V.033114
12
M&R Companies 1N 372 Main St. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 USA
Tel: +630-858-6101 Fax: +630-858-6134
4.
Compressed Air Supply
Description
1
Compressor
2
Chiller Unit
3
Shut-Off Valve
4
Closed Loop
5
Supply Lines (Air Drops) to Other Equipment (If Required)
6
Drain with Shut-Off Valve
7
Supply Line (Air Drop) to Equipment
(3/4” inside-diameter pipe required)
8
Filter/Regulator/Lubricator
9
Flexible Rubber Hose
10
Equipment
This illustrates a typical closed-loop compressed air supply system. It is designed to deliver clean, moisture-free
compressed air to pneumatic equipment. Chillers should be installed to help prevent moisture damage to pneumatic
seals, valves, and air cylinders that could void equipment warranties.
Air generated by the compressor (1) contains oil and moisture. The chiller (2) removes moisture as the air passes
through it into the air supply system (4). Shutoff valves (3) should be installed at strategic locations to allow operators to
isolate parts of the system for repair or maintenance without shutting down the entire system. A drain valve (6) should be
installed at the lowest point in the loop to drain off accumulated oil and moisture. The system may include one or more
feeder lines (5). To further reduce moisture and prevent other contaminants from entering pneumatic equipment, the
feeder line should force air to travel upward, causing moisture and contaminants to collect on the inside of the pipe and
flow downward toward the drain valve. The supply line should run horizontally to a position near the equipment before
turning downward (these lines are known as ‘air drops’.). Before reaching the equipment, the rigid supply pipe (7) should
terminate in a shutoff valve (3) connected to a 3/4” flexible rubber hose (9). The hose should be connected to the
filter/regulator/lubricator manifold (8) on the equipment. The regulator controls air pressure, the filter provides a final
moisture-removal stage, and the lubricator delivers a mist of special oil to lubricate all pneumatic components on the
equipment (10).
Note: System air requirements determine pipe sizes. Air systems should be designed and installed by licensed plumbing contractors.