An air pressure drop in your compressed air system can lead to major issues. When the pressure at the point of use is too low, tools underperform, processes slow down, and productivity suffers. In the worst cases, production can come to a complete halt.
While it’s easy to assume the issue comes from the compressor, the majority of air pressure drop issues are actually caused by leaks, undersized or poorly routed pipework and system restriction.
Even small leaks can cause a significant pressure drop, leading to high energy use and higher demand on your compressor. According to BCAS best practice, testing for system leakage and pressure is essential for both efficiency and safety.
The common mistakes
When operators notice a drop in pressure, the first instinct is often to turn the pressure up at the compressor. It feels like a quick fix, but it’s actually one of the most common mistakes.
Here’s why that approach doesn’t work:
- Increasing the pressure reduces flow, leaving less air for your process
- Higher pressure = higher energy bills. Every extra bar of pressure increases energy usage by around 8%.
- Leaks get worse. Raising system pressure forces more air out through existing leaks.
- Equipment is overloaded. Running the compressor at a higher pressure increases wear and tear and shortens its lifespan.
The right solutions: test, detect, fix
At PPS, we don’t just guess, we diagnose. Our approach to resolving air pressure drop issues combines expertise, data and proven methods.
- Leak detection surveys. We use ultrasonic detectors to identify even inaudible leaks. This helps us pinpoint energy loss and reduce inefficiencies before they become costly problems, and provides recommended solutions.
- Air compressor troubleshooting. Our trained engineers can assess your entire system. This includes checking for poor design, inefficiencies or component failure. We can find out whether it’s a demand issue, poor design, or something different.
- A smarter system layout. One of the most effective long-term air compressor pressure drop solutions is to install a ringmain. Unlike a linear system, a ringmain provides consistent pressure around the entire network, reducing drop-offs at outlets and balancing demand more evenly. This ensures reliable air delivery no matter where it’s needed in your facility.
Problem solved
If you’re dealing with pressure drops in your system, don’t let it impact your productivity or drive up energy costs. And don’t just turn up the pressure.
Call PPS and our experts will carry out a full system assessment. From leak detection and pressure testing to designing and installing a more efficient ring main layout, we’ll make sure your compressed air system runs at peak performance.