Stationary Ultrasonic Clamp-On System for Flow Measurement of Compressed Air and Other Industrial Gases

Compressed air is a costly source of energy due to its efficiency. For each joule of mechanical work performed with a pneumatic instrument, it takes approximately 20 times the electrical power to produce and store the air. However, despite this low yield, compressed air is indispensable in many industries due to its production-related advantages, which makes it all the more crucial that the compressed air's use is as efficient as possible.

Calculation of energy use is essential. By accurately detecting current air volume flow, a device's pneumatic components can be assessed cost-effectively by quickly and accurately identifying potential overloads (such as when air velocities are too high) or piping network malfunctions. The precise distribution of consumption proportions to individual output stages provides possibilities for fact-based, economic decisions. Moreover, the volume-flow calculation shows the amount of compressed air lost due to leaks – a significant financial consideration - as every third air compressor in place is only there to compensate for air losses.

The compressed air flow meter FLUXUS G721 CA from FLEXIM is the perfect solution. FLEXIM's non-invasive clamp-on ultrasonic technology is remarkable in that it works at low pressures (down to 3bar on steel lines and atmospheric pressure on plastic pipes).  The FLUXUS G721 CA reliably captures minimal flow rates, allowing the discovery of the smallest leaks.

In Florida call Classic Controls to discuss any compressed air or gas flow application. Call them at +1 863-644-3642 or visit their website at https://classiccontrols.com.

Coalescing Filters For Compressed Air

Coalescing filters for industrial compressed air service.
Image courtesy Parker Hannafin - Balston Div.

Coalescing filters remove liquid aerosols from a gas by causing very small droplets to contact others, forming successively larger liquid droplets that eventually are moved via gravity to a drain. A combination of filter media and housing properly direct an inlet stream to maximize the combining, or coalescing, of the fine droplets. The filter media will also serve to trap solid particulates, as well. An automatic drain arrangement is a useful feature that prevents accumulation of liquid in the filter housing without operator attention.

Compressed air systems will typically produce output that contains moisture and small amounts of liquid lubrication oil. Leaving the compressor, the air is hot. As it cools, the moisture will condense in the piping system and utilization equipment without a means to remove it. Coalescing filters, properly located throughout the system, will trap and remove liquids entrained in the compressed air stream. The nature of the filter media also results in efficient capture of solid contaminants, such as rust, dust, welding flash and more.

The installation must route the compressed air through the filter in the proper direction. Improperly piped units can have their automatic drain function inhibited, leading to failure and a need to reconnect the unit correctly. Size selection is simplified with tables providing maximum flow rate for rated filtration performance. Oversizing a selection will not produce a negative impact. The filter media pressure drop increases as solids are collected and retained, requiring replacement when pressure drop is excessive.

Share your compressed air system requirements and challenges with filtration specialists. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Compressed Coalescing Filters for Industrial Use from Classic Controls, Inc.

Accurate Measurement of Low Flow In Compressed Air Systems

Air compressors can incur significant operating costs.
Minimizing system leaks reaps savings.

Plant operators are well aware of the cost associated with continuous delivery of  compressed air, a useful medium utilized as an energy source. Large or multiple compressors consume considerable amounts of electric power maintaining system pressure and flow requirements. With extensive piping and countless fittings, there are many potential points of leakage. Scheduling of various production operations can vary the demand for compressed air significantly. Getting control of your compressed air system and reducing operating cost is a noble goal. One of the primary tools needed to manage energy costs will be accurate and reliable flow measurement equipment. Here are some characteristics of flow measurement instrumentation that should prove advantageous:

Portable Ultrasonic Flow Measurement Instrument
Flexim

• Non-invasive measurement from the outer pipe wall that does not add potential leak sources or pressure drop.
• Availability in fixed or portable configuration.
• Highly accurate, with paired temperature compensated traceable calibrated transducers
• Installed without disturbance to piping.
• Bidirectional measurement
• Rugged instrument design suitable for any kind of industrial environment

Ultrasonic flow measurement technology can provide all of these characteristics, providing
information that enables the operator to make fact based decisions about system design, management, and maintenance. Learn more about how ultrasonic flow meters specifically configured for compressed air system application can help you start reducing your operating cost and developing a higher level of control over your compressed air system. Share your process challenges with a product specialist and work together to build the best solution.

Portable flow meter for measurement of compressed air, gases, and heat quantitites from Classic Controls, Inc.