Cleaning your keyboard in short blasts to lifting several tons of materials to powering equipment used in the manufacturing, industrial, and commercial industries. In all cases, compressed air is used to transfer power with ease and in a relatively safe manner. Industrial compressed air piping systems give company owners a versatile way to power their plants.
It makes sense that more power requires bigger air compressor systems. Storee Construction will perform an audit of your facility to get a full understanding of your needs. From there, we’ll start designing a compressed air distribution system. Air tools and lines used in an automotive setting will differ from hoisting applications in the mining industry.
Design-Build Compressed Air Systems
Kind and Size Considerations
Part of finding the right air compressor system is understanding what you need. Reciprocating compressors are usually found in smaller applications like garages and produce power on demand. Rotary screw compressors continually run and can produce 10 times as much horsepower as reciprocating.
Centrifugal compressors easily outperform those types, providing much more horsepower in relatively small housings. Axial compressors are usually found on large ships, aeronautical, and aerospace engines. As with anything, more power means a higher cost, so it’s important to weigh all factors.
Another aspect to consider is “green” manufacturing. Many air compressors rely on oil for lubrication of the engine parts, but oil-free compressors ensure no oil is introduced into the compressor itself. This option will cost more, but operators won’t have to worry about fumes or unclean air.
Materials
Air compressor piping also plays a big part in your system, both in how pressure they’ll be dealing with and over what distance. Storee Construction will help you decide which material fits your needs best, based on uses, cost, and safety.
PVC Pipe – These plastic pipes are commonly used because they’re cheap, easy to produce, lightweight, and easy to work with. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not allow PVC piping to be used in compressor systems because they degrade over time which could lead to sudden ruptures.
Copper Pipes – A corrosive-free material, copper is an ideal choice for air compressor systems. Easy to work with standard fitting and installation processes, copper is lighter than steel or iron options. But it’s also more expensive.
Stainless Steel Pipes – Although it lasts longer than both galvanized steel and iron pipes, stainless steel pipe is quite expensive, harder to work with than copper or aluminum, and prone to leaks around joints, causing pressure drops. It is rarely used in modern air compressor systems.
Black Iron Pipes – Widely used decades ago, these pipes are still seen in service in older manufacturing facilities. They’re quite durable and any plumber can work with them because of their traditional installation. But they are heavy, requiring sturdier support, and the moisture caused by air compression could cause rust inside of the pipes.
Aluminum Pipes – This metal has all the advantages of copper piping but isn’t as expensive. High-quality aluminum lines and fittings are becoming the most popular material for air lines.
Location planning
Although air compressor systems are very efficient, planning can increase productivity even more. Storee Construction looks at your plant or facility floor plan, where the compressor will be needed most, and design from there. Pipe sizing, where drip legs are installed, and length of run will all be taken into account.
Your Industrial, Construction, and Manufacturing Experts
Storee Construction has been working with large industrial facilities and smaller manufacturing plants throughout the Midwest for more than 50 years. We’ve worked with food processing plants, recreational equipment manufacturers, industrial electrical work, and large commercial operations.
By moving or installing heavy equipment like air compressors to assessing processes and workflows, we improve productivity in structures great and small. We also excel in new construction, expansion, and plant relocation. There’s no need to work with multiple project manners, our design-build proficiency means you have one point of contact throughout the project.
This cuts down on miscommunication, missed deadlines, and the overall cost of the project. Through transparency, an open line of communication, and old-fashioned professionalism, you’ll know where you stand with Storee Construction from start to finish. Have an industrial project on the horizon? Reach out to Storee to see how we can help.
