An efficient, reliable, properly-functioning “plant air” (compressed air) system is critical to most manufacturing plants. Other types of facilities also depend on their compressed air systems.
Much of the maintenance of these systems is mechanical. Falling under the purvey of the mechanics are such equipment as the compressors, dryers, filters, and drains. They are also typically charged with finding and fixing leaks in the distribution system.
So, what is left for electricians to do? There is, in fact, a significant electrical component.
Compressors (and their motors) are typically located in ventilated rooms. A compressor room might have electrically-operated ventilation louvers, intake fans, exhaust fans, and temperature sensors. Cooling controls aren’t the only types of controls commonly found with compressed air systems. The compressor system itself may have electrical controls and control elements (e.g., electrically-operated valves such as drain solenoids).
And, of course, motors run those compressors. What is done at your facility to maintain them? Some things you may be overlooking:
- Vibration sensors, preferably with remote monitoring.
- Scheduled voltage testing or (even better) monitoring, to detect voltage issues.
- Scheduled power quality testing (or even better) power monitoring.
- Motor lubrication.
- Scheduled alignment.
