Compressed air can be an expensive commodity if not efficiently managed. As well as the primary costs associated with the production of compressed air and losses from leaking distribution systems, poor management of compressed air can lead to a rapid deterioration of the distribution system, failure of equipment due to oil, water and particulate carry-over, and bacterial traps which cause sensory taints in the final product.

Management of compressed air falls into three main categories:

• • Effective removal of all contamination in the form of dirt, oil, water and microorganisms.
• • Minimising pressure losses between the compressor and the point of use.
• • Eliminating losses from the system due to leaks, uneconomical regeneration of drying plant and inefficient condensate drains.