Compressed air has now become a flagship means of energy transfer in many industrial applications. The reliability of the compressed air generator is of crucial importance for manufacturers, as compressed air installations are now strategic.

Recurring failures or a limited lifespan jeopardize the production lines. The use of the appropriate lubricant is therefore a prerequisite for the reliability and efficiency of such power stations or pneumatic installations. Compressed air generators have been optimized in recent years, resulting in more demanding demands for compressor oils
Operators expect long periods of operation from their central unit and therefore a longer service life for their lubricant. If the oil change intervals have been spaced, the oil must also withstand higher temperatures in smaller volumes. To meet these requirements, FUCHS has developed a range of RENOLIN oils specific to air compressors and has subjected them to numerous laboratory tests.

How to maintain a compressor?

It is important to maintain your compressor well. Thanks to regular maintenance, the compressor will continue to operate optimally, you will be able to extend its life but also avoid dangerous situations. In this article, we will give you useful tips on compressor maintenance.

Preparation. First, always consult the manufacturer's manual for the best maintenance tips for your specific type of compressor. It is important to turn off the power before starting maintenance. Always unplug it from the electrical outlet to make sure the compressor will not start accidentally and wait until the compressor has cooled down sufficiently. Also, release all pressure in the tank by opening the steam trap valve. You can read more about this in the next step.

Empty the condensation water regularly. Let the condensed water flow from the compressor. By compressing the air, the compressor produces condensation. The high pressure in the compressor heats the air and when it cools, the tank fills with water. This can harm the compressor, as it will rust from the inside, causing holes to form. A tiny hole in the compressor can lead to dangerous situations. Let the residual moisture drain off regularly via the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Do it after each use. Before opening the tap, do not forget to put a container underneath to collect the water. The water can get rusty, so if you don't want brown spots on your floor, put it in a different place or keep a cloth handy.

Check the compressor oil level if you have a compressor that uses oil, it is important to check regularly that there is enough oil left in the engine. Do you have an oil-free compressor? Go directly to step 5. Check the oil level by looking at the oil level window, or through the sight glass at the front of the compressor. The oil level must be between the 2 lines indicating the minimum and maximum level. If the oil level is too low, add more oil. To avoid spilling, use a funnel. If you don't have an oil level window on your compressor, check with the dipstick if there is enough oil. Check the oil level every day if you use the compressor every day. Always use the same type of oil as in the compressor. Do not mix different oils!

Replace the oil. In the manual, you can find out after how many working hours it is advisable to change the oil for your type of compressor. Allow around 250 hours of work. Replace the oil at least once a year. You can learn how to replace the oil in the next article.

In order to optimize the performance of your compressed air network and work in the best possible conditions, it is essential to follow the following 6 basic rules:

1) ESTABLISH the main network in a “closed-loop” in order to limit pressure drops. Indeed, the closed-loop configuration makes it possible to halve the pressure drops compared to an antenna configuration.

2) CHOOSE the diameter of the tubes wisely according to the desired use. For this, refer to the table "choice of tube diameter".Choosing a tube diameter suitable for your use will save energy, which in the medium and long term can be very interesting.

3) CONNECT the compressor to the network via a hose, to avoid vibrations. Vibrations can have a detrimental effect on your air network, especially when attaching the tubes. For better safety, it is strongly recommended to connect the compressor using a suitable hose.

4) PROVIDE for the absorption of network expansion or contraction using hoses. Due to temperature variations, the air network can expand or contract. Thus, it is imperative that the network is free at its ends in order to absorb these displacements

5) TILT the main network slightly (slope 1%) to promote the flow of water to the drain point. The SENGA range of air networks includes water separator T-fittings to prevent the presence of water in the downspouts of your compressed air network. Read more here.

6) LAY the fixing clips approximately every 2 m. Your installation must be securely fixed. The very lightness of SENGA pipes and fittings gives an additional guarantee of security when fixing your network.

Are you tired of salt energy bills every winter? Feel the cold wind in winter and the hot in summer? One solution may be to install double glazing.

Not easy to find your way among all the options: double glazing, triple glazing, the type of gas, redo or not the dials ...

In this article, we will see step by step how to choose double glazing, the price of double glazing and tips for installing double glazing.

How to use a 12 Volt compressor well? Using a compressor is not complicated. It is even one of the tools within reach of any handyman ... a priori!

I say "a priori" because its maintenance requires a certain vigilance. We tend to forget this but the use of a compressor can involve the risk of accidents (burns, explosions) and, to a lesser extent, poor maintenance can considerably reduce the longevity of your device!

Also, some compressors require to be checked every 40 months by a professional. To learn about the regulations of your device! How does a compressor work? A compressor is multifunctional: whether it is to inflate (a tire, a small swimming pool), control the pressure of your tires, or use pneumatic tools.

The working air compressor is composed of a motor (electric or thermal), a tank or tank and a cylinder that will compress the air.

Let's zoom in on important components of the compressor:

1) The compression group: This includes the entire engine and the compression cylinder (s).The tank: Some models of compressors do not have a tank.The pressure regulator: this is what modulates the pressure (to protect the pneumatic tools that you will connect to the compressor)The pressure gauge: allows you to indicate the tank pressure (useful for checking your settings)The safety or security valve: it serves to avoid over-pressurization of the tanks.

