Temporary Compressed Air for Plant Turnarounds, Shutdowns and Emergencies
A plant turnaround can take months to plan, but compressed air demand often changes once crews get to work. A compressor failure gives you even less time to respond. In either case, some equipment may still need air while the permanent system is offline.
Temporary compressed air can fill that gap, provided the rental supplies the right flow, pressure, and air quality. Here’s what to check before the equipment arrives, and what to tell NiGen if you need air in a hurry.
When Does a Plant Need Temporary Compressed Air?
During a turnaround, the plant’s normal compressors may be shut down for inspection or maintenance while crews still need air for tools, controls, cleaning, or testing. The temporary supply may serve several work areas, and demand can change as the job moves along.
During other planned shutdowns, production may stop, but some equipment may still need compressed air. Identify those uses before disconnecting the normal supply. Don’t assume the plant’s usual air demand is the right rental size when much of the facility is offline.
In an emergency, the first question is what needs air now. A failed compressor or a sudden pressure loss may call for a temporary supply while the cause is investigated. NiGen also offers equipment field services for compressor diagnostics and repairs, so the rental and repair work can be discussed together.
What Does the Temporary Air System Need to Supply?
Start with the equipment that will actually operate during the rental period. If the plant has recorded pressure and flow data, use it to check when demand rises. For each air use, record:
- Air demand: How much air it consumes and which other users will run at the same time.
- Operating pressure: The pressure required at the point of use. Account for losses through temporary hoses, piping, treatment equipment, and the plant connection when selecting the compressor.
- Peak use: Short periods of higher demand, such as when maintenance crews begin testing or several tools start at once.
The compressor must deliver the required flow at the required pressure. Check its rated delivery at that pressure; horsepower alone is not enough to size the rental.
Air quality needs the same attention. Instrument air and other sensitive uses may have requirements for moisture, oil, and particles. Depending on where the temporary supply connects, the setup may need a rental air dryer and suitable filtration. Confirm the required air quality before connecting a compressor to the plant header.
Plan the Connection Before the Equipment Arrives
For planned work, settle these site details before the rental equipment arrives:
- Where the temporary supply will connect and how it will be isolated from equipment under maintenance
- Where the compressor can be placed, with access for delivery and service
- Hose lengths and pressure ratings, plus fuel or electrical power
- Ventilation, noise, and condensate management
Before switching over, confirm that the temporary system can hold the required pressure while the expected air users are operating. Then monitor pressure and air quality as the job changes. A compressor that handles the first phase of a turnaround may be short on capacity when more tools or systems come online.
For an emergency rental, you may not have every number ready. Share the pressure currently required at the plant header, the equipment that must remain in service, any available flow data, the air quality requirement, and the connection options. That gives the equipment provider a useful starting point while your team confirms the demand.
Plan Your Temporary Air Supply with NiGen
A temporary setup may need more than a compressor. NiGen offers industrial air compressor rentals, desiccant air dryer rentals, and compressed air aftercooler rentals for plant work. The equipment depends on the air flow, pressure, and quality your systems need while the permanent supply is offline.
If you’re preparing for a turnaround or dealing with an unexpected outage, tell NiGen what needs air, when you need the rental, and where it can connect. Our team can help put together a temporary compressed air package for the work ahead.
Reach out today to request a quote.