Gas

Compressed Air. Industrial compressed air systems comprise several major components: a compressor, a power source and system controls. The compressor is the machine that increases the pressure of the air. The power source drives the compressor and controls regulate the amount and pressure of the air produced. Distribution systems, similar to electrical wiring circuits, transport compressed air to where it is needed.

Things to Consider: Type of system (oil-free/lubricated), Air purification requirements, Breathing air requirements, Demand, Compressed air quality (Levels 1 to 6), Supply meeting demand by sufficient storage and correct distribution, Auto-dual control, Sequencing, Lead/lag, Storage, Distribution and pressure drop, Installation and system layout, Compressor intakes outdoors 10 feet (3 m) above grade, Maintenance requirements, Condensate control, Energy efficiency, System validation meeting pharmaceutical facility requirments of ISA-S7.0.01-1996 and cGMP.

Utilities, Nitrogen Systems: An in-house generation, storage and distribution system found in laboratories and industrial facilities, ensuring the availability and delivery of nitrogen upon demand, to specified locations and activities.

Things to Consider: Storage and distribution locations, Tanker filling connection point, Crane attachments for large components, Monitoring transducers for temperature/flow/pressure/fluid levels, Remote control and monitoring provisions, Allowance for expansion of capacity and distribution, Control system interface with distributed control system, Programmable logic controller, Configure for convenient purging and testing of system, Fail-safe sysem in event of power failure, Interlocks, Transfer line routing and connections and shut-off valves, Pressure drops, Capacity of storage tank, Temperature monitoring (Non-cryogenic/Cryogenic), Venting system, Daily delivery rates to distribution points, Heat losses in distribution lines, Neck cooling losses in dewar bottles, Design loads, Labeling of components, General layout, Ambient temperature range, Ambient humidity range, Overhead sprinkler system requirements, NEMA rating for cabinets, Vibration limits, Small tubing water connection types, AC input power requirements, Acoustic noise levels < 60dB, Screening of relief valves to prevent blockages, Permanent completely enclosed cabinets, Permanent walk-in enclosures, CSA Canadian Electrical Code 1998 Safety Standards for Electrical Installations, B51-97 Boiler Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code (CSA), ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII divisions 1 2 and 3, B52-99 Mechanical Refrigeration Code, IEC 61508 Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Systems Parts 2 and 3, OSHA regulations, ISO-9001 quality assurance program for design/manufacture/testing of components, Overhead crane capacity for installation, Acceptance testing, Maintenance, Expected operational lifetime, Training.

Process Compressors. Unlike industrial air compressors that supply pressurized air for general laboratory use, process compressors compress the gas product being processed. There are three general types of process compressors: centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, and screw compressors.

Things to Consider: Type of gas, Conformity to API 618 Guidelines, Compressor type, Discharge pressure range, Suction volume range, Oil-free or lubricated, Horizontal or vertical arrangement, Materials of construction, Discharge pressure versus flow range, Maximum speed (RPM), Maximum power, Dimensions, Maintenance, Training.