GB/T 13277-91 General Compressed Air Quality Levels
Compressed air is an essential element in most industrial processes, but it often carries undesirable impurities that can reduce performance, compromise quality, and increase maintenance costs. GB/T 13277-91 sets the general quality levels for compressed air in China, helping to keep industries operating efficiently and effectively.
GB/T 13277-91 defines requirements for water, oil, particles, bacteria, and hydrocarbons in compressed air, and provides a test method to check the compressed air against these requirements. The standard also specifies a tolerance range that depends on the type of equipment and criticality of its operation.
Under the standard, compressed air needs to be tested and monitored regularly. The amount of water, oil, and particles in the compressed air should generally not exceed 0.003 g/m3, 0.003 g/m3, and 0.01 mg/m3 or less, respectively. The amount of bacteria should not exceed 1000 cfu/m3, and the amount of hydrocarbons should not exceed 0.01 mg/m3 or less. Testing for oil, particles, bacteria, and hydrocarbons can be done with a standard air sampling apparatus.
In addition, GB/T 13277-91 defines recommendations for degreasing and drying of compressed air. Degreasing and drying of compressed air can lower the levels of water, oil, particles, bacteria, and hydrocarbons, helping it to meet the standards set forth in the standard.
GB/T 13277-91 was first published in 1991, and a revised version was published in 2001. The 2001 version clarified the difference between testing parameters and allowable pollutants, as well as made other modifications to bring the standard up to date. It was revised again in 2011 and is currently valid.
It’s essential for manufacturers and suppliers of industrial equipment to meet the requirements of GB/T 13277-91, as compressed air that doesn’t meet the standard can cause costly damages and defective products. Companies should test their compressed air regularly and be aware of any modifications to the standard. Following GB/T 13277-91 can help them produce quality products and reduce their costs, with minimal disruption to their workflow.
