Catalogue 2010

Screw or piston compressor?
Or both?
Determining the requirements
When analysing the amount of compressed air you need, several parameters
must be considered. Of course, the compressed air consumers are the first
variable that represent acertain basic requirement. Beyond that, however, the
pressure level, line losses and buffer quantities must be taken into account.
The required compressed air quality is classified as another important
component of the requirements analysis (including properties such as
moisture, oil content, particles etc.).
The system components
For compressing the air, awide variety of compressors are available. The
positive displacement compressors include two main principles: piston
compressors and screw compressors.
One of the most important features of piston compressors is intermittent
operation. This means that their duty cycle should not exceed 70 percent an
hour.
Screw compressors, onthe other hand, are the marathon runners among
compressors. They perform best for continuous air requirements. Continuous
switching cycles diminish their service life, as they cause the necessary
operating temperature tobenot reached or not maintained —condensate
forms in the oil circuit. The consequences are increased wear and shorter
maintenance intervals.
In most cases, the compressed air system requirement in trades and industry
consists of abase load and apeak load. Here, both compressor systems can
be combined ideally. The screw compressor covers the base load, and the
piston compressor covers the peak load.
Project engineering, installation and maintenance of com-
pressed air systems
Acompressed air system is ahighly complex system. Factors such as
available space, room temperature, air intake and exhaust, ambient conditions,
accessibility for maintenance work, and noise development should also
be considered. Equally important is regular inspection of the systems.
Regular, timely maintenance with original spare parts can minimise failures
and increase the service life of the system.
Schneider airsystems will be glad to help you plan your compressed air system. To
do so, our field service consultants analyse the on-site conditions, determine
your current and future compressed air requirement and create amatching
compressed air system. Of course, your individual wants and needs are
taken into account as well. We also provide you with support in installing and
maintaining your compressed air system.
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