Most thermal spraying application systems rely on compressed air similarly to how many factories use compressed air for general use, but especially production. Thermal spray systems depend on compressed air and it is one of the first things that is changed because of its wide accessibility on energisers and flame spray boards. Plus, it’s easily adjusted.
The finish of a thermal spray coating is quite dependent on the amount of air pressure used during the application. Finer coating finishes need a larger amount of air pressure compared to a coarser finish. That means that the pressure setting has to be just right before any application process beings. Unfortunately, this can be a thing overlooked by many.
The Cost of Compressed Air
The main cost of any system such as an air compressor is always the energy necessary to produce the compressed air. So, in terms of the total lifetime costs of an air compressor, the primary purchase of the compressed air system itself doesn’t actually equate to much. In fact, it’s actually only a small part of it.
Where the cost comes from is more so to do with the operating output of the compressor. Matching this output is important because it means that a high pressure can be operated at continually without compromising on the quality of the finish in any way.
Maximising Air Settings
Unused Air
Even if it’s not actually being used in that current moment, there are many industrial facilities than leave their equipment on. Usually just for ease or so they can get things done quicker. But by installing a shutdown process for turning equipment off, it saves on both maintenance costs and the waste of excess air.
Using Valves
Using existing or previously discarded valves, or just installing some, helps shut those idle machines off easier. Valves, diverters, and slide gates – any of those.
Understanding Air Pressure
Air pressure requirements can be an overlooked part of the job for some facilities.
Checking that the machine is operating at the correct pressure requirement ensures that the equipment functions at its best, helping to reduce the air pressure requirements overall.
Maintenance
Maintenance schedules need to be performed and updated regularly considering how a lot of thermal spray coating application types depend significantly on compressed air systems. The performance of such maintenance rounds helps to prevent an unexpected breakdown of the equipment as well as delivering an improvement in the performance of the system.
Plus, it never hurts to check efficiency and performance.
Identifying Issues
Issues are bound to crop up no matter what industrial field you’re in. Thermal spraying is no different. Which is why it’s common to actually go looking for issues and identifying any as soon as they’re discovered. Such as leaks.
Leaks can be common in plenty of industrial facilities.
Health and Safety
There are some who like to take shortcuts and these shortcuts are often dangerous practices. Dusting off machinery with compressed air, for instance, is a dangerous practice.
Should compressed air breach the skin and reach the bloodstream of a person, air bubbles can form. If they reach major organs like the lungs or the heart, it can extremely problematic.
When working with pressurised or compressed air, the safety guidelines and practices should always be followed.
Thermal Coating Spray Specialists
The Alphatek team has over 100 years of combined coating experience.
Over time, we have seriously developed close relationships with our clientele which has enable to produce products which are distinctive on the market. Products that are appropriate to multiple markets and maybe some specific needs. In order to offer great results every single time, we create bespoke coating solutions to even some of the more challenging requirements. Our service is hassle-free.
Alpahtek can guarantee applications of the highest protection, the greatest value, and the best efficiency.
Do you require specialists in thermal spray coatings? Well, you’ve definitely ended up in the right place. Hopefully, this article has been helpful to you and you’ll take away from it ways you can maximise the air settings on your compressor.
To get in contact with us, just ring us on 01706 821 021 or send an email to postbox@alphatek.co.uk to enquire about us or our services. Whatever your requirements, we’ll take a look!
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