6 Compressed Air Tips for Ramping Up Production

Throughout the course of operation, many businesses encounter situations where they’re required to ramp up production extremely quickly. But what does that mean for their compressed air installation, which is the force behind these processes? We’ve compiled six of our top tips to keep in mind regarding your compressed air system during periods of increased production.

• Don’t Forget About Your Compressor! We get it. If you’re having to quickly increase production, there are tons of things to keep up with! But one of the most essential aspects of successfully shifting gears is your compressor system - for one simple reason. Without compressed air, no production can occur! Ask yourself: does your current air compressor have the capacity to keep up, and is it in good enough shape to handle the increased demands brought on by increased production? If the answer is no, or if you’re not quite sure, please reach out to your local compressed air representative or service department. They can walk you through exactly how much increased compressed air capacity you’ll need and any service requirements or maintenance needs.
• Keeping Up with Demand. If you’re considering buying an additional air compressor to keep up with increased demand, it may be more economical to buy a single large compressor. Keep your old compressor for backup – you never know when something unexpected may happen to your primary unit, which could cease production altogether.
• More Compressed Air = More Downstream Moisture. Is your system prepared to handle the extra moisture being produced by the increase in compressed air? Depending on your application, moisture could be detrimental to your equipment and the quality of your product. Prior to ramping up production, be aware of whether or not your system’s existing drying methods (from integrated air dryers, aftercoolers, or overcompression) can compensate for more moisture in the system. The best way to determine this is by speaking with a trusted compressed air representative.
• Got Enough Storage? Air receiver tanks provide temporary storage that your system can use during peak demands. Upgrading your storage will help ensure a sufficient supply of air while decreasing the number of starts experienced by the compressor motor.
• Leaks, Leaks, and More Leaks. Leaks in compressed air systems are costly and can account for up to 20-30% of a system’s wasted energy. 80% of air leaks aren’t even audible! With the increase in compressed air brought on by the increased production, this can result in significant energy costs being thrown down the drain. Take a few moments to learn how to eliminate air leaks from your system – you can even investigate new compressed air piping options!
• Say Hello to New Technology. The past decade has seen a huge stride in improvements in compressed air technologies (just take a look at the new GA & ZR 90-160VSD+ ranges). Make sure you are aware of the newest features and benefits of today’s compressed air technologies, especially if your compressor installation is over ten years old.

Still struggling with how to ensure your increase in production goes smoothly? Give us a shout – we’re here to help.