Compressed air is in almost everything around us, from the action of opening a soft drink, traveling in a car or using a drill. It is also used in industries such as chemical, automotive, industrial, food and pharmaceutical, to name a few.
When we talk about compressed air we refer to a pressure higher than atmospheric. It is the air that we already know kept under pressure and reduced to a lower volume.
Compressed air is generated by air compressors that absorb it through an inlet valve, compress it to the desired volume and discharge it under pressure through another outlet valve.
This is used as a source of pneumatic energy and as active air; As an energy source, it is used in compressed air gun tools commonly used in the manufacture of furniture since excellent quality finishes can be achieved in painting and traditional lacquering techniques are replaced.
In addition, pneumatic energy is totally renewable, a fundamental factor for the industry that leaves a large amount of pollutants and since air is an inexhaustible source, we can ensure that the environment is not damaged in the manufacturing processes.
For these sectors, it has become the main source of energy due to its advantages and facilities for working, for storage and for the safety that, unlike steam, due to the high temperature level it reaches, becomes dangerous.
As active air, it is mainly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, where it is of the utmost importance that the compressed air be completely pure, since it could contaminate the products produced and these have repercussions on our health.
If we talk about the food industry, poor quality compressed air could seriously affect the health of consumers and the preservation of food.
Any air that takes place in the manufacturing process must meet very strict hygiene and safety standards.
Compressed air in the pharmaceutical industry is used in the processes of cleaning, ventilation and packaging of medicines.
In this sector, the standards require maximum levels of sterility, so the air must be free of contamination.
And, on the other hand, in the automotive sector, compressed air is a fundamental part of manufacturing vehicles from start to finish, in the robots that assemble tires to the tools that are used to paint cars.
Compressed air becomes contaminated when it comes into contact with the product being used. That is when an exchange of pollution particles is generated. This process can be influenced by temperature, pressure and even the quality of the filters. In addition to the contaminants contained in the air such as hydrocarbons, oils, particles, etc.
To ensure purity in this air, it is important to reduce or eliminate these contaminants that will disrupt our quality processes through system testing.
Tests for compressed air systems must be carried out by laboratories that use tests based on ISO 8573-1, which has established a standard for air quality, labels contaminants in compressed air systems and verifies the verification of these: particles, water and oil.
Carrying out these tests on the equipment is of the utmost importance since high production costs will be avoided and optimal results will be obtained in manufacturing or production.
It will also help us keep the work equipment in perfect condition and extend its lifespan, since poor air quality could cause problems in the machinery.
Additionally, we will be able to ensure the quality of our products by removing bacteria, mold, and contaminants from rusty, oily, and overwatered pipes.
We recommend testing your compressed air systems (compressor accessories, distribution piping, and storage receivers) at least once a year, depending on your verification parameters.
At Techmaster de México we recognize the importance of these tests in different industries and derived from this, we have added new ones based on the ISO 8573-1 Standard:
Oil Aerosol & Vapor Content, Compressed Air Purity Test.
Humidity / Dew Point Measurement, Compressed Air Purity Test.
Pressurized Air Particle Content, Compressed Air Purity Test.
Viable Microbiological Contaminant, Compressed Air Purity Test.
Let us assure you the quality of the air that your company needs. Trust your air systems to the experts.
Consult our Scope and learn about the scope of our quality system with the incorporation of tests on compressed air systems.