Compressed Air Archives

What is CAGI … and why is it awesome?

Written by Tami Matthews on February 7, 2023. Posted in Compressed Air, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems, Manufacturing. Leave a Comment

If you’re a plant or facilities manager, you may already know all about the wonders of CAGI, but assuming you’re new to it CAGI has changed the world of compressed air.

What is CAGI?

CAGI stands for the Compressed Air and Gas Institute. On the CAGI website, it indicates it’s “the united voice of the compressed air industry, serving as the unbiased authority on technical, educational, promotional, and other matters that affect the industry.” It’s an organization that tests and standardizes information to make it easier to understand.

Why is CAGI awesome?

CAGI verifies compressor claims using a third-party testing program. According to CAGI, the program provides you with “reliable and verified performance data for rotary air compressors (5-200HP) and refrigerated air dryers (50-1000 scfm).”

And CAGI compares data, making it easier to read and understand one compressor vs. another through an efficiency rating value on its compressor data sheets – isentropic efficiency.

What is isentropic efficiency?

Utilizing isentropic efficiency is similar to using a Monroney window sticker when purchasing a new vehicle. For example, the Monroney sticker explains the projected miles per gallon of the vehicle, price, features, and other useful information that helps assist buyers when purchasing a new vehicle.

Isentropic efficiency incorporates operating pressure and greatly simplifies the process of comparing the efficiencies among several like-sized compressors each having slightly different full-load operating pressures. For example, for the same horsepower compressors, one sheet may show 125 psi operating pressure and another may show 130 PSIG, so comparing isentropic helps equalize the comparison. This video, developed by CAGI, explains how specific power is converted to isentropic efficiency.

Elevated can help provide CAGI data

If you’re considering an air compressor, your sales engineer can provide information about it, including comparing it to other compressors. For more information, talk with us about your compressed air system needs. We have specialists available to assist you with calculations, installation, pricing, and more.

we're proud of the work in south carolina

We’re your South Carolina partners

Written by Tami Matthews on January 4, 2023. Posted in Air compressors, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems. Leave a Comment

At Elevated Industrial Solutions, we take pride in being the number-one supplier of industrial supplies, paint equipment, and compressed air systems. But we’re especially proud of the products and services we provide in South Carolina, the Palmetto state. Our air compressor business, in fact, is formerly known as Palmetto Compressors.

Everything you need for industrial air compressors

South Carolina facility managers are lucky; Elevated has all the equipment and parts in one location, all backed by our expert service.

We’re a Kaeser authorized dealer, providing the perfect air compressor for your specific facility. Our specialty is understanding what you’re trying to do and selling you the equipment you need. Plus, we’ll never oversell you. (After all, we want to save energy and money for our customers!) Whether you need a rotary screw compressor or a reciprocating compressor; whether you need vacuums, blowers, or dryers; or whether you need small parts like valves and gaskets, we have it all in one location.

We also offer compressed air system installations that are turnkey. We’ll discuss, design and engineer, plan, and project manage everything to make it as seamless as possible. Our portfolio includes some of the best-looking compressed air systems in South Carolina … if we say so ourselves. (Humble brag.)

Superior service from expert technicians

To be fair, you can find various parts for air compressors just about anywhere. What you can’t find is the exceptional service you’ll get from our team. Our team ensures your facility never goes down and your compressor-related expenses aren’t wasted.

Elevated’s service starts with scheduled preventive maintenance. Our maintenance checklist is comprehensive, encompassing tasks such as changing oil, cleaning the heat exchanger, lubricating the motor drive, and recording system pressure.

But our service doesn’t stop there. We offer air compressor system audits and analysis, including an air audit analysis (ADA), leak audits, vibration analysis, and even provide thermal imaging.

air compressor team in south carolina helping shriner's

Sure, our expert team has been in the business a long time, but we’re some of the nicest, most-service oriented people you’ll ever meet. We’re also just solid South Carolinians who give to local causes (from the Fountain Inn police to Shriners) and volunteer to make the world a better place, including helping veterans.

Always available to help

When your compressed air system is down, your facility is down. Don’t let production stop just because it’s a Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Get emergency service from our experienced, dedicated team! We’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Our employees travel across South Carolina easily and quickly, from Gaffney to Hilton Head and all points in between … including Greenville, Charlottesville, and Columbia.

