Industrial Utility Efficiency

# System Assessments

Analysis of the pressure data logging showed that, while the variable speed drive compressor maintained a constant discharge pressure near 120 psi, the pressure at various critical points fell to as low as 85 psi during peak production operations. General pressure in the plants, especially Plant 2, fluctuated between 102 and 112 psi, showing that the pressure/flow control valve was not regulating properly, and that Plant 2 lacked enough general storage volume to support transient flows.

## Missed Demand-Side Opportunities Part 3 - Controlling Open Blowing with Compressed Air

In this series we covered some very common issues in the Compressed Air Generation or “Supply Side” with regard to misapplying some capacity controls and installing different types of air compressors with piping and/ or orientation. These can preclude any reduction in compressed air demand on the production side from effectively translating lower air usage into a commensurate level input energy.

## Instrument Air and Breathing Air at a Pharmaceutical Plant

A pharmaceutical plant, has had a compressed air assessment performed on two plant systems.  The studies uncovered poor compressed air production efficiency, high air dryer loss, and problems with high flow compressed air uses negatively affecting plant pressure. The plant implemented energy efficiency measures, on the two compressed air systems, saving 46 and 64 percent in energy costs respectively.

## Piping and Ventilation Guidelines for Proper Air Compressor Installations

In an ideal world, we would all have plenty of space, time and money to create the perfect compressed air system. In practice, we have to balance our ideals versus what we can actually accomplish. Compressed air systems take considerable forethought and planning to achieve a perfect install; however, we can use some key takeaways from this article even if we are ever faced a less than ideal installation. Remember to keep the compressors cool, minimize piping pressure drop and to allow sufficient room around the equipment for service.

## Correctly Solving Low Air Pressure Problems

One of the most common problems in plants is low air pressure. One of the most common solutions is to purchase new air compressors. Often this advice leads to a poor return on investment with the company’s hard-earned money. Often the issues are related to demand, distribution, or both. Solving the wrong problem can be expensive from a capital and operating cost perspective. Determining root cause analysis may cost more up front, but will save tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars long term.

## Missed Demand-Side Opportunities Part 2 - Integrating Multiple Air Compressor Controls

This article is going to identify two air compressor control situations that will preclude translating air use reduction in the production area into lower input energy into the air compressor.

## Innovative Adsorption Medium for Pressure Swing Desiccant Air Dryers

Compressed air contains contaminants such as dirt, water and oil which must be removed before use. ISO8573.1 specifies air quality classes for these contaminants. Humidity is expressed in terms of Pressure Dew Point (PDP). PDP is the temperature at which air is fully saturated with moisture, when the air temperature falls below this point further condensation will occur.

## Missed Demand-Side Opportunities Part 1 - Flow Restrictions from Pipe Headers

Many are familiar with the advances with improved technology in the compressed air supply. Such advancements as, proactive central air compressor controls to maintain optimum operation of multiple compressors to support ever changing air demands; improved drive systems such as VSD’s; magnetic bearing drives (centrifugals); and more efficient and reliable equipment taking advantage of modern manufacturing capability. These new technologies are very important in generating relative high energy cost savings, and are well promoted by the OEM equipment manufacturers.

## Compressor Controls

As part of its ongoing corporate initiative to find ways to reduce its energy bills, and the costly

## Piping Storage

Since completion of the system upgrade in the fall of 2020, PC Forge is on track to save an average

## Pressure

Most industrial systems like compressed air have essentially random demand if you look at the long-

## Air Treatment/N2

Nitrogen is used in many facilities for a variety of purposes. The most common source of N2 is

## Leaks

One of the best ways to reduce compressed air costs is to look for ways to reduce leakage flow, an

## Pneumatics

Sustainability is a high priority for today’s consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. Driven by

## Vacuum/Blowers

Operating the vacuum system at higher levels (then necessary) affects the needed volumetric flow to