What does moisture have to do with compressed air?

Our ambient air is a gas mixture consisting mainly of oxygen (O₂) and nitrogen (N₂). In addition, atmospheric air contains a water vapor and oil vapor content that varies both temporally and regionally, as well as other microscopic liquid and solid particles (aerosols) that are filtered out in the course of compressed air treatment in order to achieve the desired compressed air quality.

Excessive moisture in a compressed air system can lead to considerable problems. For example, when transporting powdery hygroscopic (water-attracting and binding) materials such as cement, flour or milk powder, which are frequently conveyed with compressed air. This can lead to clumping of the transported material or undesired adhesion to the walls of the pipes or hoses. In the long term, corrosion in the plant and other consequential problems are conceivable.

The moisture from the ambient air drawn in and condenses after being compressed by the compressor. Especially on the first warm and humid days in spring and summer, it becomes apparent whether the installed components such as compressed air dryer, compressed air filter and condensate drain are still fully functional or perhaps need to be replaced or maintained.

Compressed air is used in many industrial sectors, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food, electrical, automotive, to name a few. Manufacturers in these industries are often confronted with the legally required compressed air quality and purity only at the very end.

The standardized compressed air classes according to ISO 8573-1, in which the permissible contaminant quantity of solid particles, water and oil per cubic meter of compressed air is specified, provide the decisive direction. The VDMA has formulated recommendations for this in a standard sheet VDMA 15390-1 for a wide range of industries and applications.

Depending on the area of application, there are appropriate treatment techniques to reliably achieve the required quality. Suitable measurement technology can also contribute to continuous quality assurance. This creates transparency for quality management and facilitates the provision of corresponding evidence to auditors. Last but not least, the right measurement technology supports the early detection of potential hazards in a compressed air system and makes preventive action possible.

You can't steer what you can't measure.

Peter F. Drucker (*19.11.1909-†11.11.2005), economist, management thought leader

A mobile measurement of e.g. the moisture content in the compressed air (pressure dew point) provides information about the individual areas of your compressed air system. Possible quality problems, complaints and additional costs can thus be counteracted.

BEKO TECHNOLOGIES supports compressed air users to achieve the quality, that was defined. Fast, reliable and simple we offer a first free professional moisture measurement and analysis on site for you.