Clean dry air at the proper pressure is the first and most essential reqiurement for efficient operation of a pnuematic tool.

For maximum return on your pneumatic tool investment consider the following points of your air compression and piping system.

COMPRESSOR INTAKE
Locate the intake to obtain the coolest, driest and cleanest air available.  Intakes should be of ample size and as direct as possible.  Avoid steam pipes, escaping steam and dusty or wet locations (as near roofs, floors, ground, etc.).  When practical, take air from out-of-doors on the north side of the building.  Provide proper screening and protection.  Intake filters of suitable size should be used.

MOISTURE ELIMINATION
The amount of moisture carried by compressed air varies with the temperature.  As the temperature drops ofter compression, water is precipitated.  In order to eliminate as much waster as possible, compressors should be equipped with intercoolers, aftercoolers, and full size receivers.  These should be kept drained and in good working condition.

MOISTURE SEPARATORS
On installations where the piping system does not provide clean, dry air, the use of separators at hose connnection points is recommended.  A good separator, kept properly drained, will remove nearly all entrained water whereas a poor one is practically useless.  Most separators do not have adequate water storage capacity and, unless provided with an auxiliary storage receiver or automatic trap, soon cease to function.

STRAINERS
Many tools are provided with air strainers.  To eliminate air restriction these strainers must be kept clean and free of obstructions.   Strainers of filters should be sued at each hose outlet, particularly where pipe lines are old or are used intermittently.

LUBRICATION
Many pneumatic tools, because of weight and space limitations, do not contain built-in lubricators.  With such tools air line lubricators should always be used and their use is recommended with all air tools.