Kaeser Talks Shop

2019

A report card on compressed air knowledge


automotive industry quiz results blog post

One of our media partners recently quizzed their subscribers to assess users’ knowledge about compressed air systems. The respondents were in the automotive service industry, but the questions were not industry or application specific and the answers are a fair reflection of compressed air knowledge of most businesses with compressors 25 hp and below. We thought it would be useful to present the results and discuss areas where understanding of compressed air systems needs a boost.

Your eyes are often bigger than your stomach


your eyes are often bigger than your stomach

The point least understood among the surveyed compressor users is how to size a system for the shop. We presented a scenario with five techs, each using 15 cfm tools, and gave five different compressor size (hp) options. Less than 40% picked the most appropriate option, and most incorrect answers were heavily over-sized. We see this in the field all the time. Operators routinely overestimate the size of compressor needed.

Calculating the value of unplanned downtime


cost of unplanned downtime

Knowing that your compressed air system is not only critical to your production but also affects the quality of your products, would you invest to avoid downtime from your compressed air system?

Is it me, or is it hot in here?


it is hot in here?

Later this month we are going to Cast Expo, the trade show for metal castings producers.  In talking to colleagues about foundries and their applications, it is clear that compressed air is as vital in this industry as it is to most manufacturers.  Unfortunately, while they rely on compressed air, the foundry environment is often horrible for air compressors and dryers.

Maybe it's not the couch


its not the couch - pipe sizing

Regardless of pipe material, a key point to understand is the relationship of pipe diameter to how much flow it can handle.

Drop and give me 20!


drop and give me 20 blog post - drop pressure for energy savings

A mistake by a field technician ends up saving a plant 13% in power reduction plus another 10% power benefit by running at lower pressure.

Keep that trusty recip going


piston compressor

There are many cases where a reciprocating compressor is a very good, economical fit for a shop, but service issues may lead owners to think they need a different solution. Here are some tips to avoid some common issues as well as some maintenance tips to keep your recip unit going.

Compressor purchasing criteria for energy efficiency


efficiency costs

During the purchasing decision process, it is common for prospects to compare compressors with some sort of utility criteria. In other words, how much air will they get for their money.

That's classified                                                                                                             


classified

In hazardous areas the presence of flammable gases or liquids, combustible dusts or easily ignited fibers can exist in sufficient concentrations to cause a fire or explosion, given a source of ignition (such as electricity running through a compressor). Moving the compressed air system away from these areas is often a cost-saving alternative to explosion-proof systems.

5 Tips for receiving commercial freight


tips for receiving commercial freight

Check out a new infographic with some tips for receiving commercial shipments, whether from Kaeser or any other supplier.

The cost of not doing maintenance                   


high cost of not doing maintenance

You've expanded your system and need more air, or maybe it seems like your compressor is just not making any air. Before you invest in new equipment or start worrying about repair costs, have you checked your filters?