What topics mattered to readers in 2016? As we begin 2017, we take a look at our readers’ favorite posts from the previous year:
- Principles of the Rotary Screw Compressor
There are many types of compressors, but how do they work? The rotary screw compressor was developed in the 1930s. The twin elements of the compressors include male and female parts rotating in opposite directions. Air fills the space between the rotors and, as they rotate, the volume between them and the surrounding housing decreases, squeezing or compressing the air into a smaller space; the length, pitch of the screw, and the form of the discharge port collectively determine the pressure ratio.
- Compressor Buying Tips for Collision Repair Facilities
When purchasing a new air compressor for your collision repair facility, consider whether the compressor delivers 100 percent oil-free compressed air. The presence of oil in compressed air prevents the adhesion of the paint to the car surface and causes beading, which can negatively affect the quality of the finish, resulting in fisheyes and other imperfections.
- How to Eliminate Leaks in the Compressed Air System
Did you know a single quarter-inch air leak at 100 psi can cost as much as $8,000 a year in lost compressed air? In older compressed air systems, up to 20% of the compressed air consumption may be lost through leaks. With today’s energy costs, taking the time to identify and plug leaks can save a facility money, energy and resources in the short term and can prevent larger problems from developing in the long term.
- How to Design an Efficient Compressed Air Distribution Network
Inefficient compressed air distribution systems result in higher energy bills, lower productivity and poor air tool performance. Piping systems more than five years old have been shown to exhibit leaks of up to 25 percent, yet many facilities are slow to upgrade equipment to the latest technology. Additionally, undersized or oversized piping, poorly configured systems or clogged filters can create significant artificial demand. So how do you know if your compressed air distribution network is efficient?
- How it Works: Centrifugal Compressors
A centrifugal compressor is a type of dynamic compressor, or turbocompressor, with a radial design. Unlike displacement compressors that work at a constant flow, dynamic compressors work at a constant pressure and the performance is affected by external conditions such as changes in inlet temperatures. But how does it work?
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