Today, we begin a short series on frequently asked questions in the compressed air industry. We’ll be answering questions on subsequent Tuesdays in the months of June and July.
Question: I want to reduce the energy costs of my compressed air system. Where do I begin?
The first step in reducing the energy costs associated with your compressed air system is to make sure that the compressor isn't running when there is no compressed air demand. It seems obvious, but often compressors are left on overnight or during the weekend when the compressed air is not being used. Leaving the compressor running can be a big drain on resources.
To solve this problem, have someone manually switch the compressor off when not in use. Or, if your compressor has a controller, you can program it to start and stop the compressors automatically during regular operating hours.
The next step in reducing energy costs is to create a plan to find and fix compressed air leaks. Fixing existing leaks and preventing new ones by keeping pipes clean and dry can save a facility thousands of dollars every year.
Finally, review your equipment installation with an Atlas Copco compressed air expert. Without the correct equipment to match compressed air demand, your compressor installation could be consuming up to twice the energy it actually needs.
Do you have a question about your compressed air system? Leave it in the comment field below or follow this link to submit your question.