Lesson 9 - Gases SAQ
This lesson allows you to test yourself on the material covered in the Gases lesson and determine the level to which you have met the learning outcomes.
Suggested Response - Q3
** a) What does it mean when an air requirement is specified as class 0.1.0?
b) How important is the compressed air moisture specification for brewing?
c) You have an oil-free compressor in your brewery. Your manager argues that there should be no need to remove oil through filters. What would your reply be?
Response:
a) Air quality contains three components in the specification: solid particulate, moisture, and oil content. Thus Class 0.1.0 means Class 0 for particulates, Class 1 for moisture, and Class 0 for oil.
b) The air must be dry enough to ensure that no condensation occurs, thus below dew point. Hence, a moisture specification isn’t as relevant for brewing. For colder climates and instrument air, lower moisture levels are required; for these situations a desiccant dryer is required.
c) Oil can also enter through the incoming air, especially if the brewery is in an area with air pollution. Even though the compressor is oil free, meaning no oil is in contact with the air being compressed, oil is still required to lubricate moving parts. If a seal should fail, oil could come into contact with the air. Thus, having an oil filter provides added safety to ensure that the air used is oil free.