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Consulting Services Airometrix Mfg., Inc. provides training, consulting, testing, and auditing services in support of our meter purchasers and distributors. LP Series flow meters are also available for rent. Choose the topic you would like to learn more about: SYSTEM LEAK AND CONSUMPTION TEST Airometrix provides training courses designed to maximize the benefits of owning an LP flow meter. Training sessions are arranged for classroom or on-site settings and range from two hours to two days. They can be customized to meet specific goals or address specific equipment and system needs. A standard on-site training program is four hours and includes general overview of compressed air systems, controls issues for the compressors found at the plant, testing methodologies and techniques, and a hands-on test of a compressor at the facility include post processing of the data to analyze results. Typical in-plant class sizes are 1-10 persons, and classroom settings can accommodate up to 30 or more. Contact us to arrange for a class or contact your local Airometrix representative. Airometrix is dedicated to a rigorous and fact based determination of compressor performance. Compressor testing using the LP Series Flow Meters gives accurate, reliable, and and repeatable results. Compressors are tested at multiple load points taking simultaneous readings of flow, pressure, and power. Click here for more details on How to Test. Full performance curves are generated as well as identification of existing and optimal control setpoints. Testing covers all aspects of compressor operation including:
The type of compressor (positive displacement or dynamic), the manufacturer and model, controls in use, and other factors all influence the specific approach used for testing. To this end, we make certain we are appropriately monitoring and controlling the compressor during every aspect of testing to make sure the data we get is complete and accurate. The accuracy for the :LP series of meters is +-2% of the flow. If the individual valve positions are monitored and recorded for each flow measurement, an accuracy of +-0.75% of the reading can be obtained. If more accurate pressure gauges are used, the overall error can be reduced to as little as +-0.6% of flow. Note: the accuracy is not "full flow" accuracy as with most in-line flow meters, this is a % of value accuracy. i.e. the accuracy of a 4000cfm meter at 3600cfm flow is +-2% of flow or +-72cfm, the accuracy of the same 4000cfm meter used to measure a 100cfm flow is still +-2% of flow or +-2cfm. System Leak and Consumption Tests Compressor testing services also include a system leak volume test and plant consumption test when possible. After the compressor(s) have been tested, the plant system is pressurized without operating any equipment and a second test is performed. The difference in the measured flow through the LP Meter during the two tests is the leaks in the plant. A consumption test follows the same procedure only you are testing before and after a piece of equipment or system is started. Again, the difference in the measured flows is the consumption of the equipment or process. For a more complete description, see How to Test. Without knowing the actual load on the compressor, the true power consumption, and testing pressure it is impossible to perform a true performance test of an air compressor. When performing a run-up test, full power, or load/unload test, assumptions are being made that the curves supplied by the manufacturer are valid for the compressor in question.While this assumption may be acceptable when the compressor is fresh out of the crate, this can create much uncertainty when the compressor has been in the plant and operating for some years. In most cases, we find reduction in flow characteristics are the result of poor maintenance or controls problems rather than any inherent problems with the air end itself. Contact us for more information. The word audit is often maligned as it generally conjures up thoughts of the IRS or other painful experience. However, in the world of finance and other areas of corporate business, audits are looked upon as a way of making sure all of the required procedures are being followed and provides a necessary check on the system to give a third party perspective to these routine operations. These audits are conducted by outside parties and are typically carried out on a annual or semiannual basis. The CFO budgets for them and looks to them to show their system of accounting and record keeping are up to date and operating correctly. It should be no different for a facilities manager with his various plant systems. Auditing should be a line item in the facilities budget so the various systems can be checked and analyzed to make sure they operating as they were originally designed and to make certain there are not procedures which are out of date or improvements which can be made to improve the bottom line. This approach applies across the board to process equipment, central plant operations, maintenance procedures, as well as air, steam, chilled water, process water, HVAC, lighting, and other systems. There are many sources for the experts who can provide these services and the prices range from free (usually from vendors) to tens of thousands of dollars. A compressed air system audit involves inspection, analysis, and review of all aspects of a plant compressed air system. The fundamental purpose is to find the cause of any system deficiencies and identify inefficient uses of compressed air. Recommendations for improvement are made along with the expected economic impact from these recommendations. Elements of an air system audit usually include, but are not limited to:
Airometrix is not affiliated with any compressor or other equipment manufacturer and does not sell or manufacture any equipment other than the LP Series of flow meters. We work with the facility personnel to identify a supplier for equipment or services to implement recommended projects and we are also available to help evaluate proposals received if required. Our approach to training, testing, and auditing of systems is a fact-based approach which first aims to determine not just the quantity of compressed air being produced, but also the efficiency and performance characteristics of that production. Only once we understand how the air is being produced and supplied do we venture into the system to understand how the air is being used and make recommendations. It is very difficult to make a proper diagnosis of the system while only knowing half of the equation. Contact us for more information on training, testing, and auditing services offered by Airometrix.
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