More than compressed air systems

We go beyond compressed air, too. We provide industrial supplies such as abrasives, adhesives, tapes, sealants, safety products, and more. And we have coating and finishing equipment for your plant. It’s really one-stop-shopping for industrial companies: great air compressors and service as well as items to keep production running.

Any of our salespeople can offer advice as we’re familiar with the industry. (Part of our company has been around for 60+ years.)

Partners

Our goal is to improve your business. We suggest programs to save your company money, give ideas to improve processes, suggest productivity tips, and more. We’re partners – invested in your business, going the extra mile to ensure you succeed.

That’s why we’re Elevated. We do more in South Carolina. It’s also why we’re tops in the Palmetto State.

When you need preventive maintenance, installation, and parts in the Palmetto State, contact your South Carolina Kaeser distributor today! Plus we can help with industrial supplies and paint equipment.

Everything you need to know about leak audits

Written by Christopher Richmann on November 17, 2022. Posted in Air compressors, Compressed Air. Leave a Comment

If your compressed air system has an air leak, that could cost a fortune in wasted energy and air. This is not hyperbole, and it’s not an exaggeration.

Manufacturing facilities spend a massive portion of their total energy costs on compressed air alone. Estimating exact costs is difficult (taking into account factors such as system size, compressor power and storage, leak size, and the cost of electricity in your area), but Fluid Power Journal Supply has published data estimating the annual cost of a quarter-inch leak to be around $18,000—a half-inch leak can cost large facilities around $74,174 a year!

Regardless of the total, one fact remains: air leaks are a waste of energy, money, and vital resources. Large or small, routine leak audits are critical to your system’s overall performance and affordability.

What are leak audits?

An audit of your compressed air system is the first step to determining your system’s needs. An audit will find problems that are causing your profits (quite literally) to seep into thin air.

Leak audits can be completed in a variety of ways. In many cases, a professional can simply conduct a walk-through evaluation of the system and identify clear issues that are wasting compressed air. A walk-through, however, is not enough to identify all the small cracks and gaps that could be causing inefficiencies.

A more thorough assessment of the air-compression system is often required and may include a review of key dynamics, such as pressure drops when the system is not operating. (Hint: if the pressure is dropping and the compressor runs continually during off hours, you likely have leaks!)

Professionals can also complete a full leak audit, which includes reviewing energy usage, analyzing air measurements, implementing leak-detection measures, and performing a maintenance review.

When complete, an air-compression professional will identify key factors that are harming your system and causing air leaks. Depending on audit findings, a system technician may recommend repairing or replacing worn parts or mismatched fittings and, in some cases, installing a new compressor when appropriate.

Why are leak audits important?

Leak audits are important for many reasons — but most importantly, they save money. Leak audits help identify and fix issues and, once upgrades are complete, reduce the total demand placed on a compressor. The compressor does not need to run as often, significantly reducing your energy bill.

When a compressor runs more than it should, it wears down faster than it would’ve otherwise. Leak audits can streamline your overall system maintenance and even reduce the need for new equipment. That’s some savings; new compressors, especially advanced industrial units, can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A leak audit, followed by appropriate repairs and maintenance, can extend the life of these expensive compressed-air machines.

Get reliable experts to help with your leak audit

If you’re looking to save money on energy or conduct air leaks because you suspect issues, turn to Elevated! We’re an authorized Kaeser distributor in South Carolina, Dayton, and Cincinnati. And we’re known for our compressed air services, such as preventive maintenance and audits. Our technicians handle all major compressor brands, not just Kaeser. Quincy, Champion, Atlas Copco, Gardner Denver, Ingersoll Rand — we can analyze them all.

We’ll provide a thorough audit and deliver clear recommendations on vital system maintenance, new machines you might need, parts to install, or how you can save energy and money.

5 common issues with compressed air systems

5 common issues found in compressed air systems

Written by Tami Matthews on August 20, 2022. Posted in Air compressors, Compressed Air, Compressed Air, Compressed air systems, Manufacturing, Metalworking, Signage, Woodworking. Leave a Comment

A faulty air compressor can waste energy and resources at your facility. But, by keeping an eye out for common issues, you can keep your air compressor running efficiently.

