

It’s important that you take oil samples overtime you perform your routine fluid checks. In addition, you should also monitor your air compressor for bearing vibration. Performing these tasks on a daily basis can warn you when it’s time to do an overhaul.

Signs You Need To Overhaul:

If you encounter any of the signs below, we recommend an immediate overhaul.

  1. You discover oil contamination with metal fragments in the oil sample, as this is a sign of wear.
  2. You notice the temperatures of the internal compressor is rising, which is a sign that the cooler is not working.

What’s The Difference Between Remanufacture and Rebuild?

There are two options when it comes to overhauling an air compressor, you can either remanufacture or rebuild. The big difference between the two options is that a remanufactured air compressor needs to be overhauled within the factory of the original equipment manufacturer, while a rebuild is conducted in the field, at the customer site.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help overhaul your air compressor by calling 888.311.7247.

Q Air-California is the premier supplier & distributor of industrial vacuum and compressed air systems, and accessories. We offer 24/7 Emergency Service, Call Us Toll Free at 1.888.311.7247.

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Industrial Air Compressor Capacity Definitions

Following are some clarifying definitions of terms used, and often misused, to define capacity or flow in centrifugal compressors.

Capacity is the quantity of air at which the compressor will operate at a specific discharge pressure. For all industrial compressors, capacity is rated at the conditions of pressure, temperature and moisture content existing at the compressor inlet flange. The basic reference for all discussion on air flow relates back to mass flow. All definitions and conversions are directly related to conservation of mass flow through the compressor.

Mass flow (lb/min or kg/hr) is a specific value independent of the air inlet conditions. The compressor functions on how much mass flow (lb/min) flows through the machine. For this reason it is the best means of comparing one flow value to another. The problem with using it all the time is that compressor manufacturers size compressors on actual inlet air volume flow. This is done because the compressor size is a function of the actual inlet volume it can hold.

  • lb/min wet is the mass of air including the water vapor in the air.
  • lb/min dry is the mass of the air without the water content i.e. dry air (0% relative humidity)

CFM (cubic feet per minute) (M3/min) is a volumetric measurement not dependent on inlet conditions such as temperature, pressure and humidity. When working with centrifugal compressors, this should be clarified (when working with all compressor types, this should also be clarified).

ACFM (actual cubic feet per minute) (M3/min) is the actual inlet air delivered at the discharge flange. ACFM represents useful air and is independent of the seal losses through the machine. The commonly used value for seal losses with carbon seals is about 1%.

ICFM (inlet cubic feet per minute) (or M3/hr) is a measure of the air entering the compressor referred back to inlet conditions. ICFM is the most common method of determining centrifugal compressor selection. CAGI and PNEUROP often rate centrifugal compressors in icfm. The only difference between icfm and acfm is that acfm is measured at the compressor discharge flange, whereas icfm is measured at the compressor inlet flange or at the discharge flange and corrected for seal losses. Some centrifugal compressors may have other air losses between the inlet and discharge flanges.

Unlike positive displacement type compressors where icfm is almost always significantly higher than acfm and with the exception of such small items as potential seal leakage, icfm and acfm are often used interchangeably with regard to capacity flow ratings.

Read More »

For more information or to get your questions answered about the content above – Contact Us Today: Email Us or Call 888.311.7247
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Implementing Audit Recommendations

compressed air and energy audit

Q Air-California has the capacity & resources to implement all of the recommendations provided in your thorough comprehensive analysis, which separates us from the many other companies that provide only auditing services. We offer 5 levels of technical services to meet the individual needs of the customer. From the basic compressed air system walk-through to the full system audit and leak detection, our goal is always the same – help the customer to save money by providing equipment and services that produce the best results.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can implement your audit recommendations by calling 888.311.7247.

Q Air-California is the premier supplier & distributor of industrial vacuum and compressed air systems and accessories. We offer 24/7 Emergency Service, Call Us Toll Free at 1.888.311.7247.

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Service Offerings & Areas Served

Q Air – California offers a wide variety of in-house service capabilities for your compressed air repair needs. Our 22,000 square foot service & repair facility proudly serves several California counties and Clark County, Nevada. Contact us today for a detailed breakdown of service offerings by calling 888.311.7247.

Areas We Serve:

Q Air-California is the premier supplier & distributor of industrial vacuum and compressed air systems and accessories. We offer 24/7 Emergency Service, Call Us Toll Free at 1.888.311.7247.

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Air Compressor Rentals in Southern California

air compressor rentals

California is a state booming with construction and industrial manufacturing opportunities. Both of these industries cannot function properly without the use of industrial air compressors. To meet these demands, we provide industrial air compressor rentals designed to meet your compressed air needs, as well as the budget you have in mind. Learn more at www.qair.net.

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Best Baldor Products Supplier

baldor products

At Q Air-California, we have been distributing rotating equipment for a wide range of industrial fluid handling applications since our inception in 1946. We partner with some of the most important manufacturers in the industry, including Baldor. Baldor has been an industrial force for over 136 years, and carries on their tradition of excellence with advanced, cutting edge technology. Serving industries that include industrial electric motors, mechanical transmissions, water, and warehouses. Learn more about our selection of Baldor products by calling 888.311.7247.

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In-House Service Capabilities for Compressed Air Systems

in-house service capabilities

Have you heard about Q Air-California’s in-house service capabilities? Our 22,000 square foot service and repair facility is well suited to handle your compressed air repair needs. Learn more at www.qair.net.

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Trusted Compressed Air Systems Specialist

compressed air specialist

As compressed air systems specialists since 1946, Q Air-California offers the most comprehensive energy efficiency programs and air compressor audits in Southern California to help lower business costs & improve overall system operations. Schedule your compressed air audit by calling 888.311.7247.

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