Although water in compressed air lines is more common, oil can be just as disruptive to a pneumatic system, causing costly damage to equipment and requiring equally costly downtime for repairs. Subtle expression training tool download. In spray booths and powder coat applications, for example, oil mists and vapors left on the material during blow-off or applied while painting will have a serious effect on the quality of the finished product.
How do you remove oil from compressed air lines?
The most effective way to remove oil from compressed air lines is multi-stage filtration. Generally, each stage of multi-stage filtration removes a different type of contaminant; specialized filtration materials and techniques are used to remove moisture, dirt/dust, oil, etc. Comprised of one or more specially-engineered modules, multi-stage filtration systems can remove particulates as small as 0.01 microns.
Pneumatic systems can be filtered at the compressor or at the point of use (directly before the pneumatic tool being used). Because oil mist and vapor, as well as other contaminants, can accumulate in compressed air lines between the compressor and the tool, point of use filtration is generally the preferred way to remove oil from compressed air lines.
Contact La-Man for Effective Pneumatic Filtration
For the above reasons and more, La-Man Corporation has developed a series of automotive division products that will remove oil mists and vapors from your compressed air lines, as well as water and other contaminants.
Our SuperStar 0.01 micron filters, AMD-035 SuperStar™ membrane dryers, and the Oiliminator™ provide innovative, effective solutions that will remove oil from your compressed air system, giving you great finished products and saving you time and money
For more information or to request a quote on La-Man industrial filters for your pneumatic system, contact us today.
Safety Bulletin Index - Compressed Breathing Air(Code: SB-94-5, Date: 6/15/94)
The following information and procedures govern the use of compressed breathing air systems. This information applies to all supplied-air respirators and hoods, demand flow respirators, and self-contained breathing systems. Typical applications include sandblasting, welding, protection from dangerous fumes and materials such as asbestos, fiberglass, galvanize, etc., and other tasks where air purification is necessary. This Safety Bulletin is not for life-support applications.
TYPES OF COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR SYSTEMS
Constant Flow - air passed continuously through the respirator to minimize leakage and entry of external contaminants into the respirator, to ventilate the respirator, and to provide Grade D breathing air.
Demand Flow - air supplied to the respirator only as the wearer inhales or demands air. Air flow adjusts automatically to the user's breathing rate. This system is used for short duration work and usually supplied by compressed air cylinders, or an on-line compressor.
Pressure-Demand - positive pressure is maintained in the respirator at all times by providing a constant air flow, with increased air flow upon inhalation. It requires a tight fitting respirator and is supplied by an on-line compressor or compressed air cylinder.
TWO REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR SYSTEMS
Protect from specific hazards in a work environment or associated with a specific task.
Supply air that meets or exceeds OSHA air purity standards as follows:
GRADE 'D' AIR *
Maximum
Contaminant Parts Per Million
Carbon Monoxide 20
Carbon Dioxide 1,000
Oil 5
* Compressed Gas Association commodity specification G-7.1 - 1966
COMMON COMPRESSED AIR CONTAMINANTS
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is the most toxic contaminant in compressed air. It enters the breathing air system through the air intake, or is produced by overheating of piston type compressors. The air intake must be placed away from engine exhaust or other sources of carbon monoxide.
Water/Water Vapor
Air contains moisture which is drawn into the compressor and enters the air stream as a vapor. As compressed air flows through the system, it cools, causing the vapor to condense in the facepiece or helmet. Moisture combines with oil and solid contaminants to form sludge, which can clog or damage system components. Water also causes rust in pipelines, and can freeze in cold weather to block air flow.
Oil/Oil Mist
Oil is a major contaminant in systems using lubricated compressors. In reciprocating compressors, lubricating oil applied to cylinders causes small droplets by the shearing action of the piston to enter the air system as a mist. Oil mist can cause breathing discomfort, nausea and pneumonia, and create unpleasant taste and odors. Centrifugal compressors are oiless.
Solids
Solids generally enter the system through the air intake. However, some materials may be introduced by the compressor itself. In non-lubricated compressors, teflon, carbon and other materials are used as lubricants. Frictional wear can cause particles from these materials to enter the air stream.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Air Intake - Air supply must be taken from an area free of contamination, especially exhaust fumes. The compressor must always be located upwind of work area contamination. The air intake pipe should be made of noncorrosive materials, and a valve installed at the base of the pipe to prevent build-up of condensed moisture.
If indoors, the air intake should be kept away from areas of high temperature, low air circulation, areas where solvents are used or stored, where heaters or combustion equipment is used, or where carbon monoxide is likely to accumulate.
Air Compressor - A compressor used to supply breathing air must be capable of delivering the volume of air required for the type of respirator used .. demand flow facepiece respirator - 4 scfm*; loose fitting hoods - 6 to 15 scfm; constant flow - 4 to 15 scfm. The compressor should be operated at the lowest possible temperature. Only the type and quality of lubricant recommended by the manufacturer should be used. If an oil lubricated compressor is used, it shall have a high temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both. Compressor and filters must be inspected daily, and filters replaced when dirt appears on the output side of the filter.
* (scfm - standard cubic feet per minute)
Pressure Regulator is a control valve which assures that air pressure to the respirator does not exceed a preset limit. The pressure at the inlet to the breathing air lines should be no higher than 125 pounds per square inch gauge.
Breathing Air Lines are usually 1/2 to 3/8 inch in diameter, and made of materials which do not give off objectional taste and odor. Maximum permissible length of line is 300 feet, unless respirator manufacturer specifies a shorter maximum length.
Personal Respirator - The type of respirator or hood used depends on the hazard. It should be fitted to the employee, meet OSHA standards, and be compatible to the compressed air system.
Air Purification System - Compressed breathing air systems may be supplemented with a purifier to remove common contaminants from compressed breathing air. A purification system is designed to:
- filter out oil, liquid, water and solids
- reduce water vapor content
- convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide
- filter out undesirable taste and odor
An after-cooler may be used in conjunction with the purifier to keep inlet air temperature between 65F and 100F. A drain valve is necessary for removal of condensation. A tank receiver must be used downstream of the after-cooler. In the event of malfunction, the tank offers a reservoir of clean air to the respirator. Receivers should be equipped with drain valves to remove condensation.
PRECAUTIONS
A visual pre-operational check of the compressor will detect any defects. The muffler and exhaust system must be examined for deterioration and, if needed, replaced before the compressor can be used to supply breathing air; and periodically checked during daily use for any defect that may be developing. If a defect is detected, the operation must be discontinued.
Select a safe location for the placement of the compressor. The compressor should not be operated near other operating equipment or idling vehicles. Gas engines emit carbon monoxide (toxic fumes). Diesel engines emit sulfur dioxide (noxious fumes) and oxides of nitrogen. All can severely affect breathable air.
Air received through the compressed air system comes from the compressor's air intake. If contaminants are present in the system, it is because of mechanical deficiency, or not following necessary precautions.
A respirator fit test, and fitness physical and certification must be obtained before an employee is assigned a task requiring use of a respirator.
Employees must be properly trained in the use of compressed breathing air systems.
Respirators must be kept in good working order. Employees shall inspect their respirator before use for any defects. After use respirators are to be cleaned and stored away from contamination, caustic material, dust, sunlight, excessive heat or cold, and moisture.
Respirators used by more than one employee must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
In-line heaters and coolers shall not be used until it is determined that the compressor is capable of delivering adequate air for the safe operation of the respirator.
Oxygen must never be used to supply breathing air.
Trace Analytics, LLC specializes in the analysis of thousands of compressed air & gas samples each year. Many of our customers have established their own criteria by monitoring the performance of the system over a given time period, reviewing literature/specifications, evaluating equipment parameters, and determining company objectives. Whether you are establishing a management plan or testing to comply with a given specification, our knowledgeable staff will be glad to assist you.
Oil Mist In Compressed Breathing Air Cylinders
Our scientifically designed compressed air testing kits make collection a simple task. Keep the small, portable kit, and return the lightweight sample via the shipping method of your choice.
Selected Pure Gas Compressed Air Classifications are shown below. If the specification you need is not shown, please Contact Us. We have many more air & gas specifications in our database. If you need a custom specification, Contact Us with your requirements.
Compressed Air Breathing Filtration Systems
Other Compressed Air & Gas Specifications:Comments are closed.
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