Step-by-Step Guide to Compressed Air Rental Contingency Planning

Now is the time to plan for emergencies — and at Thompson Power Systems, we are ready to assist you with our portable compressed air rental solutions.

This checklist will help you create a comprehensive contingency plan so that when an emergency does happen, your team is well-prepared to jump into action and prevent excessive downtime.

Step 1: Find a Dependable Supplier

For successful implementation, look for a power system rental dealership that offers the following qualifications and capabilities:

• Equipment: Your supplier should carry a range of well-maintained equipment that has been thoroughly pre-tested to suit various application requirements. They should also have a complete inventory of ancillary equipment and spare parts in stock to support your rental.
• Staff: Talk to the people at your dealership to make sure they have a qualified team with experience in your industry. They should also be able to provide your staff with training on all their equipment to deliver turnkey service.
• Compliance: Look for a dealership that offers modern rental equipment in compliance with current emissions regulations, such as those passed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Financing: Many dealerships offer pre-approved credit arrangements, which can make it easier to get the equipment you need when you need it.
• Flexibility: Ideally, your dealership should offer flexible financing options, including weekly and monthly contracts. Some may also offer options that allow you to build equity during your rental period, so you can choose to purchase the compressor at the end of your agreement, or return it without breaking any contractual obligations.
• Service and support: Exceptional customer service and technical support for equipment are non-negotiable in a rental agreement. Look for a dealership that offers 24/7 fuel service, including on weekends and holidays.

Step 2: Understand What Air Compressor Type You Need

Portable diesel units can keep you up and running. Once you have determined which air-operated equipment cannot be shut down, make sure you choose the same kind of air compressors you currently use, or units that are compatible with your applications.

To determine what size compressor you’ll need, look at the CFM rating for the most demanding tool you use. This number indicates the amount of air the compressor delivers in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Typical CFM ratings are between 10 and 110, but larger compressors often go beyond that range. Consult with a knowledgeable dealer for assistance determining your specific needs.

Step 3: Determine the Air Quality Your Operations Require

You will need to decide which type(s) of air compressor will provide the air quality that best suits your specific applications. For example, facilities that already have oil-free compressors installed may be able to use oil-flooded equipment because the compressors will provide the proper quality air.

Air quality classifications include the following:

• Standard Compressed Air: Unfiltered air that is best for non-critical applications, such as general-purpose construction equipment.
• Instrument Quality Air: Air that is free of contaminants larger than 0.01 microns, such as oil aerosols and particulates. This air is ideal for sophisticated industrial applications such as process equipment and instrumentation.
• Oil-Free Air Compressors: An oil-free air compressor rental provides the purest quality air that is 100% free from oil or other contaminants. It’s ideal for industries where purity is a critical concern, such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and electronics.

Step 4: Select Appropriate Air Compressor Features

The additional features you choose increase your compressor’s functionality to suit your specific requirements. Some examples include:

• Aftercoolers: An aftercooler removes condensation and cools hot compressed air, preventing moisture buildup in the compressor’s pipes.
• Cold weather shutter package: This package reduces the low-temperature capability of aftercooled compressors to -20°F to prevent its internal mechanisms from freezing up.
• Filters: A filter reduces the amount of contaminants in the supplied air.
• Auto start-stop: This feature automatically starts your rental unit if the primary air compressor stops working.
• Cold weather starting aid: Use this feature to ensure quick start-up in all seasons.
• Engine block heaters: A heater keeps a constant engine temperature for quick start-up, even in cold weather.
• Fuel gauge: This feature makes monitoring fuel levels simpler.

Step 5: Determine the Need for Dryers and/or Air Receiver Tanks

Dryers remove moisture from compressed air and receiver tanks, which enables them to hold reserve pressure for downstream use. Here are some important questions to ask to determine whether you need them:

• Does your primary air system use dryers? Does it use air receiver tanks?
• If yes, can you transfer them over to the rental system?
• If no, does your supplier carry units matching your compressor’s CFM rating and industry standards?

Step 6: Measure Required Hose and Fitting Sizes

Making sure you have the right size hose for your air compressor rental — and vice versa — is essential to ensure consistent air pressure during operation. The most important factors in determining hose size include:

• Your compressor’s CFM rating
• Your specific application
• The distance between your compressor and where it will deliver the air
• How much you will need to move while operating the compressor

You’ll want to be more conservative with hose length, since a hose that is too long can increase your risk of a pressure drop. Even so, choosing a slightly longer hose is better than using an extension lead to make a short hose work. Extension leads create voltage drops, which can cause the compressor motor to overheat.

The diameter of your hose is also an important consideration. Most compressors come with 2-inch or 3-inch outlets to accommodate standard 2-inch or 3-inch hoses, and must be bushed to fit. Fittings will also be needed to make hose-to-hose connections.

Step 7: Plan for Fueling

Emergency power systems need a reliable fuel supply to function, which is why it’s essential to arrange for fueling service in advance through your rental dealership. Important considerations include:

• Tank capacity: Your air compressor should be able to operate for at least eight hours between fuelings.
• Spill containment: Most regulations require you to install spill containment measures equal to the compressor’s tank capacity.
• Auxiliary fuel: An auxiliary fuel tank extends runtime between refuelings.
• Credit approval: You must have prior credit approval from your fuel supplier to maintain emergency operations.
• Delivery access: Ensure a clear, easily navigable access route for fuel delivery vehicles.

Step 8: Plan for Delivery and Operation

Planning for a quick delivery and setup will help you resume operations as soon as possible so you can keep downtime to a minimum. There are a number of factors you will need to consider and discuss with your compressed air rental supplier, including:

• Location: You should have a clearly designated location for the rental that is away from drains, residences, work areas, trees, and other obstructions. Additionally, discuss your access route for delivery vehicles.
• Connections: Identify all connection points as well as the opening for hose access to your facility. You will also need to plan a route for the compressor hose inside the building.
• Other concerns: You will need to ensure there is a level area for the compressor as well as install adequate security fencing around the site.

Step 9: Conduct a Dry Run

Practice makes perfect. Together with your supplier, stage a drill that runs your team through each step of the emergency power systems plan. During the drill, confirm that everyone on your team fully understands their role in the event of an actual emergency. Track how long it takes to bring the emergency compressor back online after the main system goes down. This information can help you determine how prepared you really are.

Step 10: Designate Emergency Personnel

Make a list of the key contacts who will be in charge during emergencies. Make this list accessible to your team members and keep it up-to-date. Be sure to include a primary contact and alternate for each of the following job functions:

• Electric utility representative
• Systems engineer or contractor
• In-house operations / maintenance
• Rental equipment representative
• Air compressor hookup and operation
• IT, security, and data recovery
• Fuel supplier