Tips to maximize your Air Compressor installation efficiency
Air is free, but not compressed air
In an overall life cycle cost of a compressor, energy costs amounts to a major share. In most of the applications for compressed air, there are compressors running at an efficiency as high as 90% and also as low as 10%. This creates a room to increase Air compressor efficiency and here are few tips for you to check on your air compressor's installation for low cost energy conservation.
Check on the Quality of the Air Intake
Clean air intake environment ensures that the compressed air flows smoothly through the system. Location & ventilation play a key role in the performance. Enough options to be explored to ensure proper cooling & longer longevity of the compressor. The compressed air equipment should at least be under a roof.
A timely check on the parameters like Temperature,Humdiity and the dust presence in the air around your air compressor installation can be less likely to cause damage or any alterations to the rated value operation of your compressor.
Ensured your Air compressor is sized right
One size doesn't fit for all!
Understanding the below points before finalizing your purchase is the crucial part;
- compressed air application
- flow of the compressed air used
- minimum pressure needed to run the application
Post installation checks like below, can not only be useful to save your cost of equipment, but the Overall lifecycle cost of a compressor
- No. of running hours in loaded condition of your compressor
- planning the no. of shifts to be operated a day
- estimating the flow demand and future expansion
Choose your Compressor Type wise
Many applications onsite require the compressed air to be Oil free- in segments like Textil, Food & Beverages, pharmaceutical, automotive & electronics. In such cases, choosing a compressor with Class 0 oil free certification would be required. Oil-free compressed air technology will help to avoid expensive filter replacements, cut the cost of oil condensate treatment and reduce energy loss from pressure drop in filters and, in food & beverage applications, the use of expensive food grade lubricants.
Consider Technology driven air compressors
Air compressors are long term investments that will play a significant role in your business for years to come.The average factory changes air compressors every 7-10 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.
IOT driven compressors with features like Remote monitoring of your air compressor can be a game-changer in saving your lifecycle costs by proactive maintenance in case of a predicted down time , without almost no labour cost involved.
Refine your system design
Most of the production facilities use different range of levels of demands at different periods. In such cases, a Variable drive compressor can be of Great savings ,as it only produces compressed air as and when required. This also minimizes offload running of the compressor, which is known to waste energy. A VSD compressor saves an average 35% energy and a VSD+ unit can save as much as 50% compared to a fixed speed unit, even at full load.
Consider Proactive maintenance
Poorly maintained air compression systems can cause wasted energy and money. This makes it important to constantly check your systems for leaks, premature wear and tear and the accumulation of contaminants.
Using compressor spares beyond the recommended time by the manufacturer shall put the whole compressed air unit vulnerable to failure.With proper maintenance, there’s no reason your system can’t provide cost savings along with high performance.
