CHAMPION Compressors has written about how technicians and maintenance staff can make air compressors more energy-efficient.
In Australia, about 10% of all industrial electricity consumption is used to power compressed air systems. Although compressed air is safe, reliable and necessary, it is often taken for granted, as are its hidden costs.
By evaluating and improving the compressed air system, a facility can reduce its environmental footprint while saving energy costs. Up to thousands of dollars per year can be saved by using a properly designed and maintained system.
Nine steps can be taken to make compressed air systems more energy efficient:
1) Check for leaks and pressure losses throughout the system monthly.
2) Ensure the entire system is monitored by good housekeeping practices.
3) Reduce pressure settings to the minimum where possible.
4) Ensure condensation can be removed swiftly from the distribution network, or does not occur.
5) Use high quality air only when necessary — filters and dryers reduce pressure, increasing energy consumption.
6) Reduce the air compressor intake air temperature by ducting outside air into the compressor inlet.
7) Check that receivers are sized to store air for short heavy demands.
8) Check that the size of the compressor meets current demands only.
9) Consider the use of consumable products. Choosing a high-performance and biodegradable compressor lubricant can significantly increase operational lifetime by a factor of eight.
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