The Instrument Air Header Schedule is a document that contains all of the information regarding the instrument air header and manifolds positioned in the process area.
The Instrument Air Header Schedule contains the following information:
- Instrument Air Header Tag Number
- Type of Instrument Air Header installed
- Location of the air header
- List of Instruments Connected to air header
What is an Instrument Air Header?
Air headers are designed to distribute air supply from the compressor to pneumatically operated instruments like actuators, Current to Pressure (I to P) convertors, transmitters, controllers, valve positioners, and other pneumatic instruments in a process industry.
As shown in above diagram, Instrument air headers have several outlets with ball valves installed for isolation. A drain valve can be put at the bottom to regularly remove condensed water from the headers to avoid water entering the pneumatic instrument when compressed air, steam, etc. contain water vapor to be released.
Important details to keep in mind when choosing the instrument air header:
- Conditions for connecting to the main air header
- Size and the type of connection
- Is an inlet valve essential?
- Outlet volume? Is an output valve necessary? or a plug-in valve?
- Is a vent port for the atmosphere necessary? And is a plug or valve needed?
- Do you need a mounting bracket?
- Sewage or a drain
What is the use of an instrument air header?
An instrument air header is a type of piping system that is used to distribute compressed air to various instruments and devices in a process industry. The compressed air is typically used as a power source or a control medium for the pneumatic instruments and devices.
The instrument air header is typically a network of pipes that is installed near the instruments and devices that will be using the compressed air. The pipes are connected to a central air compressor, which supplies the compressed air to the instrument air header. The instruments and devices are then connected to the instrument air header via small branches of piping, which allow them to access the compressed air as needed.
The use of an instrument air header allows for a centralized, efficient distribution of compressed air to multiple instruments and devices. It helps to reduce the number of individual air lines that would otherwise be needed, which can improve the organization and reliability of the system. Instrument air headers are commonly used in industries such as petrochemical, oil and gas, and power generation.
Picture of an Instrument Air Header:
What is the Instrument Air Header Schedule?
The document including all of the information about the instrument air header and manifolds in an industry is called the “Instrument air header schedule.”
The instrument air header schedule contains a list of the various components that make up the instrument air header system. It is used to design and maintain the instrument air header system and ensure that it is operating efficiently and effectively.
What’s included in the Instrument Air Header Schedule?
The Instrument Air Header Schedule needs to have the following important information:
- Instrument Air Header Tag Number
- Type of Instrument Air Header installed
- Location of the air header
- List of Instruments Connected to air header
- Size of the Instrument Air Header
Instrument Air header hookup diagram with Main Air header:
