Compressed Air Best Practices - June 2008 - (Page 17)

Focus Industry PHARMACEUTICALS | 06–07/08 | Compressed Air Best Practices discussed dew point with Steve Jiroutek (Application Engineer) of Vaisala Inc. Please define dew point. Dew point is defined as the temperature to which a gas (e.g., air) must be cooled, at constant pressure, for water vapor to begin to condense to liquid water. In other words, when the dew point temperature has been reached, the gas is fully saturated with water vapor. The term “pressure dew point” refers to the dew point temperature of a gas at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. When addressing dew point in pressurized compressed air, the correct terminology is actually “pressure dew point,” but this is often shortened to “dew point” in common usage. Why is dew point so important in pharmaceutical applications? Compressed air may be used for a number of applications in the pharmaceutical industry, such as raw material transport, processing equipment, pneumatic power sources and cleaning. The importance of knowing the dew point in a compressed air line may be critical for some applications but less relevant for others. For example, bulk solid and powder conveyers used for moving product rely on sufficiently dried and filtered air in order to perform their function properly and prevent product contamination. Continuous monitoring and control of dew point is often a requirement for instrument air, drying processes, packaging and actuating process control valves. The risks associated with letting dew point levels go unchecked can include equipment failure, condensation in process lines and on finished product and the potential for bacterial formation. Why is dew point so important in laboratory environments? Laboratory environments are often designed to maintain a controlled atmosphere in order to eliminate airborne contaminants and any sources of error that may interfere with testing. Dew point can be an important parameter to control. This is usually accomplished through the environmental control system and has little to do with compressed air. Some lab equipment, such as glove boxes, may require their feed gas to meet an established dew point level in order to maintain the inert atmosphere of the chamber. www .airbe stprac tices com ai rbestp ractic es.com 17 http://www.airbestpractices.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Compressed Air Best Practices - June 2008

Compressed Air Best Practices - June 2008 Contents From the Editor Utility-Air News A Pharmaceutical Compressed Air System Audit Talking Dew Point Puerto Rico, Pharmaceuticals and Airequipo Inc. Oil-Free Rotary and Oil-Free Centrifugal Compressor Comparison SMC: Managing Energy and Dew Point in Pneumatic Systems Utility Grade Compressed Air Systems Training Calendar & Product Picks Wall Street Watch Advertiser Index Job Market

Compressed Air Best Practices - June 2008

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