A compressed air system may be producing enough air at the compressor, but that doesn’t always mean the correct pressure is reaching the equipment that needs it.
Pressure drop is the reduction in air pressure between the compressor and the point of use. While some pressure loss is unavoidable, excessive pressure drop can reduce equipment performance, increase energy consumption and encourage businesses to operate their compressors at unnecessarily high pressures.
At PCM Air Power, we help businesses across Belfast and Northern Ireland identify inefficiencies within their compressed air systems and find practical ways to improve performance.
What Causes Pressure Drop?
Compressed air encounters resistance as it travels through a system. The greater that resistance, the more pressure can be lost before the air reaches the point of use.
Common causes can include:
- Undersized compressed air pipework
- Long or unnecessarily complex pipe runs
- Restrictive fittings, valves and couplings
- Blocked or poorly maintained filters
- Ageing system components
- High demand at particular points within the system
Individually, these issues may appear relatively minor, but across an entire compressed air network they can have a significant impact.
Why Is Excessive Pressure Drop a Problem?
If machinery isn’t receiving sufficient pressure, a common reaction is simply to increase the compressor’s discharge pressure.
However, this can mean the compressor has to work harder to compensate for a problem elsewhere in the system.
Instead of addressing the restriction, you’re potentially increasing the energy required to operate the entire compressed air system.
Finding and correcting the source of the pressure drop can therefore help improve system performance while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Signs Your System May Have a Pressure Drop Problem
There are several warning signs worth looking out for, including:
Poor equipment performance – Pneumatic machinery or tools may appear sluggish or fail to operate as expected.
Different pressure readings across the site – A noticeable difference between pressure at the compressor and pressure at the point of use can indicate restrictions.
Increasing compressor pressure – If operating pressure has gradually been increased to keep equipment working effectively, there may be an underlying distribution issue.
Problems during peak demand – Pressure falling significantly when several machines are operating simultaneously can indicate that the system is struggling to deliver the required airflow.
Don’t Just Increase the Pressure
Increasing compressor pressure can sometimes mask the symptoms without fixing the cause.
A better approach is to assess the compressed air system as a whole – from the compressor and treatment equipment through to the distribution pipework and points of use.
Identifying restrictions, improving pipework and ensuring components are correctly sized can help deliver the pressure your equipment requires more efficiently.
Improve Your Compressed Air System with PCM Air Power
PCM Air Power provides compressed air system support for businesses throughout Belfast and Northern Ireland, including servicing, system assessments, air quality testing, pipework, energy-saving solutions and complete compressed air installations.
If you’re experiencing pressure problems or suspect your compressed air system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should, our team can help identify potential improvements.
Contact PCM Air Power today to discuss your compressed air requirements.
We are fully BCAS compliant.
