Entitled ‘The Filtration and Drying of Compressed Air,’ the 60-page guide is available for free download from the BCAS website at www.bcas.org.uk/airtreatment and has been produced with the input of BCAS members.
It is designed to help demystify not only the selection of the correct air treatment equipment but to provide practical advice on which contaminants can be present, and their impact on the processes for which compressed air is being used.
Roy Brooks, BCAS technical development officer, says: “As technology for compressed air treatment continues to evolve, there is now a wide range of equipment available which can satisfy the most demanding of compressed air treatment needs.However, with so many variables to consider, the selection of the right equipment can be a complex task, affecting everything from maintenance schedules to the ongoing costs associated with achieving the required standards. At BCAS, we act as an independent and reliable source of technical information for the industry, providing impartial advice which can help operators cut costs, improve efficiency and ultimately profitability.”
The guide covers all stages of system design; from an overview of the sources of contamination, such as solid particles, water and oil, to the relevant standards for air purity. It also examines the range of air purification technologies available and how these operate, including after-cooling, dryers, air receivers, filtration grades and condensate management.
Adds Brooks: “With compressed air energy costs a major contributing factor to a site’s overall electricity consumption, the guide also focuses on the varying energy efficiencies of the different treatment technologies available as well as guidance on the ongoing maintenance of the system.”
The guide is aimed at typical industrial compressed air applications operating at low pressure, with a range between 7 bar g to 20 bar g.