While often overlooked by compressor operators, differential pressure serves as an important measurement to monitor when reviewing the overall health of your air compressors and the quality of air that your system is producing. Since differential pressure drops vary based on compressor technology, it's essential to understand what this means for your specific compressor and how it compares to your facility's needs.
What is Differential Pressure?
Differential pressure (DP) describes the difference in pressure between two points. Understanding the two points based on your compressor type can help you monitor the health of your compressor and reveal telltale signs that your compressor needs maintenance. Changing air filters, discharge check valves, and performing regularly scheduled maintenance is important to maintaining good health and pressure across your system.
Pressure Dropping: Why It’s Important to Monitor
Pressure drop is described as the depletion of air pressure in the compressor within a fluid-carrying network. Excess pressure drop can result due to the below-average performance of your compressor from improperly scheduled maintenance and lead to unnecessary repairs and increased energy costs.
On the other hand, certain pressure drops do occur during normal operations. Inlet air filters, inlet valves, coolers, separators, discharge coalescing/particulate filters, and discharge check valves all contribute to normal differential pressure drops. Because differential pressure drops can vary across different types of air compressors, it is important to understand each type and know the needs of your plant.
Compressor Oil-Flooded Oil-Free Centrifugal
Technology Rotary Rotary
Inlet Air Filter . 5 psi .5 psi .5 psi
Inlet Valve 1 psi 1 psi .5-1 psi
Cooler(s) 1-3 psi 1-3 psi 1-2 psi
Separator(s) 4-6 psi N/A N/A
Discharge
Coalescing or Particulate Filter(s) 2-5 psi 2-5 psi N/A
Discharge Check
Valve .5 psi .5 psi .5 psi
Total Pressure Drop 9-16 psi 5-10 psi 2.5-3.5 psi
Conclusion
Every psi you lose on a compressor can be directly related to cost in electricity, maintenance, and more. Understanding the different pressure drops across multiple types of compressors can help you: detect problems faster and assist you in making the right decision when purchasing a compressor for your plant.
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