What facilities often forget is the importance of planning an efficient compressor room. When it comes to planning a compressor room, these facilities often do not prioritize its design and end up with poor planning. The compressor room is often the last part considered, leaving it with several problems such as temperature swings, a less efficient system and equipment downtime. Its location is also found in cramped spaces or alongside boilers.
To get the best performance from an efficient compressed air system, here are tips to follow when designing a compressor room:
Choose a location with enough space
The compressed air equipment should be located in a compressor room that has space for an easy access for operation and routine service and future overhauls. Ensure there is enough clearance height as well in case lifting an equipment is a required action in future operations. Facilities should also consider any plans of future expansions within the area.
Keep it clean
Bear in mind that compressor rooms must always be supplied with the cleanest, driest and coolest air in order to cool the compressed air equipment and for the compressor intake. Make sure that the surroundings must be free from heavy contamination such as dust or corrosive chemical vapors that may come from nearby processes.
Make sure there is sufficient ventilation in compressor room
Every compressor generates heat so always consider proper ventilation when designing a compressor room. Do not allow hot exhaust air to be re-circulated inside the compressor room. You may consider using ducting when removing heat out of the room.
Avoid condensate
Properly install the drains with a short length of pipe into a channel or using a tundish for the collection of condensate, allowing for a visual check to make sure that each drain is operating properly. Do not install outlet pipework at the bottom of a header in order to avoid condensate from going inside a compressor on standby.
Have good lighting
Some people often neglect the importance of having good lighting in a compressor room. For easy maintenance, provide good lighting.
It is always best to consult with a HVAC specialist and/or a compressed air equipment manufacturer before proceeding with a proposed design. Several factors should be taken into consideration, therefore, planning should be done carefully and must not be rushed.
To learn more about compressor installation, download a free copy of the Compressor Installation Checklist manual. You may also want to visit the Atlas Copco’s Compressed Air Tips blog to receive the best practices, knowledge, ideas and insights about compressed air.
