Solving pressure drop issues in large industrial machine shops is a common challenge that we handle every week. We understand that low pressure can cause your CNC machines to stop and your tools to fail today. Our team observes that a lack of air is often a piping problem and not a compressor problem. Because we want your shop to be efficient, we suggest a full air audit of your system. We notice that old, small, or leaking pipes can steal the pressure before it reaches your work stations. Consequently, your compressor might be running at full power while your tools are struggling to function correctly. Furthermore, we believe that a well-designed loop system is the best way to maintain steady air pressure.
Using larger diameter pipes ensures that the air can travel quickly without losing its energy to friction today. This process ensures that every machine in your shop gets the exact pressure it needs to work perfectly. We offer the Best Air Compressor Repair to help you optimize your piping layout today. Furthermore, our professional technicians can perform a leak detection audit to find the hidden holes in your system. This allows us to stop the wasted energy and the constant running of your expensive air compressor. Proper air flow is the secret to a quiet and profitable machine shop in Western Canada. We prioritize your production by ensuring that you never have to wait for your air pressure to recover.
Our team finds that many shops have too many T fittings and sharp bends in their air lines. We see that these turns act like speed bumps that slow down the air and cause a drop. Additionally, we check the size of your air hoses to make sure they aren’t choking your tools. Furthermore, we ensure that your quick-connect couplers are high-flow models that do not restrict the air volume. This prevents the starving of your tools that leads to poor performance and slow work on the floor. We prioritize a high-performance air delivery system for every manufacturer and fabricator we serve. Consequently, your machines will run faster and your electric bill will be lower at the end of every month. We believe that your piping is just as important as the compressor that sits at the beginning.
Our team uses ultrasonic leak detectors to find leaks that are impossible to hear in a noisy shop. We take the time to balance your system so that the pressure remains the same at every single drop. Furthermore, we suggest adding a secondary receiver tank near your hungriest machines to provide a burst of air. This keeps the pressure steady during high-demand tasks like sandblasting or heavy metal cutting in your shop. We prioritize your bottom line by reducing the wear and tear on your compressor caused by constant cycling. Our team stays busy helping shops grow by expanding and upgrading their air delivery networks for them. We enjoy seeing a shop reach its full potential with a modern and high-flow compressed air system today. Please Contact Us if your machines are throwing low pressure alarms or acting slowly.
Why Undersized Piping is the Number One Cause of Low Pressure
As compressed air travels through a pipe, it rubs against the walls and creates a lot of internal friction. We find that small pipes create a lot more friction than large pipes because the air moves faster. Additionally, this friction turns the air pressure into heat energy that is lost to the surrounding shop air. Furthermore, if you add more tools to an old system, the pressure drop will get much worse today. Consequently, your tools will feel weak even if your compressor gauge shows a very high and steady pressure. We suggest using at least a one-inch pipe for the main header in any professional machine shop. Our team can calculate the perfect pipe size for your specific distance and air flow requirements.
The Benefits of Installing a Closed-Loop Air Piping System
A standard dead-end pipe system forces the air to travel in only one direction to reach the tool. We see that the pressure at the end of the line is always lower than at the start. Additionally, a closed-loop system connects all the pipes together so the air can travel in two directions. Furthermore, this effectively doubles the size of your pipes and balances the pressure across the entire workshop floor. Consequently, you will have the same steady pressure at the first drop and at the very last drop. We prioritize the installation of aluminum or copper loops to provide the cleanest and most efficient air flow. Our team can retrofit your existing shop with a loop system in just a few days of work.
Finding and Fixing the Hidden Leaks in Your Air System
A single tiny leak in a high-pressure air line can waste hundreds of dollars in electricity every year. We find that most machine shops have dozens of small leaks that they simply cannot hear over the machinery. Additionally, these leaks force your compressor to run even when you are not using any of your tools. Furthermore, the constant running causes the machine to get hot and wear out its expensive internal parts. Consequently, fixing leaks is the fastest way to save money and improve the pressure in your shop. We provide professional leak audits using the latest ultrasonic technology to pinpoint every single hole in your lines. Our team can repair these leaks quickly to restore the efficiency and the power of your air.
FAQ
Why is my compressor gauge high but my tools feel very weak?
This is a clear sign of a pressure drop caused by small pipes or restricted air hoses.
How much pressure is lost in a standard 50-foot air hose?
You can lose up to 20 psi in a small diameter hose if the air flow is high.
Is aluminum piping better than PVC for a compressed air system?
Yes, aluminum is much safer and more efficient because it does not rust or become brittle.
How do I know if I have a leak in my air system?
If your compressor runs while no tools are being used, you definitely have a leak somewhere.
Can I just turn up the pressure to solve my air flow problems?
Turning up the pressure is dangerous and will only cause more leaks and waste more energy.