2) How to maintain the compressor: maintenance standards in order not to end up with a broken compressor and prolong the efficiency of the compressor over time, 4 good habits are to be adopted now:

• check the oil level: to check the oil level, look at the back of the block. You will find a level.
• do the oil changes: this is essential to keep the piston working properly.
• purge the tank: after each use (to avoid oxidation caused by excess humidity). Either your compressor has a tap to purge, or you will use a screwdriver. Attention, remember to wait until the compressor has cooled before performing the purge (to avoid the risk of burns)
• clean the air filter: especially if you work in a dusty environment, the air filter can charge and make your compressor less efficient.

Compressed air is a form of stored energy that is used to operate machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. Compressed air is used in most manufacturing and some service industries, especially in cases where the direct use of electricity to power tools or appliances is impractical or even dangerous.

A typical electrically driven air compressor compresses approximately 7 volumes of air at atmospheric pressure to 1 volume of higher pressure air (approximately 100 psig, or 7 bar). The high-pressure air thus obtained is distributed to the devices or tools in which it expands to atmospheric pressure, thereby releasing the energy necessary for their operation.

The heat recovered from the air compressor can be used as an energy efficiency measure in combination with other processes: for example, space heating and water heating.

Depending on the type of application, it may be necessary to control the excess humidity in the compressed air because of the possible problems experienced by the pipes (corrosion) and the equipment used.

Compressed air costs. This section will help you better understand what it costs to produce and use compressed air.

During the first ten years of a conventional air-cooled compressor (see Figure 2), running for two shifts, the operating cost (electricity and maintenance) will represent approximately 88% of the total cost of a lifetime. The initial cost of equipment and installation will represent the other 12%.

Since energy accounts for approximately 76% of the overall operating cost over the life of the product, it is essential to design and purchase the most efficient components for your compressed air system. It is recommended to make purchasing decisions taking into account the operating costs for the overall expected lifetime and NOT only according to the initial cost of the equipment.

Some industrial compressors are water-cooled. In these cases, additional costs related to water and its disposal, the costs of running the water cooling system, and the costs of pumping and chemical treatment should be assessed. Figure 4 is a simplified table that gives indications on the costs of electricity linked to operations on one, two or three shifts in a traditional industrial installation. The table shows these costs for air compressors with a power of 10, 15, 25, 50 and 100 HP. It is assumed that the average load of the compressors corresponds to 65% of the nominal load.

Note that this table uses a mixed electricity rate (energy and power demand) of $ 0.10 per kWh. Depending on your local rates, you will need to multiply the figures in Figure 4 by your local electricity rate (dollars per kWh) and then multiply the result by 10 to deduct your annual electricity costs. By contacting your local electric utility or compressed air service provider, they will help you determine your own blended electricity rate

The advantages of a tire inflator

Having a tire inflator at home entails many advantages.

First, it allows you to check your tire pressure regularly, saving you from disappointments like a flat tire. If the tire is under-inflated, you can fix it instantly, without the need for an automotive professional. You, therefore, make significant savings.

In addition, the portable air compressor has various uses, as mentioned above. The initial investment quickly pays for itself and you will no longer be able to do without this very practical and essential tool on a daily basis.

Finally, the portable compressor is a tool that does not take up much space, which is offered at all prices to adapt to all household budgets and which requires moderate maintenance. Indeed, only a few checks and manipulations must be carried out to significantly increase the longevity of the device:

The tank must be drained on average once a year, in order to evacuate the condensed water which accumulates there. Poor maintenance can lead to perforating corrosion in just a few years and to the risk of the tank exploding under air pressure. Fittings and hoses should be monitored and maintained regularly to minimize the waste of energy. For fittings, it is a question of ensuring their tightness, while the pipes must remain in good condition and be replaced if they show signs of wear. The inflation gun and pressure gauge are fragile, so use them with care and avoid shocks. Likewise, the tire pressure setting must be checked from time to time, by having the tires of your vehicle inflated by a professional. The criteria for choosing the right model. Before buying a portable tire inflator, there are a few things to consider that will ensure you make the right choice based on your needs. We detail them below:

Pressure: Some tire inflators are more powerful than others, sometimes going up to 13 Bar pressure. It would be logical to want to buy the one with the highest speed. However, these models are often more expensive and this is not always justified, especially if you only need medium power to re-inflate the tires of your vehicle. It is therefore advisable to define your expectations (several types of tires to inflate, for example) before making your choice.

Voltage: It is important to make sure before purchasing that the air compressor has the connectors you want: 12V or 220V, cigarette lighter socket or mains.

The volume of the tank: Portable tire inflators have small tanks or even no tank at all. This criterion is important since it designates what type of tire you can re-inflate. It is necessary to take a model adapted to your vehicle to obtain an optimal result.

Cable length: The length of the air compressor wire is very important because it will determine the comfort of use of your device. You need to make sure that the length of the 12V hose or pressure hose is long enough to reach all of your vehicle's tires from the connector.

Features: The tire inflator is not only used to inflate your wheels. It can be interesting to compare the functions that the models offer so that your tool is useful to you in everyday life. Depending on its power, the presence of a good pressure regulator and accessories, such as a paint spray gun or a storage bag, you can multiply the uses of your air compressor.

Value for money: The price of a tire inflator can go from simple to double. It is necessary to compare the models to determine which one will best suit your needs and budget.

Intensity of use: If you want to use a tire inflator for small jobs, such as checking tire pressure or inflation, a single-piston compressor equipped with a 25 L tank will suffice. On the other hand, if you plan to carry out more important work, such as painting or sanding, you will have to turn to a double cylinder compressor with a tank ranging from 100 to 200 L.