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• Myths of Compressed Air

  Myths of Compressed Air

  News Date: 9th Jun 11

  Many myths are spread about air compressors and compressed air – most have no or little factual basis and couldn’t be further from the truth.

  Compressed air is free – nothing can be further from the truth! As a power source it is several times more expensive to use than electricity. In Australia, 10 to 15% of all industrial electricity consumption is used in powering compressed air systems. Typically, over the life of the compressed air system, more than 80% of the total compressed air system costs are attributed to electrical costs.   

   

  More pressure is better – raising pressure system-wide will require more power online. Pressure problems are best solved at the point of use where they exist, not with more power in the compressor room.

  Routine servicing is not required – the longer you leave between service intervals, the more likely it is that your compressor will break down. How long can your business run without compressed air? A dirty oil removal filter can increase your energy use by 2 percent and a clogged air/oil separator up to 5 percent.   

   

  Cheap compressors are a bargain – whilst you may save thousands off your purchase cost, don’t forget its lifetime cost. Does it have premium efficiency motor? If not, your air compressor energy use could be higher than you’d expect. Are services and parts readily available?    

  For assistance in best understanding your air compressor system, please call CAPS Australia on 1800 800 878. With over 30 years of experience as a leading supplier of industrial products across the country, CAPS has branches in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle, Darwin, Mackay and Kalgoorlie, and is well suited to providing “more options, better solutions” for your air needs.