2.2011
trends in automation
Impulse
20
–
21
Which compressed air quality class is
required for which applications? And
which compressed air preparation
products are needed for that class? There
are considerable differences between
the compressed air quality classes, with
eight classes ranging from the simplest
applications (e.g. in opencast mining
where the only requirement is for most
of the condensate to be removed from
the compressed air) to highly sensitive
applications in food production.
Perfectly filtered
Filters are not needed for applications
where the compressed air does not
need to be particle-free. For general
applications requiring air without any
condensate, the water separator from
the MS service unit series is sufficient.
Filters with a grade of filtration of at
least 40 m are needed for standard
requirements for compressed air as per
the second compressed air quality class.
Examples are applications where
compressed air is used as the operating
medium for valves and cylinders or for
handling secondary packaging for food.
We’re there where you need us
More detailed advice on compressed air
efficiency is available from our sales
engineers and Festo’s technical hotline.
With seminars and in-house training
courses on site, Festo Didactic brings
knowledge where you need it. The brochure
“Reliable processes thanks to perfect
compressed air preparation” from Festo
provides an overview of the compressed air
quality classes as well as the corresponding
products for compressed air preparation in
a clear tabular layout – simply download it
from the Support Portal.
Eight compressed air quality
classes and their solutions:
Applications range from opencast
mining to food production.
[–:7:–]*
[7:4:4]*
[6:4:4]*
[2:4:3]*
[1:4:2]*
[1:4:1]*
[1:3:1]*
[2:2:2]*
* Class according to ISO 8573-1:2010
at room temperature.
Reliable processes
thanks to perfect compressed air preparation
The number of filters increases with the
demands of the application and the
compressed air quality class. Applications
for servopneumatic positioning and
compressed air tools require filtration
with 5 m. Highly sensitive applications
in the semiconductor or pharmaceutical
industry demand a filter cascade with
at least four filters. Depending on the
requirement for process reliability, up
to six filters are used.
Air humidity plays an important role in
applications where the compressed air
comes into direct contact with dry foods,
for example during transport or mixing. In
these cases, the applicable compressed
air quality class requires the use of an
adsorption in the service unit in addition
to filters. This protects both the quality
of the food and the health of the
consumers.