1. Excessive operating temperatures

Yeah, overheating. Air compressors shouldn’t exceed a temperature threshold for efficient functionality. A common cause of this issue is skipping maintenance visits. Regular maintenance visits by an experienced technician are the most important factors in keeping your air compressor running issue-free. It should be easy to schedule, too. Ask for recommendations, based on your environment, for maintenance if a warranty isn’t provided.

2. Air leaks

The Department of Energy estimates that roughly 20% to 30% of wasted energy from air compressors is due to air leaks. Leaks result in constant output fluctuation and a shorter compressor lifespan. So, addressing air leaks is one of the first steps to saving energy costs at your facility.

3. Choked airflow

If your air compressor isn’t outputting enough airflow, a few different factors could be causing the issue: obstructed intake filters, a bad pressure gauze setting, or a faulty coupler. If you’re unsure of the source of the obstruction, ask a compressor, can cut down the time required to get your compressor back up and running.

4. A failing compressor

Air compressors that fail to start, stop, or provide enough pressure may be experiencing compressor failure. A common cause of compressor failure is inadequate oiling. Failing air compressors may be repaired, but in some cases need to be replaced.

5. Uncommon sounds

Loud, weird noises or vibrations produced by your air compressor may indicate a problem. Possible issues include improper mounting, faulty pistons, or loose components. A vibration analysis could help determine the source.

Get help with the root cause

It can be difficult to pinpoint the root cause of your air compressor issues. If you’re struggling to determine the problem and perform the required repairs, Elevated Industrial Solutions is here to help. Our professionals have decades of experience in diagnosing and repairing faulty air compression systems. We can recommend new solutions and rentals to keep your facility up and running, meaning minimal or no downtime, too.

How to increase your industrial air compressor’s life expectancy

Written by Tami Matthews on June 10, 2022. Posted in Air compressors, Compressed Air, Compressed Air. Leave a Comment

An industrial air compressor is a sizable investment in your business. So, you undoubtedly want it to last as long as possible and avoid spending extra cash on a premature replacement. Plus, you don’t want your compressed air system to fail suddenly, shutting down your production and business for hours while it’s repaired (assuming it can be).

Luckily, there are several ways you can increase the life expectancy of your industrial air compressor. Our best tips, from our experienced service technicians, include the following.

Regularly change the filters

Air compressors draw in dust, dirt, and debris with every use. And the dirtier your environment, such as a concrete plant, the more debris there is in every use! As a result, air filters can become clogged quite quickly. When the air filter is clogged, your system will have to work harder to operate normally. This results in increased wear and tear, as well as higher energy bills.

Generally, you should change an industrial air compressor’s filter once per week to prevent wear and tear.

Ensure proper ventilation

common compressed air maintenance mistakes

Industrial air compressors generate a great deal of heat during operation. Overheating is a common problem, increasing the risk of damage and diminishing your compressed air system’s life expectancy.

To help prevent overheating, ensure that the room housing the compressor is properly ventilated. Ventilation also reduces the dust and other particles in the air, causing the filters to clog less quickly.

Check oil levels

Unless you have oil-free compressors or equipment, industrial air compressors must be properly oiled to operate correctly. If the system doesn’t have enough oil, it could incur damage. Make sure to check the system’s oil level before you use it. If it’s below halfway up, top up the oil before running the compressor.

Schedule maintenance and don’t put off repairs

No matter how minor a repair or maintenance task may be, it could make a big difference in your system’s overall life expectancy. So, don’t delay scheduling maintenance or repairs for your air compressor system. Promptly completing these repairs and maintenance activities will save you money in the long run.

Get a service technician you trust

Some technicians are available 24 x 7, 365 days a year. They’re there when you need them to quickly get your compressor up and running. Good technicians are also available for maintenance, covering the items on this list, to ensure everything is running at peak efficiency as per your specs. Great companies even provide a warranty with maintenance built into the plan. That warranty is peace of mind that your resources don’t have to spend time worrying about the basics because our technicians will do that for you.

Elevated Industrial Solutions provides maintenance and emergency repair services to help you keep your industrial air compressor in top condition. We have maintenance plans and warranty options to ensure your facility is always up and running. If you’re in South Carolina, Michigan, southern Ohio, or northern Ohio, contact us so we can help you get the maximum return on investment (ROI) for your compressed air system.