Application
Compressed Air Systems
Compressed air is often called "the fourth utility" — and one of the most expensive. Flo-Gage meters give you real-time visibility into air consumption so you can reduce waste, verify system performance, and justify energy investments.
Why Measure Compressed Air Flow?
Studies consistently show that 20–30% of compressed air in a typical industrial facility is lost to leaks. Without flow measurement, those losses are invisible. A single 1/8" leak at 100 psig wastes over 25 SCFM — costing thousands of dollars per year in electricity alone.
Flo-Gage variable area flow meters provide direct, instantaneous flow readings with no external power required. Install them at compressor outlets, branch headers, or individual machine drops to pinpoint waste and verify that your compressed air system is performing as designed.
Key Features for Compressed Air Applications
- Direct-reading dial — no power required for basic flow indication
- Air Survey Kit available for portable leak detection and audits
- Compressed Gas Service option (I) for pressures up to 400 psig
- Stainless steel or aluminum body options for corrosion resistance
- 4-20mA transmitter options for SCADA and BMS integration
- Sizes from 1/4" to 3" to fit any compressed air header or branch line
Typical Installation Points
Compressor Outlet
Measure total system output and verify compressor capacity.
Main Distribution Header
Monitor total plant consumption and detect demand spikes.
Branch Lines
Isolate consumption by department, machine, or process zone.
Individual Machine Drops
Verify machine air requirements and detect internal leaks.
How Customers Use Flo-Gage
Real-world application examples from industries that rely on RCM Industries flow meters every day.
Challenge
A stamping plant had no visibility into compressed air consumption across 12 CNC machining centers. Energy bills were climbing but the source of waste was unknown.
Solution
Installed Flo-Gage FG-G meters on each machine drop and the main header. No wiring or power required — readings were immediate.
Result
Identified three machines consuming 40% more air than spec. Leaks repaired, saving an estimated $8,000/year in electricity.
Challenge
A bakery needed to verify compressed air supply to pneumatic packaging equipment to prevent under-fill alarms and downtime.
Solution
Flo-Gage meters with limit switch option (GP) installed on each packaging line. Alarm contact wired to PLC for automatic shutdown on low-flow.
Result
Downtime from air starvation eliminated. Maintenance team can now see flow at a glance without opening control panels.
Related Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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