What is air quality testing?
As a key component of many commercial and industrial processes, compressed air is a necessity for the success of multiple industries. In total, 70% of production facilities use compressed air in the manufacturing process. To ensure these industries can produce top-notch products, having clean air is essential in the process. Air quality testing allows you to see exactly how clean the air is and determine if any steps need to be taken to improve the substance.
Why does it need to be done?
Should compressed air become contaminated, disastrous results could follow. Therefore, it’s vital to check the quality of the air in your compressor on a regular or as-needed basis.
“Air quality testing can be performed as requested by the end user or testing can be added to their routine maintenance program,” said CompressAir Air System Specialist Jessika Pokropinski.
Checking for clean air has multiple benefits, including preventing product contamination, allowing a closer look at your system’s health, and meeting certification and equipment requirements.
How is it done?
CompressAir is able to test a compressor’s air quality through software called ISO 8573. This software is designed to thoroughly check air compressors for any contamination such as particles, water, oil, or microorganisms while also ensuring the air is purified through a comprehensive system.
“ISO 8573 is an international standard that specifies purity classes of compressed air. We utilize the AirCheck lab testing kits from Trace Analytics to be able to establish a baseline air quality report or continuous routine monitoring to ensure the end user is within the air quality class they need to achieve for their production,” Pokropinski said.
The tests from Trace Analytics have the software, lab, and reporting capabilities, so once the tests are performed they are able to complete a thorough, in-depth analysis of the compressed air.
“The test we perform gives the end user a full report on their compressed air systems particulate, oil vapor, and dew point rating. This benefits the customer so they know what quality air they are providing to their end use product,” Pokropinski said. “This is important in critical processes that have stringent air requirements as well as food production facilities to ensure there is no contamination.”
ISO 8573 achieves this by sampling and analyzing the compressed air through Laser Particle Counter, microscopy, detector tubes, gas chromatography, and gravimetry. The software kit is also able to make through purity designations including Particle Classes 1-9, Water Classes 1-6, and Oil Classes 1-4. Additionally, custom specs are also available.
The CompressAir staff is also able to perform these tests on-location to any business in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland areas, making it quick and convenient to make sure your compressed air is clean and ready for use.
“By performing the test, we can assist the customer in providing the reporting to ensure they are meeting certification requirements such as SQF, or verify that their air treatment equipment is running at optimal efficiency. If the end user's system is not meeting the air quality class needed, our sales team can then assist with recommendations to improve their air quality,” Pokropinski said.
For more information on CompressAir, visit www.compressair.net.
