April 2020

unavoidable, use swept bends and tees as these reduce pressure loss. You can’t predict where compressor air is needed in the future. But you can design the associated pipework to accommodate changes to the factory floor layout in the future. Correctly designed ring mains can be used so that sections of the pipework can be isolated to make modifications without disrupting the whole system. Maintenance and access It might seem obvious, but ensuring that the compressor can be easily transported to where it needs to be installed is sometimes overlooked. It is not just a matter of measuring the footprint available for the compressor; any pinch points en route to its designated location need to be taken into account. For example, will the compressor need to be manoeuvred through doorways and gaps? If the unit cannot fit though a doorway, and removing neither the doorframe nor even a wall can solve the problem, craneage will have to be considered and factored into the cost of installation. It is preferable to install a compressor on the ground floor, with space allowed for expansion. Where this is not possible, careful planning will help to minimise headaches later down the line when your compressor arrives on site. Weather extremes can also influence the choice of location; compressor will need to be raised off the ground if it is going into a flood- prone area. South-facing roof spaces are best avoided due to the possibility of excessive solar heat absorbed by steel- sheeted roofs. Once a compressor is fully operational, engineers will need ample space for maintenance and servicing. Siting the equipment in a suitable space will ensure that compressor doors can be opened and that engineers can safely lift components in and out. Each site is different and can present a wide range of challenges for managers to overcome. But by working with your compressor supplier and planning well in advance, a suitable site can be identified to ensure a smooth installation and optimal compressor performance thereafter. For further information please visit: visit www.mattei.co.uk noise-sensitive areas. Where this is not possible, noise attenuation measures within the ducting will be required. A compressor’s cooling fan has a specified maximum loading which cannot be exceeded. This is why ducting for heat discharge needs to be correctly sized because restrictions can lead to excessive back pressure on the fan and damage the compressor’s cooling system. Pipework pattern The distance between the compressor and where the compressed air is used can have important implications in terms of system efficiency. Whilst it is preferable to locate a compressor as close as possible to where compressed air is used, this may be restricted by access to power supply as well as the other factors highlighted in this article. In many such instances, it is cheaper to install pipework to take compressed air from where it is generated to point of use, compared to the cost of installing copper cables. However, pipework should be designed to ensure minimal pressure drop. Excessive lengths and bends lower efficiency, so pipe runs need to be suitably sized and laid out. Where bends are 26 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk April 2020 Process, Controls & Plant Focus on: Compressed Air