What is the pressure of compressed air in the factory?

Factory compressed air system pressure range and setting basis

1. Typical pressure range
The pressure setting of the factory’s compressed air system needs to take into account equipment operating requirements and energy efficiency management. Common pressure ranges are as follows:

• Normal operating conditions: 0.6-0.8MPa (6-8 kg force/square centimeter), suitable for most pneumatic tools, automation equipment and general production lines.
• special process：
  • high voltage applications: For example, plastic blow molding and metal forming, the pressure can reach 1.0-1.3MPa (10-13 kg force/square centimeter).
  • low pressure applications: For instrument control and precision assembly, the pressure can be as low as 0.3-0.5MPa (3-5 kg force/square centimeter).

2. Basis for setting pressure

1. equipment needs
   • Pneumatic tools: Wind cannons and spray guns usually require a pressure of 0.6-0.7MPa to ensure work efficiency.
   • CNC machine tools: Spindle cooling, tool replacement and other systems require stable air supply of 0.5-0.6MPa.
   • Packaging machinery: For example, filling machines and sealing machines require 0.4-0.5MPa to avoid packaging damage.
2. pipe network loss
   • During the transportation process, the pressure of compressed air will drop by 0.1-0.2MPa due to factors such as pipeline friction and elbow resistance. Therefore, the outlet pressure of the air compressor needs to be 0.2-0.3MPa higher than the demand of the terminal equipment.
3. energy efficiency optimization
   • For every 0.1MPa increase in pressure, the energy consumption of the air compressor increases by about 7%. Therefore, on the premise of meeting process requirements, a low pressure system (such as 0.6MPa) should be used as much as possible to reduce operating costs.

3. Industry differences cases

1. automobile manufacturing
   • Stamping workshop: Use 1.0-1.3MPa high-pressure air to drive large punches.
   • Coating workshop: 0.6-0.7MPa pressure is used for spray gun atomizing coating.
   • Assembly workshop: 0.5-0.6MPa pressure is used for pneumatic wrenches.
2. food and beverage
   • Bottle blowing process: 0.8-1.0MPa high-pressure air blows PET bottle blanks.
   • Packaging and conveying: 0.4-0.5MPa low pressure air drives pneumatic conveyor belt.
3. electronics manufacturing
   • SMT patch: 0.5-0.6MPa pressure ensures stable removal and placement of components by the nozzle.
   • Clean room: 0.3-0.4MPa low pressure air supply to reduce airflow disturbances.

4. Pressure regulation and monitoring

1. staged gas supply system
   • Pressure is divided through the air storage tank: the main air storage tank is maintained at 0.8MPa, and the branch pipeline is reduced to different pressure levels such as 0.6MPa and 0.4MPa through the pressure reducing valve.
   • Intelligent pipe network: Configure pressure sensors and frequency conversion controllers to dynamically adjust the air compressor exhaust pressure according to terminal demand.
2. safety Code
   • Pressure vessels (such as air tanks) need to be equipped with safety valves in accordance with the “Pressure Vessel Safety Technical Supervision Regulations”, and the operating pressure shall not exceed 1.1 times the design pressure.
   • The piping system shall be equipped with a pressure gauge and alarm device to automatically stop or alarm when the pressure exceeds the set range (such as ±0.05MPa).

5. Selection suggestions

1. New factory design
   • Determine the system pressure according to the maximum gas equipment pressure demand, and reserve 10%-20% redundancy.
   • Frequency conversion air compressors are preferred to achieve energy-saving operation through closed-loop pressure control.
2. Optimization of existing systems
   • Regularly check the pressure loss of the pipe network and clean up the pipe rust to reduce resistance.
   • For areas with large differences in pressure demand, independent ring networks are used to supply gas to avoid energy efficiency waste of “high-pressure gas supply and low-pressure gas use”.

conclusion
The pressure setting of the factory’s compressed air system needs to comprehensively consider equipment requirements, process requirements and energy efficiency goals. By scientifically designing the pipe network, configuring intelligent adjustment devices, and establishing a pressure monitoring system, effective control of energy costs can be achieved while ensuring production stability. When companies plan or transform systems, it is recommended to conduct pressure demand analysis and testing to avoid equipment failures or energy efficiency losses caused by unreasonable pressure settings.