Myth: It is safe to clean dirt and debris from your work clothing or work area using compressed air.

Fact: No! This is a highly dangerous and unsafe practice which can result in serious injury as a result of particulate entering the body through the eyes, ears or skin. Compressed air, even at very low pressures, can cause serious internal injuries. A safer alternative is to use a vacuum, or a good old-fashioned brush and broom to remove dirt and debris.

Myth: A variable speed-drive system is always the best solution for the most efficient part-load performance.

Fact: Not necessarily.  Inherent to their design, variable speed drive compressors have an optimum tip speed range where they operate most efficiently. If the compressor load requirements fall outside this range, other control options may provide a more efficient solution. Your compressed air supplier should work with you to consider the variety of requirements in order to recommend the most efficient compressed air solution for the application. 

Myth: All synthetic compressor fluids are the same.

Fact:  The term ‘synthetic’ is often used to describe the base stock. Since ‘synthetic’ simply means that the fluid is not a hydrocarbon base stock, it will encompass many different base stocks which can offer dramatically different performance. 

Myth: Generic replacement parts and compressor lubricants are the same as manufacturer proprietary parts and lubricants.

Fact: Maintenance kits and manufacturers’ proprietary replacement parts and lubricants offer the best overall performance. They are designed to maintain unit efficiency and reliability. In contrast, generic parts are not designed specifically for the compressor in question and can adversely affect reliability and performance, leading to potential failure and breakdown. The use of non-genuine parts may also void manufacturer warranties.

Myth: Filter elements should only be changed when the differential pressure gauge is indicating they should be swapped out.

Fact:  Compressed air filtration is installed to improve air quality, whereas DP gauges are designed to flag up blockages – not the quality of air being produced.  As a result, filter elements should be changed in line with manufacturer's recommendations, to maintain air quality.  This is typically carried out annually.

Myth: Oil contamination is not present in atmospheric air.

Fact: Atmospheric air typically contains between 0.05mg/m3 and 0.5mg/m3 of oil vapour from sources such as traffic and industrial pollution, which can have a bearing on overall air quality.  Ensure that downstream air treatment equipment is specified correctly for the level of contamination present.

Myth: All air receivers under 250 bar litres are exempt from the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR 2000 S.I.128)

Fact: It is actually the case that all air receivers are subject to some, if not all of the regulations. In this instance, all air receivers under 250 bar litres must comply with regulations 7, 11, 12 and 15 of PSSR 2000 S.I 128.

Myth: BS and ISO standards are law.

Fact: BS and ISO standards are designed as best practice guides developed to provide a consistency in design, production, installation, usage, etc.  While they are not legally binding, reputable suppliers will ensure that their compressed air systems meet these standards as a minimum.

Myth: Blow guns are now illegal to use in production areas and tool rooms.

Fact: At present there are no legislative requirements that govern the specific use of blowguns and there are no restrictions on the type that can be used. However, BCAS would always advise caution and ensure suitable training has been provided for users. More details can be found on the BCAS Factsheet 102-1 via the BCAS website: http://www.bcas.org.uk

Myth: Worm drive clips are now illegal to use on pressure hose connections. 

Fact: There are no legal provisions which currently restrict or prohibit the use of such a clamping device. However, the use of such clamps requires some skill to ensure that the joint made is sufficiently tight to provide a secure fitting once under pressure, but not too loose to cause slippage under pressure. More details on the safe use of worm drive clips can be found on the BCAS Factsheet 103-1 via the BCAS website: http://www.bcas.org.uk.

The BCAS technical team is available to answer technical queries on compressed air and vacuum systems via email – [email protected] – and there is also a wealth of practical information available on the BCAS website: http://www.bcas.org.uk.