Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Compressed Air 22 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk October/November 2023 Avoiding process contamination is a necessity for any hygienic application using compressors – ranging from the food and beverage sector, to pharmaceuticals to sensitive electronic environments. Claudia Vignelli, Product Manager Plant Air Centrifugal Compressors Ingersoll Rand, explores the variety of factors to consider when selecting the most appropriate oil-free compressed air technology. Oil free compressed air: Factors to consider There are rigorous standards in place governing compressed air performance and provision in these environments, ensuring processes remain free from contaminants, while minimising unscheduled downtime and the associated costs, too. Traditionally, oil-free compressors have been specified to ensure high hygiene standards are maintained and to avoid the risk of product contamination – with the additional benefit of low maintenance costs, improved environmental performance and cost of ownership. Typical oil-free air compressor types for industries requiring compressed air from 20-30 m3/min up to 100-150m3/min are screw and centrifugal technologies. But selecting between the two options requires careful consideration, taking into account multiple aspects to ensure that an appropriate system is specified. Oil-free compressed air at-a-glance Oil-free systems use a range of technologies that bypass the need for oil. While oil-lubricated compressors use oil in the compression chamber to cool and seal the compressed air generated, oil-free technology eliminates this risk of compressor-generated contamination while delivering guaranteed air purity. The benefits of an oil-free compressed air system are not only limited to manufacturing high-quality, safe, and compliant products, meeting
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