Components of compressed gas services

The main components of compressed gas services are: instrument air plant air breathing air nitrogen

Instrument air
The main components of an instrument air system are the: air compressor cooler receiver separator drier filter distribution header

Instrument air system Instrument air is produced by compressing air from the atmosphere using a compressor which is driven by a reciprocating engine, electric motor or turbine. Compressing a gas heats it up. Compressed instrument air is passed through a cooler to condense any water vapour back to liquid and then into a vessel called a

receiver separator where any liquid contaminants such as water, oil or emulsions can be separated and drained off. Water vapour is then further removed from the instrument air in a drier. Solid contaminants such as dirt, rust and scale particles are removed by filters installed in the line from the driers to the air supply manifold (distribution header) where the air is directed to users by pipelines. At various points along the pipelines, separators called Knockout Pots are used to collect any materials from condensation or corrosion. In case of equipment failure, these components are duplicated with interconnecting piping so that individual items of equipment can be isolated and taken out of service for maintenance. The instrument air pressure is supplied at a higher pressure than is required to allow for pressure drops in long piping runs. Therefore each instrument must have a pressure regulator in the instrument air supply to further reduce the pressure to the level necessary for the efficient and reliable operation of the instrument.

Plant air
The main components of the plant air system are the: compressor cooler receiver separator

Plant Air System

Air is compressed from the atmosphere and passed through a cooler to condense any vapour contaminants such as water, oil and emulsions. On entry into the receiver separator, the condensed products fall to the bottom where they can be drained off. The receiver also stores pressurised air. Because the demand on the plant air system may vary, a pressure operated loading system is used to regulate the load on the compressor during periods where plant air usage is minimal. This system allows the compressor to run continually rather than starting and stopping. To provide a measure of reliability and to allow servicing and maintenance, the major components of the plant air system are duplicated or spared using interconnecting piping so that individual items can be selectively isolated and repaired. The compressed and filtered plant air is then passed into the distribution headers that are routed through the plant to each plant air user. In strategically placed locations, usually at the end of long pipeline sections, knockout pots are provided so that any contaminants can accumulate and be drained off.

Breathing air
The main components of a breathing air system are the: compressor cooler receiver separator filters pressure regulator backup supply, consisting of: air cylinders pressure regulator

Breathing Air System Breathing air must be of the highest quality for personnel to breathe otherwise serious injury may result. Breathing air is produced using similar equipment to instrument air but filters of higher quality are used to further remove airborne contaminants and oil from the compressor. In some plants breathing air is supplied from high pressure cylinders obtained from outside suppliers. Breathing air connections and systems are designed to ensure that no other utility such as compressed air or nitrogen can be connected to the breathing air system as this could result in fatal injuries to the user.

Nitrogen
The main components of a nitrogen supply system are the: liquid nitrogen storage tank pressure raising coil ambient vaporiser

Nitrogen Supply System Nitrogen is stored as a liquid at very low temperatures (typically - 80C), and is converted into a gas for use as it leaves the liquefied nitrogen storage facilities. As the liquid nitrogen leaves the storage cylinder it is vaporised using an exchanger to convert it into a gas. The nitrogen gas then passes into the nitrogen supply header to users throughout the plant. Pressure control equipment controls the vaporisation of liquid nitrogen into vapour. Nitrogen can also be supplied through a gas distribution header from a gas supply company.