Pressure drop is used to characterize the reduction in air pressure from the compressor discharge to the actual point of use. Pressure drop occurs as the compressed air travels through the treatment and distribution system. A properly designed system should have a pressure loss of less than 10 percent of the compressor’s discharge pressure, measured from the receiver tank output to the point of use.
Any type of obstruction, restriction or roughness in the system will cause resistance to air flow and lead to pressure drop. Items causing significant pressure drops can be separated into two categories – air quality components and air distribution. The air quality components include air/lubricant separators, aftercoolers, moisture separators, dryers and filters . In the air distribution system, the highest pressure drops are found at points of use in undersized or leaking hoses, piping tees and elbows, tubing, quick disconnect couplings, filters, regulators and lubricators. Maximum pressure drop occurs when the temperature and air flow are highest between the supply side to the points of use.
Minimizing pressure drop requires a systems approach in design and system maintenance. Air treatment components, such as aftercoolers, moisture separators, dryers and filters should be selected to provide the lowest possible pressure drop at specified maximum operating conditions. When installed, the recommended maintenance procedures should be followed and documented.
Additional ways to minimize pressure drop include:
For more tips on how to minimize pressure drop, contact an Atlas Copco expert today.