Power plants depend on compressed air for engine starting, control systems, soot blowing and maintenance tools. A loss of instrument air can trip a unit, so the air system is designed with the same reliability mindset as the rest of the plant.
Key applications
- Starting air for gas turbines and diesel generators at high pressure
- Instrument and control air for valves and actuators
- Soot blowing and cleaning of boilers
- Service air for tools and maintenance
Air quality tiers
Instrument air must be very dry, typically -40°C dew point, and oil-free to protect control devices. Starting air is stored at high pressure in certified receivers, while service air needs general drying and filtration. Keeping these tiers separate prevents contamination and over-treatment.
Reliability
Provide redundant compressors and dryers with automatic switchover, and sequence units so no single failure interrupts supply. Continuous monitoring of dew point, pressure and flow gives early warning before a deviation affects plant operation.