23 March 2021
Although most air compressors and their accessories can be purchased as a fully intergrated package today, it is important to remember that compressor installation and placement still has a significant effect on the performance and reliability of your compressor system.
1. Ensure all your compressors are centered and close to the point of use
Regardless of your industry, try to position your compressor system in one central location. Benefits of a central location include:
- Increased Operational Efficiency
- A Better Chance of Controlled Ventilation and Noise Level Control
- Protection against unauthorised access
2. Ensure sufficient space and proximity to supporting equipment
When you have large installations with long pipelines, compressor facilities should be located centrally to ensure optimal routing in the distribution system. Ensure there is sufficient space for easy service and maintenance access and try to place the installation close to attachments such as pumps and fans.
Ensure the room height is sufficient so lifting equipment can handle the toughest components of the compressor, such as the electric motor. Ideally, the place where the air compressor is placed should have enough floor space to install additional compressors for backup or future expansion. Providing drainage is also important for handling condensate from the compressors, aftercoolers, dryers, air recievers. It is also important to follow exisiting waste treatment and disposal regulations.
3. Clean the air intake
Keeping the compressor intake air clean and free from solid or gaseous contamination helps ensure a trouble-free and efficient operation. Dust and dirt particles can cause wear and tear to your compressor, while corrosive gases can cause serious damage. The air compressor inlet is usually located in the opening in the silencer enclosure, but can also be located remotely where the air is as clean as possible. Pre-filters, whether cyclonic, panel or rotary filters, should be used in installations where the surrounding air has a high concentration of dust. In these cases, the pressure drop caused by the pre-filter must be taken into account during the design phase of the installation.
This is useful so the air entering is cold air. So choose an inlet position that is generally in the shade if possible when drawing in air from outside.
4. Follow health and safety regulations
Consider disturbance due to noise or compressor ventilation requirements, providing drainage, and handling of a safe working environment. The health and safety of staff located close to your air compressors, then their health and safety needs to be considered, as well as accessibility to safety lines.
To ensure optimal performance and reliability of compressor equipment, as an essential part of the production process, it's important to take these considerations into account when designing a compressor room installation. Equally important is to work with a reliable partner for the installation of your air compressor.
Our experienced service team will go the extra mile to ensure your compressor installation takes into account your site and location specifications.
