S-drop, T-drop, Quick Drop... what is the difference?
The piping in your system can make or break the profitability of your business. Lost power, loss of pressure, wet air, rusted tools and leak
protection are just a few things that you experience with inefficient piping.
What
causes a drop in pressure?
Ensuring your air compressor piping is properly sized and laid out is just as important as the air compressor you use. When air flows
through a pipe there will be a pressure drop as the result of resistance to the flow. Friction loss occurs through any pipe fittings, bends,
valves, or components on the piping system. Pressure loss is also due to a change in elevation of the piping, usually vertical piping.
1. Pipe Sizing: Restricting the flow path means that piping joints with different diameters will result in
pressure loss.
2. Bends in the Piping: Turbulent flows occur in bent sections, making it difficult for fluids to flow. When this
happens, normal flow changes to turbulent flow and energy loss will occur. Remember energy loss leads to lowered pressure.
3. Installing an open/close valve: If ball valves and other valves are left fully opened, then pressure loss
should not be a concern. However, with valves that change the flow path inside the valve, pressure loss will occur even if fully opened.
4. Install a flow meter: Flow meters restrict and quicken the flow path in order to provide stable vibrations.
The flow path is restricted in order to generate enough thrust to spin the paddles when there is small flow. For these types of flow meters,
pressure loss occurs easily.
S-Drop and T-Drop
S-Drop: A system curve often resembles the letter "S". Water flowing under the power of gravity curves
through the piping. When water is flowing in the pipe friction loss occurs that reduces the pressure energy at all points along the pipe.
T-Drop: Exactly how it sounds, piping extends across and the air drops down in between making the shape of a
"T". Disadvantages of the "T" drop is that the moisture flows down the air tunnel with the air.
Quick-Drop, The Best Choice
AIRnet (available in both aluminum and stainless steel) offers moisture-eliminating drop fittings called Quick Drops. Quick Drops make
“drop-tees” obsolete, removing the need for extra parts and pipe, while saving time and money. Quick Drops provide for a vertical AND
horizontal option. AIRnet simplifies the addition of drops into the header loop by putting the hole-saw guide ON the Quick Drop. No drill
jigs, bulky guides, or extra tools required. The hole for a Quick Drop is also on the side to ensure the air continues to stay dry as it
enters your tools. A huge benefit is that a Quick Drop can also be added to existing systems to help maintain dry air.
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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!
Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a
reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!
Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
Vacuum pumps
Nitrogen
An extensive line of air treatment components
Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries
ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white
cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations
nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.
Reliability and Efficiency
With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our
efforts on the following:
Air compressors use considerable volumes of energy during a typical work cycle. When you add up all the expenses of operating a facility,
any savings can help you boost your bottom line.
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If you have never bought a rotary screw air compressor before; do the following. Add up the air consumption of all the equipment at your
shop. That will be the amount of air your desired compressor should provide.
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Knowing the telltale signs of wear and tear, understanding your product’s specifications and usability guidelines, and knowing when it’s
prudent to call in repairs are skills that could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the long term.
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