Have you noticed you're not getting the full effect of your compressed air products? Here are some of the first places to check when you are having trouble with air supply. 

1.     Pipe Length: The longer airflow travels, the more significant the pressure drop will be. Make sure you check your compressed air needs and optimize your piping system before installing any new compressed air products.

2.     Pipe Diameter: Making sure you use the appropriately sized pipe can make all the difference. More often than not, the diameter of your pipe is the most significant restriction to airflow. Imagine breathing through a straw, you only have limited space for air to flow to your lungs. Now imagine trying to force a large volume of high-pressure compressed air through a small diameter, it’s going to be difficult! The higher velocity creates more friction and makes the loss in pressure more significant.

3.     Component Sizing: Correctly sized filters, valves, regulators, and quick connections in your piping system can drastically improve airflow. If these components are undersized, it creates more restrictions for the air, causing a decrease in pressure. Also, be sure to avoid using quick-connect couplings if possible, as undersized quick-connect couplings can produce considerable pressure drops.

4.     Piping Elbows: The fewer piping elbows you use, the better. Just like pipe length, the more elbows in the airline, the less pressure you’ll have available at the point of use. Abrupt changes in direction along the piping route result in loss of pressure if you can’t escape using piping elbows, be sure to use large or long radius elbows. These elbows create less pressure drop because they produce less friction than short-radius elbows.

5.     System Checks: Assess your piping system periodically (at least every six months) to ensure there are no leaks in your system. Leaks can cause massive pressure drops in your piping system and can cost you thousands of dollars if not caught soon enough. A 1/8” hole at 100psi can cost you over $1,500 a year in wasted air.

6.     Liquid Removal: Eliminate any oil or mist that is in your air supply, as they can quickly ruin your piping system, creating buildup within the pipes and clogging cooling devices. This can cause more friction and improve the chances of leaks occurring in your piping system. Be sure to use a coalescing filter because it removes all oil-based liquid contaminates within your compressed air system. Coalescing filters work best when located at the highest pressure point in the system and should be installed downstream of a 5-micron compressed air filter. Want to learn more about removing oils and vapor from your water line? Read our Quick Guide to Enclosure Cooler Maintenance. 

With Vortex A/C Enclosure Cooler systems, you can rest assured knowing your compressed air is being cleared of liquids with the use of one of our 5-micron compressed air filters. 

By following these tips, you can ensure you get the most out of your compressed air system. Having an efficient and effective piping system can save you time, money, and headaches when improving your airflow. The chart below can help you pick the best length and diameter pipe to use for your compressed air application. 

Best Length & Diameter Pipe for Compressed Air Applications

Maximum airflow (SCFM) through a pipe for a 5 PSIG Drop
(At 100 PSIG and 70⁰F)
                               
Pipe Size (schedule 40 pipe)

Pipe Length (FEET)	1/4	3/8	1/2	3/4	1	1-1/4	1-1/2	2	2-1/2
10	29	65	120	254	480	978	1483	2863	4536
20	21	46	85	180	340	692	1049	2024	3208
30	17	37	70	147	277	565	856	1653	2619
40	15	32	60	127	240	489	742	1431	2268
50	13	29	54	114	215	437	663	1280	2029
60	12	26	49	104	196	399	606	1169	1852
70	11	25	46	96	181	370	561	1082	1715
80	10	23	43	90	170	346	524	1012	1604
90	10	22	40	85	160	326	494	954	1512
100	9	21	38	80	152	309	469	905	1435

If you are ever uncertain or need clarification about your piping system give our engineers a call or contact us today. We are more than happy to help and make sure you get the most out of your compressed air system!