The Importance of Maintaining Pressure, Reducing Pressure 

Loss
March 3, 2010 — Kirk Edwards

Compressed air is necessary for many applications. The pressure behind the air is an

important part of producing the desired effect from the compressed air. Reducing

pressure drops and keeping the end use pressure to a minimum both conserve energy and keep your

system operating efficiently.

Pressure drops are the loss of pressure from your compressor outlet to the end use application. You

can lose pressure through the compressed air piping, fittings, filters and regulators if they are not

properly sized. A goal of less than 10 PSI pressure loss from you compressor to the end use is valiant,

but a 5 psi loss would be much better.

Properly sized air distribution pipe, hose, fittings and components will decrease pressure loss. Many

time we see customers use fittings with inside diameters half the size of the pipe or hose, this will

create a pressure loss. We recommend a simple hose barb to NPT fitting because they generally have

the largest inside diameters and reduce losses.

Proper maintenance of the filters, dryers, coolers and other system components will also keep the

pressure up to its maximum because they will reduce moisture which can cause pipe corrosion that

creates more friction and pressure loss.

Keeping the air supply lines as short as possible will also minimize pressure loss. You may choose to

place receiver tanks closer to the end use application or drop your supply line from the main header

closer to the point of use. Pay attention to these simple things and you will keep your supply pressure

efficient.

You will also want to install a pressure regulator at the point of use. Just because you are keeping

your pressure efficient and high, does not mean you have to use full pressure at every end use. A

pressure regulator will allow you to reduce the end use pressure to the lowest pressure possible while

still getting the desired result.

©Copyright 2010 EXAIR Corporation

You may even find that you lower the pressure at enough points of use that your overall system

pressure can be reduced, which equals straight energy and dollar savings.

If you need any assistance in proper pipe sizes or fittings, and experienced technical help who

recognize the best pressures for applications – let us know.

11510 Goldcoast Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45249
TecHelp@EXAIR.com