1. Compressed Air Applications
2. Minimum Operating Pressure
3. Peak and Off-Peak Airflow Demands. If the difference between the maximum and minimum operating pressure reaches 3 bar, "high-low pressure splitting" must be considered. Then, different compressor models should be selected based on the peak and off-peak load variations. For example, for "base load," centrifugal (single unit > 75 cm²) or screw compressor (single unit < 60 cm²) should be used; for "variable load," high-pressure air compressors and large air tanks should be used.
4. Select and configure different types and grades of dryers and precision filters according to different air quality requirements. Excessive quality wastes energy, while insufficient quality affects the process; careful consideration is necessary.
5. Air compressor control technology is constantly evolving. Technologies such as "multi-unit interlocking," "variable frequency conversion," and "remote monitoring" can effectively suppress the BOV (boost volume at rest) of centrifugal compressors and the idle time waste of screw compressors (saving 25-40% in electricity costs), reduce standby capacity and investment (15-30%), and stabilize the supply air pressure (±0.1 bar).
6. Operating efficiency should not be judged solely by the nominal horsepower and airflow listed in the catalog; the key is the actual "performance curve" and "airflow per horsepower."
7. Installation considerations include the size of the machine room, ventilation, noise insulation, waste heat recovery, and wastewater recycling, all of which affect energy usage. Furthermore, centralized systems have lower installation, maintenance, and control costs than distributed systems and can reduce the need for peripheral equipment.
8. Cooling methods include air cooling and water cooling. Air cooling eliminates the need for additional investment in cooling towers and rainwater, but requires good ventilation. Water cooling ensures operating temperature is unaffected by the environment, which is beneficial for the compressor's lifespan, but it has drawbacks such as icing, bursting, and blockage.
9. Power supply planning must ensure stable voltage requirements and voltage drop. Centrifuges typically operate on high voltage, cannot be moved, and will impact the power grid during startup; therefore, they should be kept running continuously.
