A pressure may reveal if a small branch pipe or other connecting components is causing momentary pressure drops that affect production.

Importance of Monitoring Pressure :

Pressure readings always have been the primary measurement for are liable compressed air system. Gauges are used to adjust compressor controls and to determine pressure and pressure drops through out the system.

Tapped pipe thread openings, with valves, for gauges or transducers should be provided throughout the distribution system. This is especially important at the furthest points in the distribution system and at locations where end users have pressure sensitive operations.

Many plants use general purpose gauges, which usually have an accuracy of 2.5 percent of full scale. Select gauges that monitor pressures at the mid-point of the gauge range and have an accuracy and repeatability of 1 percent or better. Similarly, select transducers with an accuracy and repeatability of ±1 percent. Test gauges should have an accuracy and repeatability of ± 0.5 percent.

A pressure profile is an excellent tool to analyze and understand the functioning of the compressed air system. In many cases, the pressure profile will provide the data needed to identify what is causing the perceived low pressure problem at the end use and to implement an inexpensive solution.

Use the pressure profile measurements to develop a graph of the entire compressed air system at a particular time during the production day. The graph begins with the pressure at the compressor discharge and ends with the demand side components at the point of use. The”point of use” is defined as the final connection at which the compressed air is applied to the device or tool.

Pressure measurements may be taken by using calibrated gauges or by using transducers with data loggers. If data loggers are not available, the use of gauges will require a team to simultaneously record pressure readings to report the readings necessary to construct the pressure profile. The pressure measuring devices must be accurate and calibrated relative to each other.

The benefits of the data logging equipment are that the data are automatically and simultaneously collected at each point over an extended period and the equipment will capture intermittent events that reduce system or component pressures. Use these data to understand the event that creates the low pressure problem.

When evaluating the opportunities to reduce system pressure and compressor discharge pressure, the decision and opportunity is very often limited by the end use that is most sensitive to lowered pressure. The pressure profile will provide information on the location(s)of the pressure drop(s). In many plants, a small but critical end use establishes the minimum system pressure. This single end use requires operating the entire system at an elevated pressure, which means higher electrical costs and possibly an extra compressor to maintain the higher pressure.

The most meaningful pressure readings often will occur during peak production periods in many cases, however, the end-use connections are the primary problem and may be independent of the system pressure. There are many cases where the pressure profile has shown that a small branch pipe line or fitting, hose, tubing, or a quick disconnect coupling was responsible for a momentary pressure drop that adversely affected the production process.

 WAPS – 501 & 502 Pressure Sensors Have an Accuracy of o.5 % and Comes with 2 Output Options – 4..20 mA and Modbus in a Stainless Steel Casing.