When it costs more to replace the transmission than the vehicle is worth, you know it’s time to trade in the old jalopy for a shiny new car. While the new car may result in a larger cash outlay today, the increase in gas mileage and decrease in trips to the mechanic help lessen the burden of the expenditure.
The same is true when you upgrade parts of your compressed air system. Upgrades take advantage of the most recent compressor technology and result in increased reliability, energy efficiency and cost savings.
To determine areas in need of an upgrade, an MBox energy audit collects compressed air system data over a seven-day operating period and provides detailed information about energy usage. If there is enough variation in air demand throughout the production cycle, it might be time to upgrade to a compressor with variable speed drive (VSD) technology. Variable speed drive technology adjusts the compressor’s operating speed in real time so production exactly matches demand.
An energy audit can also identify opportunities for energy recovery. With energy recovery, the heat byproduct of compressed air is reused in other processes such as heating water, instead of being diverted into the atmosphere. This is particularly useful in manufacturing plants that already need hot water for processes such as scalding, cleaning, sterilizing and steaming. Plus, when using recovered energy, the consumption of fuel can almost be completely offset.
Finally, piping systems more than five years old have been shown to exhibit leaks of up to 25 percent and a single quarter-inch air leak at 100 psi will cost more than $2,500 a year depending on current energy costs. Replacing old piping systems with lightweight, aluminum piping helps reduce line losses and aluminum piping systems remain more efficient over time than black iron or copper piping.
Manufacturers who take advantage of new technology experience increased reliability, efficiency and cost savings. Contact us to learn more about upgrading your way to savings.
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