Why a ring main compressed air piping design is beneficial

There are a few challenges to having an efficient compressed air distribution in plants and facilities. 

• A small amount of constant leakage occurs from the piping. Particularly at connectors that don’t quite fit well.
• Condensation and moisture build-up can clog nozzles and cause rust. Pipes gradually age.
• Pipes might not be the ideal size to maximize pressure and efficiency.
• Tight bends and angles in the piping can impede air flow.

Pressure drops naturally happen as compressed air moves through the distribution system around the plant or facility. A well-made compressed air piping system should incur a pressure loss of less than 10 percent of the air compressor’s discharge pressure, when measured from the air compressor discharge outlet to the point of use.

The goal should be to make sure the pressure drop in the pipes does not exceed 0.3 bar between the air compressor discharge point and the furthest point of consumption. Plant managers and engineers would attempt to solve this by increasing the discharge pressure at the Air Compressor end to compensate for the pressure drop.

But they are using more energy than they should. And if demand along the pipes is reduced the pressure drop reduces, and pressure at the point of consumption unexpectedly rises above the allowed level. This isn’t economical, leads to more inefficiency, and raises energy costs.

Properly sized pipes need to be used to maximize pressure and flow while keeping energy costs as low as possible. Choosing the right size can only be done once your application’s compressed air demand is measured and analyzed.

What the pipe is made of matters too. Pipes are made from aluminum, copper, plastic, and other materials. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages and it's important to consult with someone who understands this.

The future needs of your facility should be included in the design and planning. Making a final decision based solely on present day flow requirements could lead to difficulties and unexpected expenses in the future.

A degree of expertise and specialization is required when designing and installing the best compressed air piping for your workspace.

That’s why Atlas Copco R&D has produced a line of compressed air pipes and accessories that are designed specifically to address all the concerns we mentioned above. Read more about the AIRnet compressed air piping system here.

Or visit this page for FREE guides and reading materials that will inform your compressed air piping decisions.

You can also get in touch with us through the page and request that a team of our experts in the UAE visit your facility for a FREE inspection and consultation.