S09 TRME 5 2020 Compressors_Layout 1 05/11/2020 05:52 Page 32
Compressors
Photo Credit : Atlas Copco
32
Finding innovative ways to increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings in the long run.
Tips to increase compressor installation efficiency Sanjeev Sharma, regional general manager at Atlas Copco Services Middle East, offers some advice on increasing compressor installation efficiency. OMPRESSED AIR ACCOUNTS for a significant part of total energy costs for industrial manufacturers – typically around 12% and maybe as high as 40% in some facilities. This means that finding innovative ways (no matter how small) to increase compressed air efficiency can amount to big savings in the long run. Items like leak elimination, air audits, reduced pressure bands, and reducing unloaded running hours are some of the most popular ways to decrease energy usage – but there are many other actions that you can take to reduce your costs and make sure your compressor system is running as efficiently as possible.
C
1. Ensure your compressed air equipment is sized correctly Choosing the wrong size air compressor for your facility can lead to production issues and increased costs due to wasted energy. When choosing the right type of
compressor, consider these questions: • What is the application? • How much air flow does my facility/workshop use? • What is the minimum pressure needed within the facility? • Do I need clean, dry air? • How many hours per year does my compressor operate? • How many shifts do I run per day? • Is there fluctuation in flow demand between shifts? • Are there any plans for future expansion? Once you have the answers to the above, make sure that you select your compressor based not only on initial cost, but on the lowest total lifecycle costs.
2. Consider new compressor technologies Air compressors are longterm investments that will play a significant role in your business for years to come. The average
Technical Review Middle East - Issue Five 2020
factory changes air compressors every seven to 10 years, meaning that the initial capital expenditure is only a fraction of how much your compressor will cost you in total. 70% or more of your air compressor’s lifecycle cost will come down to its energy usage. Switching or updating your compressed air installation to the latest technology can reduce energy consumption by up to a quarter. If you have an old or inefficient compressor, the cost to replace it with a new compressor is often less than the current running costs. A modern air compressor with the latest controllers and energy efficient motors will contribute to your bottom line from day one. You can also think about upgrading certain aspects of your compressor. Reach out to your compressed air provider to discuss the possibility of replacing major components of your compressor with new, more efficient components. For example, upgrading your compressor with the latest www.technicalreview.me
